[Mappaindy]

Thank you so much for all your advise. Concerning studying in Singapore, it will be extremely difficult for her. She does not even have the Thai equivalent of the GCE 'O' Levels, it will be impossible for her to get into any of the local universities or polytechnics. Even if she could she couldn't afford the fees.

Secondly, I don't think we can put her into a private school to take the GCE 'O' levels as the entire course and examinations are all in English. She can speak Mandarin but cannot read nor write it.Private schools are also very expensive.

The reason she wants to come here is because at least she has a friend here, which is me. She was thinking of either Singapore or Malaysia, but she has no one to look out for her in Malaysia. Thailand is really killing, this last trip when I saw her, I felt so sorry for her. She just looks so old and worn out. And she's only 24. Her ex-boyfriend is just driving her up the wall, her boss is not doing her any favours with her constantly being a thorn in my friend's neck and a lot more which I shall not reveal as it is a bit personal. I will ask her permission before I reveal any more about her.

I was thinking of Mike's idea of just taking a course in Chinese and getting a Student's Visa, but I don't see any schools that offer language courses to students who don't already have a visa. In other words, you must be taking a course in some skill like business or engineering for which you already have a student visa before you apply for a language course.

Today, just out curiosity from BUCKY's remark about Thai spouses not getting citizenship, I called up immigration and asked how long a spouse of a Singapore citizen can stay in Thailand, the immigration lady told me that a spouse visa must be applied for, the result of which will be known in 4 weeks. Then I said what if her stay is only 14 days (maximum for a normal social visit) and an extension is not approved, she replied that the spouse would have to wait for the result back in Thailand. Then I asked if the application was a procedure and if the approval was 100% since we're talking about the spouse here. She said no, case by case basis.

Then I asked, once approved is the spouse allowed to stay as long as he/she wants, she replied no, depends how long she is given from a range of one to five years, usually one year is given. Then must reapply and again case by case approval. Finally, I made a remark to her which she didn't get. I said ironic how your website reads "because of Singapore's open immigration policy..." and how it's policies are actually so merciless.

I understand a thorough vetting procedure for all immigrants but spouses and children of citizens should have a less stringent test. As long as they are not criminals, terrorists or contagious diesease carriers, they should be allowed, shouldn't they. For God's sake, they are the spouse!

Anyway, she is flying over this Sunday with her sister. Will fill you guys in some more. Of course still appealing for more advise.