This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Sep 6, 2025
2 days ago
Stephanie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I need some legal understanding, if someone would be kind enough to clarify this for me. We are having an internal family debate over the Thai government website in regarding opening a bank account.

We have the DTV visas, and IF we bring money into a thai bank account - so foreign income that WAS already had paid tax on in Australia, is apparently to be TAXED here again if you spend over 180 days in year.

I know SO many people WHO have bank accounts here that live here for a long time and do not pay tax.

My partner thinks that whatever is on the government website is in fact law and is protected from it…

Could someone please clarify. Thank you

(Putting this in multiple pages to get more reach to hopefully get the right answers). Thank you
Sep 6, 2025
2 days ago
URGENT CONTACT METHODS

Better to have our emergency contacts saved and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Appropriate emergency cases include:

* Airport denial of entry or boarding

* Overstay issues or urgent immigration concerns

* Misunderstandings with authorities

> [[[members only])

You do NOT need to be our existing client to request urgent assistance. For general cases (e.g., asking about a standard visa extension), please use our normal contact methods.

* Again please do not use our urgent content methods if it is not a serious situation. *

For example, if you arrive at the airport at 1 AM and run into problems, that’s the perfect time to use our URGENT contact methods.
Sep 6, 2025
2 days ago
My Interview Experience for the DTV in Taipei

Basic Information

Nationality: Taiwan

Applied from: Taiwan

DTV Category: Muay Thai

Application Timeline

8/31 (11:50 PM): Submitted my DTV application online. Status: Processing → Pending Document Check.

9/1 (10:31 AM): Requested to upload proof of employment with company’s license. (I explained that I’m unemployed, have no current income, but have sufficient funds—well above the minimum 500,000 THB requirement—to support myself in Thailand.)

9/1 (3:00 PM): Requested again to upload my Taiwan Entry and Exit Certificate within 1 year (issued by the Taiwan National Immigration Agency). I had already submitted this in my initial application, but I uploaded it again.

9/1 (3:54 PM): Requested to upload the Certificate of Entry and Exit Dates from the Taiwan National Immigration Agency, updated at least one day before submission. (I didn’t know this requirement, so I rushed to the immigration office the same day, got the updated certificate, and uploaded it immediately.)

9/3: Received an email inviting me for an interview.

9/5 (3:00 PM): Attended the interview in Taipei.

9/5 (6:30 PM): Received an email confirming my visa was approved.

Total time to get my visa: 1 week.

Document Preparation

One important thing to note is that you must print out every single document you uploaded online. I originally thought showing them on my laptop would be enough, but it wasn’t. Thankfully, there was a 7-11 nearby, so I quickly printed everything. After submission, the staff reviewed my papers and then called in the officer for the interview.

Interview Process

The interview was conducted entirely in English, regardless of whether you’re a foreigner or a Taiwanese applicant. The atmosphere was neutral—not especially friendly, but not harsh either. It mainly felt like a fact-checking step to make sure all the information I provided was accurate.

Interview Questions:

*Why do you want to learn Muay Thai in Thailand?*

(Because Taiwan cannot provide the ideal training environment I’m looking for.)

*How did you start learning Muay Thai?*

(Last year I joined a Muay Thai trial class in Thailand and immediately fell in love with it. Since then, I have continued to practice.)

*How did you find your current Muay Thai gym?*

(I searched gyms on Instagram, tried a few, and chose the one I liked most.)

*What is your current employment/financial situation?*

(I’m currently on a gap year after resigning from my job. I showed bank proof from two accounts—one in Canada and one in Taiwan. The officer also asked me to explain my bank account transactions)

*What did you do before this gap year?*

*What were your past trips to Thailand for Muay Thai like?*

(Previously, I trained while also working remotely at the same time.)

*What is your plan for life in Thailand after training?*

(I plan to focus on training, and in my free time, I’ll read and work on developing my skills for my next career. )

*Questions about past life in Canada*

*Questions about long-term DTV planning:*

(I explained my five-year plan for the DTV visa. My first year will focus on Muay Thai training. After that, I’ll need to decide whether to continue training using my savings or return to Taiwan to work in an office. Ideally, I hope to find a full-time remote job that would allow me to stay in Thailand longer.)

After the Interview

My interview was at 3:00 in the afternoon. The officer asked me to wait for the results, and by 6:30 the same day I received an email confirming that my visa had been approved.

Overall Impression & Tips

Applying in Taipei was a fairly neutral and efficient experience. I prepared all the requested documents, uploaded additional documents within a few hours whenever they asked, and they responded quickly—sometimes within just one hour. Overall, the entire process was very fast and professional.

If you’re preparing for this, print all your documents in advance, including bank proofs, and be ready to explain your financial records, past work experience, and training plans clearly.

Good luck everyone!
Sep 6, 2025
2 days ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS

PDR Lao implementing online Arrival/Departure system

The Lao authorities have introduced mandatory electronic forms for foreigners: they must be filled out not only before entering, but also before leaving the country

The new digital arrival and departure cards will replace traditional paper immigration forms.

The electronic form must be filled out at [[www.immigration.gov.la](www.immigration.gov.la)]([members only]) no earlier than 3 days before arrival and departure from the country - there you must indicate passport details, visa information, purpose of travel and address of stay in Laos.

After filling out the form, a QR code will be generated, which must be shown at the border - it will be valid for 3 days.

At this time the digital card will only be required at the airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and on the First Laos-Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai Province in Thailand. There are plans to roll out the system country-wide in 2026.
Sep 6, 2025
2 days ago
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Please can someone explain about the sponsor letter. I am applying for a non O visa. Thanks
Sep 6, 2025
2 days ago
Rio **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I am new to this group.

My wife and I are arriving in Thailand Oct 18 and plan to stay in Hua Hin for 6 months.

The Thai embassy in Canada said I need a non immigrant multiple entry visa good for 6 months, 60 days at a time. Cost of visa $325 Canadian /person.

Any other options or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Sep 5, 2025
2 days ago
Mick ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
When applying for non O 90 day visa in the UK are joint account statements ok or do they have to be in my name only? thanks in advance
Sep 5, 2025
2 days ago
Valerie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone just an update. I have been approved for my DTV visa via the Washington DC Embassy 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
Sep 5, 2025
2 days ago
I’m arriving Sept 10 on my DTV. I plan on staying 6 months and will be looking for a condo to rent. I have 2 Airbnb’s set up for my first week while I look for permanent condo. My question is I know I have to do a 90 day report and I keep hearing about a Tm30 do I need to get this from the 2 Airbnb’s or do I wait until I get my permanent place?