mickmac

Just to add my experience. I have applied for 3 visa's for my girlfriend, now wife, to go to Ireland. I had been with my girlfriend for 5 years before going over to Ireland the first time, and living in Thailand for 4 years. Our first visa was refused, on what appeared to be every point. We did appeal to Dublin, adding more paperwork, photo's that were date stamped, copies of bank books showing monies transferred from my internet account at Bank of Ireland into Bank of Bangkok accounts. Visa was given. Only 1 month single entry. Second visa, we were more savvy about what they wanted so took lots of paperwork etc down with us, the girls behind the counter sifted through everything. Got visa no problem. Third visa application was earlier this year and the first time we had returned as man and wife, have been married for over 2 years by now. Still have to produce the same paperwork as we did before we were married but this time with copies of wedding cert and its translation. I also had to write a letter of invitation to my wife in the consulate itself inviting her to come over to Ireland. I must be one of the few men in the world that has to write a letter to my wife asking her to come on holiday with me, when shes stood next to me.
There must be a better way of doing this, what if one of my parents dies, how quick could a visa be issued for my wife, or would I have to go over there on my own.
I enjoy my home in Ireland as does my wife, but this continual jumping through hoops really takes the edge off it.
Ihope this does not put you off too much. One poster says it possibly gets easier if you were married, well in my experience it doesn't, it just gets cheaper, 500 baht admin fees is all it costs now.
Good luck.

Try to steer clear of the Downtown Inn.

If you are in a Hotel, talk to front desk, night porter they may be able to help you. Otherwise I get the girl into the car, if you have one, and fire her into RAM hospital, or McCormack just as a precaution. Hopefully she has med insurance if not it'll be down to you. Should imagine there will be a resident on call throughout the night.

Hope all goes well for her and yourself.

Regards

Konini, please do a search on this subject, as this has been "done to death" in the Chiang Mai forum.

Try Love at first Bite, nice garden area, good coffee and lovely pastries.
You could also take a trip out to the coffee shop at the Mandarin Oriental and sit in their extended seating area. Great cakes as well, not cheap but delicious.