About to come to Udon with no more valid reason (in eyes of the government ) other than i like it, and have got enough money to live without working. Which is the most sympathetic UK consulate to gentle falangs wanting to chill in the sun without having to pop over the river each month? Anticipating barrage of sarcasm.....

You should not be hit with a barrage of anything except envy. At least you intentions are above board. Have fun with the ladies. Watch your wallet and don't let others and you will have fun.

Wow, a non sarcastic reply! Maybe this forum is worth communicating in....?! Cheers.

I would rate the UK consulates that I know of in this order..

Hull
Birmingham
Cardiff

Do not expect sympathy from the Embassy in London !!!!
Best visa to get for long stay is multiple entry non Im 'O' - reason for visit 'visiting family & friends' Cost 100 GBP but 10 GBP extra if you attend in person (rather than applying by post).
This will allow you to stay in Thailand for nearly 15 months with 90 day trips into Laos to renew for another 90 days...Absolutely zero issues when you re-enter the Kingdom...

Nice one Bob. I was thinking of Brum as is local. Any proof of family/friends required? Or can i turn up with a fist full of quids and get it?

The consulate in Liverpool is excellent. They are a small and very friendly operation and get visa's etc completed and returned the same day without a problem, as long as the correct documentation is produced of course. For me thats original marriage certificate and no more.

Unless the charges have changed since March, for a 1 year multiple entry Non Imm 'O' Liverpool charge £100 for the visa and £10 to get it the same day, usually within 2 hours. As above this is going there in person, have never posted to them so can't comment.

I agree with Bob, you'll get no sympathy from the London consulate.........

Barry here is the Birmingham Consulate requirements...

Non Immigrant Visa

As you can see all very easy to comply with...

Barry,
I've got a non -immigrant visa o from Birmingham,twice,with no problem.
Multiple entry for 1 year.
You have to go to Nong Khai every 90 days but it only takes 45 mins there by car and is also a nice place right on the Mekhong river.

Zidane

Anticipate no more Barrybowfinger !!

Forget London.
Hull for me, you can actually talk to someone who seems to care and most helpful too, fast and efficiant.
(not tried any others apart from London.)

Hull is bay far the best,

And don't forget you can apply for your visa by post, they gaurantee processing the visa and posting it back within the same day,

If i were you i would get a non immigrant O using visiting friends as the reason.

Here is the website

www.thaiconsul-uk.com

Regards

Kev

Not sure how anyone can recommend one consulate as being "by far the best" but hey ho......unless Me kevh you've used them all..................

Hull are VERY easy to deal with. The form filling (for a multiple entry non immigrant 'O' visa) is certainly less demanding than, for example, Cardiff.
I have never actually talked (or seen) any of the Hull consulate (did by post) but did have an occasion to send them a query by e-mail a couple of years ago and received a very pleasant & informative response.