@Brandon ***********

yes, I fell victim to the process 3 years back..I had applied for multiple entry visa, and had of course already purchased my return ticket.

Prior to COVID, the evisa system was not yet set up, and one simply mailed in one's passport with the fee, and it was mailed back with the full page visa was returned within 10 to 15 days..

However when the system initiated there was a series of "more information" requests, such as financial records, itinerarys and many others. I complied with each in a month long exchange, and submitted copies of previous awards, foolishly thinking that would expedite things, but was I mistaken...perhaps it was regarded as arrogance, really don't know. Since my flight date finally arrived..I left (Canada) and entered by Visa Exempt..and continued communication with the Embassy after arrival and (very stupidly in retrospect told them of my entry..within hours I recieved an email that my application was denied since I was "in-country" already. Since I stay in the North (Chiang Rai) I then did several border bounces to legitimise my presence.

I know you are aware of all these problems one can get into bit simply want to address the substance of this particular post..and encourage anyone Not to volunteer that you have a current application in the system ..rather, just wait..and if approved, exit and re enter to initiate the actual visa which is a .pdf mailing and have a copy prepated for re entry..lest they think it's just a visa exempt you are looking for..

Suggest that followers not regard this as devious by any means..just don't provide information never requested.

Just like many confuse actual visas and visa exempts..so too ( as you pointed out) ..confuse home country Embassies with local Immigration offices in country.

Sorry to be long- winded about this, but first time visitors would have a hard time understanding, thus the need for a group such as this. Thanx

try to "follow the sun"...rise with it no matter how early, go to sleep exactly when it goes down..should take three days of so, during which you occasionally nod off, but resist it and modify detailed and complicated tasks for a few days..you will "reset".

@James *******

very familiar with the process..

@James *******

since COVID and the new e-visa system an application for multi entry is very complicated and frustrating depending on which embassy one has to use..what used to be a simple task is now complicated by numerous requests for more info, including bank statements, iteneries, etc..Ottawa, Canada is a long process in this example..a long string of successful awards is more a liability than an asset..in my case, will try the single entry to see how it works and exit and either apply from neighboring country or enter as visa exempt and possible extension.

proportional to the degree of proselytization, I would think. What flavour is the "religious nature?"

suggest trying to confirm PP #..visa copy should be easy to d/l from original application..and actually have both your visa # and pp#..and effective dates. Also bring any communication docs you may have had with your embassy..

try larger exchange offices, which have scanners in addition to "counters"..I was refused an exchange last year (yankee $20) from the very exchange that gave it to me only a week before..crossed the street to a larger exchange and presto!

given the recent inflated prices on domestic travel to Phuket , and if you have not already purchased your Thailand arrival ticket..fly into Phuket directly if you can (given you have but 6 days) . My choice would be one or the other entirely different experiences..

@Brandon ***********

good to hear...and am in the process of planning for next year..seeing first if I can use Vancouver office..(process may be routed through provinces..can't remember)

@Brandon ***********

depends on Embassy perhaps..but Canadian Ottawa Embassy will most certainly refuse ME visa if, in submission of further details requested, you make mention of already being "in country"..visa will be refused. 2 years back received visa by email after arriving through visa exempt, then exited and initiated actual visa..this year when disclosed already "in Country"...visa (then well over 2 months post application) was swiftly denied. ( I realise you are aware of associated problems with that source, but officially received notice for that very reason. ) . All records from both years kept, btw. Folks have to be aware that one's history in not necessarily an advantage , quite possibly the opposite though never stated..in attempts to be as rigorous and forthright with documentation it (seems) since the evisa system was adopted the "tourist" status has changed in their judgement , at least. Prior to that, one simply mailed in passport, payment and things were quite efficient . Has to be a policy change that is very difficult to sort..and I refuse to speculate.