Does this help with the process?

@Silk ***

have you tried to open a bank account?

If you need an agent to do it I read that they charge about 3,000 baht for this service, so it probably makes more sense than flying home?

@Simon *********

it's still on behalf of UK immigration!

I don't recall them being involved, but okay maybe they were, what's your point?

Presumably you are saying iIt's so complex that you have to pay someone to complete a form for you and put your evidence in the format requested?

I realise it will be beyond a few people's capabilities, but surely there aren't that many people that fall into that bracket.

@Simon *********

we applied through the uk gov site when I did it about 4 years ago, I have no idea if they have outsourced some of the work to India now, but it is still on behalf of UK immigration if they have.

Most Thai people don't, but if you read his post his gf clearly seems to have the credentials, which is why I suggested it.

@Simon *********

sorry if you misunderstood.

Which immigration is it then?

I thought he wanted his gf to go to the UK?

Just because I have done the visa before does not mean that I heeded the advice I gave about not mentioning himself in the process, that was indeed someone else's experience and why I explained that I only read avout it. I don't know how true it is from personal experience.

It does make some sense, as instead of immigration having to check all about their relationship and whether she is likely to overstay etc. She would be viewed as a tourist with every reason to return and no reason to stay in the uk?

@Simon *********

yes

I can't see any point in using an agency in Thailand for this purpose as it is uk immigration.

Seems like it should be straightforward for you to apply given your girlfriends circumstances.

I read somewhere that it's easier if she applies as a tourist and doesn't mention going with you.

Good luck.

@Steve *********

which is exactly what I said.

I had about 7 or 8 banks that either completely refused or insisted on the insurance before I found 1 that would open without insurance, so it's not inconceivable he might hit that brick wall and have to compromise.

Nobody said it was a requirement ( it definitely is not) they are just effectively taking a sort of bribe.

@Steve *********

I have opened 3 accounts and also never bought the insurance, what is your point?

If none of the banks near him will open an account without insurance what should he do?

I checked a few branches when I opened my account and all but one were insisting on the insurance. Luckily I found one that opened the account without.

If all the branches near you insist, see what the lowest price insurance you can get and decide if that's better than paying an agent.

Good luck.