British Baby's Christmas Trip From Koh Tao in Doubt After UK Visa Refusal

A British baby's planned Christmas trip from the Thai island of Koh Tao is in doubt after UK officials refused his Myanmar-born mother's visa application. The refusal means the family cannot travel together to see the child's seriously ill great-grandfather in Lancashire.

The family, who are based in Thailand, are now preparing a second application. They have already spent hundreds of pounds on the process, and the total cost could reach £3,000.

A family based on Koh Tao

According to The Guardian, Matthew Cross, a 31-year-old British national, lives on Koh Tao in Surat Thani province with his fiancée, Khin Thant Zin, 31, who goes by Jue Jue. She fled persecution in Myanmar. Their son, William, was born in Thailand on 30 April and is a British citizen. Matthew's parents have already visited Koh Tao to meet their grandson, but William's 74-year-old great-grandfather, George Kerr, cannot make the trip because of health problems.

The family had hoped to travel to Burnley for a Christmas gathering, which would have given Mr Kerr the chance to meet his great-grandson for the first time.

Matthew, a mechanical engineer originally from Burnley, opened a steakhouse on Koh Tao about 15 months ago. He met Jue Jue on the island, and she now helps run the restaurant's social media and human resources. The couple recently signed a lease on a new home and bought land for future development, which they say shows they plan to stay in Thailand.

Why the visa was refused

The UK Home Office rejected Jue Jue's visitor visa application. Officials said they were not satisfied that she was a genuine visitor who would return to Thailand after the trip.

The refusal cited insufficient evidence of her income and strong family ties in Thailand. Matthew said his fiancée has never had a bank account. Her brother and sister live on Koh Tao, and her mother plans to move there too.

The family had submitted financial sponsorship documents, invitation letters, and identification details from relatives in Britain.

Costs and travel

For the required biometric appointment, the couple travelled from Koh Tao to Phuket by ferry and bus. The journey took two nights and three days and cost about £400.

Matthew says the family must now repeat the process, with total expenses potentially reaching £3,000 and no guarantee of approval. There is no ordinary right of appeal, so they are preparing a new application, even though the Home Office has warned that another refusal is likely unless their circumstances change.

How UK visitor rules apply

Under UK visitor rules, applicants must show they intend to leave Britain after their visit and can cover their own expenses. Financial support from relatives or other third parties is allowed when the relevant requirements are met.

The Home Office declined to discuss the individual case, saying applications are assessed under the immigration rules and the evidence submitted.

What happens next

For now, the family remain on Koh Tao. They are hoping to secure permission for Jue Jue to travel before Christmas, so William can meet his great-grandfather while he is still well enough to enjoy the visit.