Can I apply for the DTV visa through the Hanoi consulate after attending a cooking class in Thailand?

@Andy *********

it should assist with tourist spend and really take advantage of stealing bright minds from western nations with the allure of a much better lifestyle and lower costs. A five year 'residency' visa will also facilitate a wave of long term immigration... I think. And yes, we shall know soon enough how well it working. I think Thailand is dramatically undermarketing a superb visa in the global picture

@Todd ********

It should do, but on this group, I have seen lots of questions about how people can game the system wit fake bank balances, fake jobs, or signing up to ridiculous cookery courses. You say stealing bright minds from western nations. They are not. None of these so called bright minds will benefit Thai industry, because if they do, we'll they need a work permit for that. The revenue generated by the bright minds will go to the western nation, essentially at Thailands expense. It's almost Colonial, where British people worked in India, but hardly really for the betterment of India. I suspect many of these dtv holders will work to make sure they never pay a baht in Thai income tax. One result of an IT contractor living for less money in a developing country, is that he/she will undercut someone going for the same gig, but who wants his kids to have a decent education and not being afraid of being made destitute due to illness. And expats are not immigrants. See loads of them in the Middle East, 30, 40 years living in Kuwait, but never a Kuwaiti. I wouldn't be surprised if Thailand imposes quotas like they do for work permits. And there will always be a lingering suspicion that some DTV holders are taking work away from Thais, unless the government starts actively monitoring the activities of these foreigners.

@Andy *********

the system in this case definitely seems primed to be gamed. But I’m sure Thai immigration is well aware. If there is an easier, more lenient, less expensive long term visa on earth… I haven’t seen it.

Bright minds will pack up their job in the west overnight. Why stay and overpay for lower quality of life if you are making good money. And yes, it’s a great way to game the income tax in their home country also. Win-win. The gates are wide open now

@Andy *********

they will scrap it, crazy idea

@Mark ********

Sure... take your time... every little piece of information is helpful.

One of the next big mysteries will be if you have to prove your "soft power" for an extension or even for a reentry. Needed yes/no? I can't imagine that they will accept 5 years cooking classes or doctors appointment... 🤔🙄

But... time will tell...

@Stephan **********

no, once you are issued the visa you are entitled to multientry.

No proofs needed.

IF you apply for an in country extension there may be requirements as to purpose and Financials.

It is not completely known yet but the answers to that are imminent.

@Mark ********

Nope... I highly doubt it. I also wouldn't be too surprised if they would cancel it before the first 5 years are over... if too many people try to play the system...

@Mark ********

nobody gets forced to spar

@Rob ******

You have to contact the relevant embassy.They differ in their application criteria.

@Mark ********

Yes, that is the normal for non residents applying in Embassies outside of Thailand. I have looked at applying at Laos and it is similar. Online in the country you are resident in outside of Thailand.. You should contact Hanoi for how long the course should be. A day maybe ok or 3 months may be needed

@Andi **********

- Not about if you are a resident of the country or not. Instead related to if that Thai embassy in that country uses the e system. I believe none of the embassies in Southeast Asia use the e system, so that would apply even if you a resident of that nearby country. A tourist in USA could use the e-system to apply via the Thai embassy in DC though.