@Steve ******

WTF r the MFA then? Simple instructions my arse. It was all trial and error, and if u did something wrong u received an error message and sent back to the home page just like fekkin monopoly; without being given a reason why. "Do not pass go. Do not collect your visa!" At least Monopoly gave you a reason on the card...555. The 2nd year I used the e-visa website it was stuck on my previous years visa on the visa choice menu and would not offer me any other visa type. and it was impossible to clear it and start a new application. The embassy emailed me a 6 step guide on how to clear it to start a new application, but even they said if it doesnt work you must reregister using a different email address which is what I had to do in the end. The only help or instructions I recall was "Required documents must be uploaded 'in the proper manner". "In the proper Fekkin manner!" I havent been spoken to like that since I was at school!

I posted previously in similar vein calling the Thais 'Neanderthals'. I felt bad afterwards for being Racist so went back to apologise and edit it but it has been removed. I wanted to edit it to 'IT Neanderthals' which I think is acceptable. The evisa and Thailand Pass websites should be designed independently by those with the expertise and not by the megalomaniacs in the Immigration department who get off on making life as difficult as possible for those 'Aliens' wishing to enter their country. Those running the country dont seem to realise just how bad their websites are, and how many tourists they have lost for years because of them. And this is compounded, I think, by the cultural taboo of criticising or condemning the work of others and in so doing making them 'lose face'.

No app. is required.

@David ******

Yes, you should be better off with the Non-O, and like u, I think insurance is sensible/essential to have even if not officially required. Im fortunate in being a 'Snowbird' so can return (so far) to Thailand each Autumn on UK insurance; this year Emirates. Im sure u already know that

@Arawan ******

, here on Facebook, seems to be offering the best Thai insurance deals to those like u already residing in Thailand, and unlike farang insurance it is not so age limited. I hope it all works out for you David.

@David ******

A Non-O must be extended after 90 days and annually renewed which means u r at the mercy of the dreaded Thai immigration gestapo who often seem to enjoy exerting their power over farang going out of their way by making the process as difficult and unpleasant as possible. No insurance requirements I know, but onerous proof of OTT thb financial requirements to be obtained from Thai banks, who also take their banking monopoly, unlike the UK, for granted, with little customer service ethos despite their dependence on their customers' money. Re-entry permits r also required. Why do u assume that I hold or favour an OA visa? I am able to weigh the pros and cons of both as I have had an OA in the past and now, for convenience given the Covid situation, I favour and do hold a non-O visa.

WTF!!!

@David ******

You asked the question: "Who in their right mind would purchase an OA visa?" And I have answered that question. You did not ask about existing long term OA visa extension holders in Thailand whom the increased 'levy' will effect when renewing their extensions. But 3m thb is only £67k cover, which is peanuts and still subsumed and well within any UK/Farang insurance purchased on visa application as I previously described. So it is in no way prohibitive for those potential OA applicants you think not in their right mind to want to come and go with multi-entries for 1 year and enjoy a 2nd year stay before applying for a new visa from their home countries. And in this way, they need only report every 90 days, avoiding the onerous, grovelling and sometimes humiliating extension renewal experience, any insurance and levy, and any financial requirements completely!

@Erik *********

Yes, They often do not understand or misinterpret their own rules especially when translated/mistranslated into English.

Not necessarily if one enters for one year using UK insurance covering the Covid requirement, or say with Emirates inclusive insurance, then returns to the UK at some point and returns for the 2nd year on a new one year UK policy, or with return Emirates flight insurance. I dont know what u mean by 'levy'. The k thb in/outpatient cover is acceptable for COE if subsumed within the more than adequate £ million medical cover provided by UK or Emirates insurance.

@David ******

It only makes sense for someone who wants to get 1 year of multiple entries and/or 2 years stay in Thailand from it. Because If u re-enter Thailand just before the 1 year visa expires u r stamped in for a 2nd year.