Demystifying Thailand Visa Terminologies

The use of a Thai Visa application to generally refer to visiting the immigration office or Thai embassy/consulate overseas to obtain, renew or extend an entry permit is a common misnomer among baffled neophyte expats in Thailand. While the difference doesn't really matter to the common Thai visa applicant whose main concern is to successfully obtain his pass, it certainly helps to be familiar with these different terms especially for future reference in relation to the maintenance of your long term visa in Thailand. Moreover, it also facilitates a more efficient communication with your visa agent who may be well-versed with these common terms and may be using it to explain the procedures to you.

Below are the common terminologies that are used in applying for a Thailand Visa:

Thai visa application as the word implies generally refers to obtaining an entry permit from the Thai embassy or consulate abroad. Depending on your circumstances and the type of entry permit being applied for it can also be done inside Thailand. Thai Visa application is the initial procedure prior to Thai visa extension as current entry permits are subject to extensions when needed. For example, the usual retirement visa application procedure starts with a NON O Visa application from the Thai embassy applicant's home country. This is usually a 90-day pass. The same process goes with the Non B application. An initial 90-day B visa is given to the applicant during the application. These initial visas are then extended into one year retirement or one year or another 90 day B visas as long as the requirements are met.

Thai Visa extension, therefore, is carried out to lengthen or extend current entry permits whose validity is due for extension. The extension is granted as long as requirements are met. Extensions are normally done at any immigration office across the kingdom. A 60-day tourist visa for example can be extended for one month at the at the immigration office for a fee of 1900 Baht.

Thai Visa Conversion refers to the switching from one visa type to another. Say a business to a retirement visa. There are certain travel documents that can be switched without the necessity to leave Thailand. If you have a competent visa agent then you may need to go out of the country anymore when switching the said travel document into another type.

Thai Visa renewal is another term you may need to wont yourself to especially if you are not a Thai PR holder in Thailand. Most long term entry permits are good for one year however they are subject to renewal with the proper requirements. A retirement visa for example is renewed for another year as long as you have the required funds. A marriage visa can be renewed as long as you are still married and you have the required funds. The good thing about this type of renewal is that it's simple and straightforward as long as you have the requirements.

Thai Visa Validity refers to the entire period the visa is valid. This is normally stamped in your passport when you enter to Thailand so you have to be wary with this date to avoid overstay fine later on. This should not be confused with the validity of the visa (or the grace period) prior to entering Thailand once the visa is obtained from the Thai embassy abroad. This is normally indicated with the phrase "ENTER BEFORE (DATE)" in the visa itself.

Thai visa terminologies are best understood as you do them or experience them in context. The next time you apply, extend, convert or renew your visa you should be able to know these differences already. Having yourself informed with these basic terms would make you feel at ease and confident in your next Thai visa application.

Siam Legal International provides Thailand lawyer services to foreign nationalities who desire Thailand Visa services. You can also locate the location of the Thai embassies and consulates at the Thai Embassy website.

George M. Londob works as a Business Correspondent for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm that provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com to know more about Thailand Visa.

Asia Cruises For 2010

Travel to the age-old traditions and dazzling modernity of the Orient, or the golden spires and emerald landscapes of Southeast Asia.

As cruise lines expand cruise offerings in Asia, they are beginning to add new and interesting ports of call. In 2010, new ports are included in Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. We anticipate these itineraries will attract not only new passengers, but also those who have already cruised in Asia, that can now enjoy new ports.

Malaysia:

Sandakan: Founded in 1879, this bustling port was once the capital of British North Borneo and home to the greatest concentration of millionaires in Southeast Asia during the heyday of the timber industry. Today it is renowned as the gateway to exotic wildlife, including the endangered proboscis monkeys.

Kota Kinablu: Situated on the South China Sea, the capital of the state of Sabah is a favorite of nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Nearby rainforests are inhabited by orangutans, and the coral reefs teem with marine life.

Kuching: The capital of Sarawak, Malaysia is reminiscent of a bygone era with its mix of ornate temples, historic buildings and Chinese shop houses. From here you can take a shore excursion to a village housing the once feared Dyak tribe which practiced head hunting into the last century.

Indonesia:

Padang Bay, Bali: More than 17,000 islands make up the Indonesian archipelago, and none is as enticing as Bali, with a rich Hindu culture that has produced some of the finest arts and crafts in Asia including exquisite wood carvings and sculpted masks. Bali's 10,000 temples are scattered across a lush landscape of terraced rice paddies, volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests and river gorges.

Semarang: Gateway to the mammoth Buddhist temple complex at Borobudur, it is also adjacent to the island of Lombok where villagers practice ancient Sask weaving techniques handed down over the centuries.

Komodo Island: Home of the fearsome Komodo Dragons, the largest lizards in the world, that roamed the earth during the dinosaur era.

South Korea:

Jeju Island: Known as the "Island of the Gods" and the "Hawaii of the Orient," Jeju has some terrific beaches and is famous for its shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Dominating the island is 6,000 ft. Mt. Halasan, the highest point in Korea which last erupted in 1007 AD. It is a popular hiking spot.

Mokpo: Here you can sample exotic cuisine, visit the fascinating Mokpo Modern History Museum and take an excursion to stone age dolmens that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of course, popular ports are still being offered including Singapore, Hong Kong, Halong Bay, Phuket, Bangkok, Shanghai and Xingang.

In 2010, cruise lines offering Asia cruises are Costa Cruise Line, Azamara Cruises, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean.

Sue Brage blogs about the latest news, travel advice, tips and deals for Atlas Cruises & Tours => We invite you to read more about Asia Cruises & Yangtze River Cruises @ http://www.escortedasiatours.com/Cruises.asp.