IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING!!!

I don't mean to sound shocked, it's just that it didn't seem real up until now.

(FYI, I'm signed up for the Oct. 2010 AYC Thailand Internship - NOT the one for Lop Buri, which I believe also starts in Oct.)

Of course, the Non-immigrant B VISA documents are all written in Thai so I have no idea what they're saying lol! And there's still no mention of which school I'll be teaching at, but it's exciting nonetheless.

All that's left to do is sign the contract and send it all off to Hull (the UK Thai Embassy), along with 4*6 cm = 6 pictures??? (Does that mean they want 6 large photos, or 6 passport sized ones on 4*6 card?)

Anyways, has anybody else received their documents yet?

Also, has anybody went ahead and booked flights? If so, for which dates and with what airline?

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

I have the feeling this is going to be one hell of an adventure!
Mark (^_^)

Hey Mark

Never on this, but just logged on and seen your post! Got the documents as well today and was actually clueless about what to do with them so thanks for clearing that up!! Haha. Looked at your page and see you're from Scotland...me too! Whereabouts?? Think we're the only Scottish people going?! My friend is doing the internship too, we booked our flights yesterday with emirates, flying from Glasgow on the 21st of October, thought best to get there in plenty of time. 

Anyway bye for now :)

Hey Adele, yeah I thought I'd start a post about the VISA process as it's got me baffled!

I've spoken to i-to-i and apparently last year they send out an email detailing what the documents were about and instructions for what to do with them.

Here's what I've found out so far:

1. You need to download the Non-immigrant B VISA Form from the UK Embassy website:
http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx
The ones you need is called: Ab STANDARD VISA APPLICATION PACK

2. Fill out the form and include payment for admin plus the cost for sending your passport back (recorded delivery):
£100 for a multiple entry VISA (we should get this back as stated in the contract)
£8 for return delivery of your passport (unless you choose to go in person and then it’s £10)

3. Attach a passport sized photo - there was a note on the envelope for 4*6 cm = 6 photos... Any ideas?

4. The VISA starts from the day it’s issued, not the date you arrive in Thailand or when the Internship starts.

5. We should NOT have to do a VISA Run (after 90 days) to renew our VISA for a further 90 days.

You mentioned you’ve booked your flights already. That's great!
Was that an open return or did you pick a return date in April (can the date be changed?).

P.S. I'm from Ayr, just down the road.

Speak soon, Mark x

Update: Here's the email I got this morning.

I would like to inform you that your visa application letters have been sent by AYC and you will receive them soon so please check your post box regularly.

As you need to apply to the Thai authorities, all the documents have to be in Thai language and you do not need to fill-in or touch anything on these papers. So, please don't worry about anything there.

On top of that, do not forget, you need to apply for the visa ten days or two weeks before your departure for Thailand as we need at least 2 - 2.5 months valid visa for your legal issues here. Please keep this in mind otherwise we cannot issue your work permit on time.

All you need to do is apply in person to the Thai Embassy/Consulate for a 3 months Non-Immigrant B Visa and give them:

• your passport,


• visa application letters,


• photos (still unsure as to size?)


• a completed Visa Application Form (provided at the Thai Embassy/Consulate)

Furthermore, your visa application letters are specified to the Thai Embassy/Consulate which you informed us of when applying for the program. You can apply only to that specified Thai Embassy or consulate.

The cost of 3 months non immigrant B Visa is $65 - £45 - €55 so please prepare this amount before applying for the visa.

Your visa application will take not more than 3 working days.

Please inform me when you will receive your application letters and about the details of the visa application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate.

Hope this helps y'all.

Speak soon, Mark x

Hey Mark,

You not booked your flights? I'd get cracking with booking them, only 5 weeks to go. We arrive on the 15th and gonna make a holiday of the first week and relax on one of the islands, need some time to chill after the summer of work I've had. We fly direct from Heathrow, 12 HOUR flight!! This whole visa process is a strange one, its all very confusing. But as long as I get my passport back in time for my flight I'll be happy!

Hi guys! Also finding all the visa stuff massively confusing.  The email has not shed any light in what to do.  A bit gutted given the money its costing we could do with a lot more support I think! I'm also confused as weve been told not to book flights until we have a visa but dont get a visa until 2 weeks before we go?

yikes! excited and terrified all in one!

Hey Leanne,

Are you on the AYC internship? If you're feeling confused about the visa process, make sure you give them a shout to let them know and get them to clarify it for you - they're there to help and I'm sure would be happy to explain it further, including when you book your flights.

The reason you don't book flights until your visa has been granted is just in case your visa is declined, but if you can get flights which are refundable, then you should be fine to book them. Alternatively, if you're willing to take a 'calculated risk' in the knowledge that your visa isn't sorted yet that's totally up to you.

Hope that helps!

Hi honor, thanks, did call i to i yesterday and everyones been really helpful! Bit daugnting booking flights but if we leave it the price goes up loads!

Thanks for your help.

Hey guys!!

Has anyone heard where they are going to be placed for the internship? I was told that we wouldn't find out until we got our visas. Its just a little unnerving to be this close to leaving and really no clue where we'll be living. I am comforted to see that everyone seems to be in the same position with everything. I am excited but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Good luck!!!