Visas

[Harry]

Thai immigration laws are a minefield for the uninitiated, and the well intended information on many forums might not be clear. Here is one article which says the essential:
Visas for teachers in Thailan
If you have any questions, somebody here may be able to give you a factual answer because teachers are going through the visa process all the time.

[Calsthorpe]

Hi,
I'm soon going to be booking a flight to Thailand and I have two questions:
Which is the best consulate in the UK ? I keep seeing Hull mentioned on other forums - what's the difference?

I will be staying in Thailand a long time so I don't really wanr to pay for a return ticket, I'm confused with the regulations. Can you help?

Thanks

[-nittayo TESOL team-]

The full list of Tha consulates in the British isles is HERE.

The regional consulates are generally a one-man operation, often run by a retired British serviceman or civil servant. Why Hull should be so favoured is a guess - maybe a lot of applicants come from the far north of England. The Birmingham consulate is equally amenable and undogmatic. Sticklers for the rules will be the consulates that employ Thai staff, and the consular section of the embassy in London. Our personal experience is with Birmingham. The advantages of Birmingham are that it is reasonably central in the UK with good train services, a five minute walk from the railway station, and the process also takes only five minutes. You can also apply by post.

In answer to your second question, the rules are perfectly clear:

1. Travelling without a visa: A return ticket is required and this will be verified at the checkin desks of all UK airports for Thai bound flights or tickets with on-going connections to Thailand. If you don't have a return ticket you will not be allowed to board.

2. Travelling with a visa of any kind: No return ticket required.

Hope this helps