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What are the drawbacks of the current visa options for expats in Thailand?
Thailand VisaVisa RulesBorder RunVisa ExemptionImmigration PolicyDental VisaTourist VisaNon-O VisaLong-term StayVisa Regulations
Sep 8, 2024
2 years ago
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI think they should rename this visa the Desperados Thailand Visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The community discussion highlights dissatisfaction with the current Thai visa system, particularly a newly dubbed 'Desperados Thailand Visa.' Users criticize the complexity of visa options and express frustration about individuals exploiting the system for dental tourism while others face restrictions. Comments also address the recent changes allowing unlimited border runs, the implications for long-term tourists, and concerns over upcoming immigration policies that may affect repeat entrants. There are mixed sentiments about the visa landscape, especially as some individuals feel marginalized regarding their long-term contributions to Thailand.
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Pelle Erikssonâ
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Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.â
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Jim ********
Should be renamed TSV
Thailand Super Visa!
It's the best ever.
Everyone can get one
Thailand Super Visa!
It's the best ever.
Everyone can get one
Colin ********
I stay in Thailand October till march to avoid uk winter I have dtv no more extensions no more border runs no more expense no more time consuming ques
Tim ********
@Colin *******
Same here, just got approved for DTV, roll on 1st Oct đđđReply to
Tim ********
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Tod *********
Well that's better than the Douchebag Thailand Visa đŽ đ đ
Daniel **********
Sounds like someone frantically bought the Elite visa this time last year before the price went up and is now super salty!
Roberto *******
@Daniel *********
Yup lololReply to
Roberto *******
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George *******
what pisses me off slightly is all these people gaming the system to get this visa,while Iâm married to a thai 15 years now, have two thai/farang kids with her, and work offshore - all I do is bring all my money into the country and spend it - and still not only canât I get anything better than either visa exempts or non o visas (which can be problematic to upkeep due to work), but now the thai govt plans to tax me, with no apparent benefit to me for the taxes they get from me.
(to be clear itâs the govt/immigration iâm ranting about not people gaming the system.)
(to be clear itâs the govt/immigration iâm ranting about not people gaming the system.)
Tim ********
George Milne DTV sounds perfect for you!!
George *******
@Tim *******
I've looked a little into how to get one, but i am not sure how to present myself for it. i work offshore on survey ships - around 6-7 months out of any given year, and usually come in on visa expempt and extend if necessary (60 days extension is possible on the grounds of visiting my wife and children). The DTV might be useful for certain things though - driving license, opening another bank account etc - just don't know how i would qualify?Reply to
George *******
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Jj ****
George Milne dtv will have to pay taxes too
Paul *******
@George ******
Of course. WHO tells people what race their children are? Who cares? Their nationality is what matters not their race. Are you a racist or something?George *******
@Paul ******
what is your problem? nothing i said was racist, you're reaching to take offence - your advice is not appreciated and your inferences are rude, unfounded and unwelcome. desist, please.Reply to
George *******
Reply
Paul *******
@George ******
If their your children, it's enough to say "while I have two children with her" or specify that they have Thai nationality. No need to mention their race or otherwise make it complicated. We don't do that back home and given how many farang here claim to have "children" but are actually stepfathers to children they have no biological connection to, it causes unnecessary confusion.George *******
@Paul ******
are you serious?Reply to
George *******
Reply
Mark ********
@Geo***
I've similarly been on Non B and Non O's for more than 15 years, but now I'm seriously considering switching to the DTV so I no longer have to endure the annual Non O (marriage) annual extensions. In the meantime hoping that the streamlining of Non O's that is apparently under review provides some more benefits for Non O Marriage visa bro's.George *******
@Mark *******
It's good to hear non o's are under review - i just hope they don't go the wrong way and tighten the noose even further. what have you heard about this?Mark ********
When Srettha was PM he said they are looking to simplify matters by reducing the number of Non O categories from something like 15 down to about 7...hoping that would entail those on Non O Marriage getting something better than the current lengthy annual process.
George *******
@Mark *******
good to hear it's at least being discussed.Reply to
George *******
Reply
Roberto *******
Sounds to me like someone is pissed they spent all that money and time on another type of visa lol.
Youâll be ok
Youâll be ok
@Graham ******
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ******
we pay 6000 Baht for our visa's Roberto, for 12 months, how much do you pay, and you wonder why we call you digital knob heads?Roberto *******
@Graham ******
Lol, I see that you're slow. I paid 10,000 Baht for "5 Years". Your pricing comes out to 30,000 Baht for "5 Years". Since you need that spelled out for you, that's 6,000 baht (1 year of your visa) x 5 (5 years) = 30,000 Baht.
Why are you even here? Go be miserable somewhere else....knob đ
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ******
u forgot the 500,000 Baht. Just wait for the Suprise when you try to renew your Desperado Thailand VisaRoberto *******
@Graham ******
That's not a cost my friend, it's wealth that we have all earned over time, which allows us to do things that some cannot. Are you're mad because some people have more money than you? Why? Pretty petty, but we all know people like you.
You should be happy for people doing well, and not try to push them down, but I assume that's why we're all doing better than you.
You'll get it at some point, but for now, we don't need you in this group. Again, why are you here if you already have a visa? Nothing better to do?
Greg ********
@Roberto ******
Ignore him. The Chang has got the better of him and he has opened up about his hatred of the DTV. He is overpaying for his yearly visa too. Mine is the official price of 1900 THB :-)Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ******
I would read your own posts, boy. Lot of people in here being taken in, boy. You call 500k wealth?Roberto *******
@Graham ******
I mean, itâs enough for you to bring it up and complain about it. How many times did you just edit that message? Lol.
Again why are you even here? Go away.
Reply to
Roberto *******
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Jason ******
Since the 60-day change a visa on arrival in July it's now unlimited border runs and this is cheaper than any of the education Visa
Greg ********
@Jason *****
The ETA being implemented is aimed at stopping those border runs. There will be central tracking. You will need to complete an ETA for every entry.Simon ********
@Jason *****
unfortunately you will be soon stopped at the border on retry it isnât going to work like that now thereâs a concerted effort to make people staying longer than a few reentries to get them to have some form of visa- iâve been stopped last 3 times reentering and last time through immigration at bkk only let me through after they made me sign an official form that i agreed to get visa for next time i came through-Simon ********
@Jason *****
understand what you mean so i can only recommend on what i have experienced- what i can say is this so i was pushing this as i was awaiting my 50th birthday (next mth) to then be able to get retirement visa i been here 12 mths on and off- so now just before im eligible i now have DTV option instead which is better for me IMO- but as for before i pushed the boundaries of what was allowed . I was told as long as you have an onward ticket your ok so that worked 3 times (pulled aside by immigation each of these 3times )but as i said above the 3rd time immigration lady in charge made me sign the form guaranteeing id get a visa before trying to come in again- luckily that week DTV is released so no problem now but i am sure you can come in and out for 6 mths after 6 mths they will almost certainly pull u aside from what i understand itâs a change in policy and they want everyone to be on a visa now unless your a short time tourist or less than 2 mthsJason ******
@Simon *******
it's all very confusing all the the Visa Services says it's unlimited now when the stops working my next one is the education VisaReply to
Jason ******
Reply
Jason ******
I think a lot of the sites are out of date because this only came in in July of course they could change it anytime but it's currently much cheaper than the education Visa
Tim ********
@Jason *****
Who said unlimited ???? it's 2 boarder runs and lots of comments on Thai legal sites, stating they have to include overnight stays.George *******
@Jason *****
multiple border runs per year are are now ok?Luit *****************
George Milne visa exemption is meant for tourists, they can reenter now more times on their trip.
For staying long time there are proper visa.
For staying long time there are proper visa.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Luit *****************
@Jason *****
The fact that there is no limit in number of entries anymore does absolutely not mean that visa exempt now can be used for other things than tourism.Of course cheap charlies will try, but they will find sooner or later an immigration officer that will stop them.
Jason ******
@Luit ****************
the government may change that approach but as it stands at the moment immigration will not stop you it is unlimited Thailand needs tourismLuit *****************
@Jason *****
Exact, Thailand needs tourism, but not the cheap charlies that do borderruns to stay in Thailand for a long time without getting proper visa. So without the strict limit, tourist travelling through South East Asia have more possibilities to enter Thailand several times on their trip and immigration officers can stop cheap charlies if they want.Also rules that you should stay out of the country for 2 nights might be useful to distinguish wanted tourist from cheap charlies.
Reply to
Luit *****************
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Kun***
There is currently no benefit from other types of visas. You can only stay continuously for 180 days, then you must leave. 180 days, you can get a trip to the border run in another way
Myles *******
@Kun***
apart from the fact it is 5 years for ****
of cost of a year for some other visa typesToni *******
@Myles ******
and no need for paperwork for 5years đ¤Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Toni *******
@Kun***
180days and extension for 180days, then leave for 1minuteReply to
Toni *******
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Tommy ********
Without question. Many donât seem to know Thailand at all and are unlikely suited to staying here past a two week holiday
Roberto *******
@Tommy *******
why would you say this? I donât get these salty comments lol. Are you mad you spent more money and time on another type of visa? Sounds like it to me.Tommy ********
@Roberto ******
we have a little a bit more insight into the real benefits of tourism money, DTV visas like this, and how much tourism really helps the Thai person. Foreigners like to think itâs super beneficial, but itâs not as strong as they think.The DTV is already being considered to change anyway, and there are some concerns from immigration about how long it will last.
Your comment is a little naive. Iâve been here years, you think Iâd be bothered about the cost of a visa? đ¤Ł
Roberto *******
@Tommy *******
whatâs naive is thinking that tourism doesnât help the Thai economy. Itâs literally the backbone of many places, and without tourism, many people would be in much harder financial situations. Also, you think people arenât doing their due diligence when purchasing a 5 year visa, and moving to another Country?
Speaking like this only makes you look uneducated and arrogant.
Reply to
Roberto *******
Reply
Steve ********
@Roberto ******
There is a lot of bitterness towards this new SuperVisa. Many Digital Nomads believe it's only for them and they're getting stroppy because everyone is applying for one. I know one guy who got a "dental treatment plan" which is essentially four fillings, some x-rays, clean and scale spread over eight months and he's scored a five year visa out of it! Good on him!Tim ********
@Steve *******
Any stay over 180 days in one year, you become a tax resident. I think a lot of people are overlooking this. Maybe that is the idea to catch you as tax resident. I have DTV but staying only 175 days.Steve ********
@Tim *******
It is possible to be a dual tax resident with another country. If you have closer ties to that country under a DTA, that country's tax laws prevail. Now THAT is what a lot of people are overlooking. However you are trying to spin it, you cannot be double taxed.Roberto *******
@Steve *******
exactly, be happy for those that are able to live out their lives and dreams with less hurdles! Iâm finally able to move to Thailand with my family with a fraction of the red tape we were going to have to face previously. I think this is a huge win, and will put a ton of money into the Thai economy.
Steve ********
@Roberto ******
Exactly! The DTV is reaching its goal and will pump millions of baht into the economyTommy ********
@Steve *******
says who? Have you seen the economics of it? Even experts say tourism isnât that beneficial but foreigners obsess over the fact they think they are significantly improving the economy.Roberto *******
@Tommy *******
Tourism isnât that beneficial? Lol, do you also think the Earth is flat?Nicholas *********
@Roberto ******
as a DTV visa holder, I'm glad they're doing these visas, but tourism as an industry is relatively low end. It's definitely a long term structural problem for Thailand's economy, compared to its neighbors who are focusing on high end manufacturingReply to
Nicholas *********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Tommy *******
But it's great for retirees who are regular travellersTommy ********
@Roberto ********
trueGraham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
This visa will get new requirements as it goes along especially for renewal. Would be unwise longer term to be using it as a retiree visa.Tommy ********
@Graham ******
itâs very likely to change - typical Thailand Pr, promoting something for the immediate interest and changing it later. Expect more requirements, more paperwork, and more costs.Roberto *********
@Tommy *******
That's strange. That hasn't happened to the LTR visa has it? Has not been any changes to non-O visa has there? You do realise you get 180 days per entry? Not sure why you're spreading misinformationTommy ********
@Roberto ********
itâs not misinformation - itâs a warning, to wait and see. People in immigration and gov have said changes could be made, some dislike the ease of the visa. And because itâs Thailand, that would be expected. If you havenât lived here long enough to know how Thai PR works, itâs ok, youâll understand some day.Nicholas *********
@Tommy *******
the main issue for this current Government is to prove stability - for investors and for tourists. A complete retroactive reshuffle of a key policy point is not in this interest. But as you said, only time will tell.Tommy ********
@Nicholas ********
itâs actually to improve its economy in other ways. Tourism is regarded as the low hanging fruit, easy, but doesnât spread nationwide, only in hotspots.Any government needs stability, Thailand does after the political chaos, Shinawatra return etc.
But that doesnât mean it wouldnât change or revoke any previous policy. Thailand has shown it will make knee jerk decisions in the past.
As said, the brief information in providing is unique, there are officials concerned on the DTV visa. Thatâs all can say. So itâs a warning that it may not last forever. If it attracts the right people for Thailand, letâs hope it does.
Nicholas *********
@Tommy *******
If boosting the economic stagnation of the country is the main concern, I think this visa is a wager of bringing in tourists with higher capital and semi-perminant, rather than the "value" tourist this country attracts. As seen from the 10,000 baht digital wallet, it seems like Thaksin is banking on good old Keynesian theory. In terms of equal distribution across the country, I'm yet to see anything from this current Government that expands beyond the hot spots.I agree the Thai government has made some nasty kneejerk decisions, and I do agree that some fine tuning will occur. I'm one of the DTV crowd, so I do have some vested interests đ
Tommy ********
@Nicholas ********
the economy is the focus as mentioned. Tourism helps but itâs not widespread. Thailand is acting desperately right now hence the 60 days on arrival and the DTV. Itâs easy. If Thailandâs economy was going better or it had other reliance, it could be different.My point is, tourism isnât the god send many foreigners think it is.
Get the DTV while itâs fresh and easy I say! Although it is just a glorified tourist visa lol
Roberto *********
@Tommy *******
16 years here I think I've got a good understanding. The Thai government introduced the DTV to stimulate foreign interest in Thailand. It's sure done that - and now you're saying it's too easy? You're very salty about this visa - that's your problem - I know retirees are loving it!Tommy ********
@Roberto ********
everyone knows itâs too easy. That conversation has been a hot topic since itâs release. If you havenât been part of that conversation or donât understand it, I canât help you. But compared to other visas itâs easy and there are concerns about who is applying etc.I canât spell it out for you.
As for your comments âsaltyâ etc, well that shows a typical inner anger if you must quickly turn to unfounded and incorrect assumptions. Chill. This is an adult conversation. Iâve been here a while, personally the DTV visas doesnât affect me at all, but itâs in my interest to follow this sort of thing in Thailand and Asia.
Iâll leave it there. But Iâm sure youâll comment again. Best
Roberto *********
@Tommy *******
For as long as I've been in Thailand, which overall is longer than you, foreigners have whined about how difficult the Thai visa system makes it for foreigners. Now it's easy, you're still whining. What exactly do you want? I've no inner anger. Looking at your comments you're the one with the pent-up anger. I'm happy for thousands of retirees whose lives are now much easierRoberto *********
@Graham ******
I think you're guessing. Once you've got your five years you're laughing. There's no renewal. It's five yearsTommy ********
@Roberto ********
Iâd wait to see if you can last for 6 months when it comes to the 180 day bit. Immigration will decideReply to
Tommy ********
Reply
Dan *********
Itâs easy to get
Kinda joke lol
Kinda joke lol
Graham *******
ORIGINAL POSTERGarry Glitter got turned down.
David ************
That is exactly how it appears. I mean do people actually buy plane tickets, reserve and pay for accommodation, acquire funds to provide proof to sustain themselves, and the reason is for a series of dental appointments. As convoluted the various VISA options are, this is the craziest of all.
Roberto *******
@David ***********
you donât have to pre purchase a ticket, not make accommodations. Just have to show when you think youâre going and where youâre most likely going to stay. Also, why would you have to acquire more funds? Im sure 90% of the applicants already have these funds in their bank account.
I donât get it, are you salty youâre on a worse visa?
David ************
@Roberto ******
This isnât an argument, but just some discussion points. But I donât think you get the point. You have to get here and that certainly is not a free trip. If you donât book accommodations are you going to sleep in the street. And about funds. People ask multiple times everyday here about how much and for how long does their bank account need to show funds. Evidently itâs an issue. Where did you get that 90% number. Google? Whatâs wrong with an over 50 VISA. Iâve been here 12 years on it and costs like only 1900 baht a year. Anyway itâs making many people happy so thatâs a good thing. But I do see people going great lengths to circumvent the system. A 5 year dental procedure. And moving to Thailand to get it. Come in, Give me a break.Reply to
David ************
Reply
Toni *******
@David ***********
im under 50, lived here almost 3years with playing by exempts, tr, ed. This was the thing for me, now i dont have to buy the elite visa. Whats your problem with this exactly?Dylan ******
@Toni ******
tr?Toni *******
@Dylan *****
tr meaning tourist visaReply to
Toni *******
Reply
Oleg ***********
@Toni ******
what will you do in 6 months?Toni *******
@Oleg **********
i dont plan that long ahead, but i wouldnt be surprised if we take a holiday to the philippines some day. I have reminders on my phone for 90day report and 180day extension if i need thoseGreg *******
@Oleg **********
extend or cross the borderReply to
Greg *******
Reply
David ************
@Toni ******
Me, Problem, None at all. I play by the rules the way theyâre written. For you. Get in Anyway you can as the rules now favor you. This visa is giving you a Carte Blanche equivalentâŚ. Get in while you still can and not worry about it for 5 years.Reply to
David ************
Reply
Ĺukasz *********
@David ***********
You don't need a plane ticket or accommodation reservation for this visa.David ************
@Ĺukasz ********
So how do you get to Thailand. And where do you sleep once you get here.Toni *******
@David ***********
this is 5year visa with multiple entries, so you can choose when and whereReply to
Toni *******
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