What is the new DTV visa in Thailand and how will it affect existing visa types?

@Nongnuch *******

Give it (them) time to present the final details. In general, the Destination Thailand Visa goes in the right direction. It is just a shame that they always invent new programs, instead of just improving / iterating existing programs (like the LTR Visa).

@Frank-Steven **********

I can't believe they create a multiple-entry visa with a 5-year visa validity. It means you can enter unlimited times, and always get issued a 180 days stay permit. It would make the ELITE visa obsolete

@Nongnuch *******

It would make EVERY long term visa obsolete. I'll be the first to quit the retirement visa and become a "digital nomad" - apparently the only criteria is you sit in a coffee shop for four hours a day, using the free WiFi, and nursing one cheap coffee! I reckon I could do that! 😂😂😂

@Jim *******

I guess there will be an age limit! Unlike the age limit set for a Non-Imm-ED visa. They don't accept any "students" over the age of 50

@Nongnuch *******

Not true. My 58 year old drinking buddy got an ED visa last year! There's no age limit in digital nomads!

@Jim *******

I don't say digital nomads got an age limit. I only say that this scenario COULD happen. At the very moment, we do not know any details surrounding this DTV visa. There even is the strong possibility that the Thais will scrap all these plans when they realize the pitfalls of it

@Nongnuch *******

Totally agree with you on that one. I'm convinced most of it is hot air and pie in the sky dreaming. I do think the visa exempt entries will go to 60 days, but there will be no extensions available after that. That's to relieve the pressure on immigration offices continually issuing stupid 30-day extensions. That part makes sense. But this 5-year visa is nonsense. It'll stop people applying for the Elite Visa, and that's the last thing they want!

@Jim *******

I did some math. The new 60-day visa-exempt would make the 60-days single entry tourist visa obsolete. Nobody would apply for it anymore. Which means, that in the wake of 25 millions of tourists, around 15 millions will not apply for the tourist visa any more for their holiday. Which means that the Thai MfA is kicking a revenue of 15.000.00 x 35.- Euro visa-fee into the bin. It corresponds for a loss of 525 million Euros!

@Nongnuch *******

Correct, but the tourist visa can be extended to 90-days.

@Jim *******

the 60 days visa-exempt can ALSO be extended for 30 more days for 1900.- THB on Immigration!

@Nongnuch *******

Can you show me where that is stated please?

@Jim *******

Can't remember where I read it. It said "extendable"

@Nongnuch *******

I think you're guessing. I read that the new measures were to alleviate the pressures in immigration offices handling high numbers of extensions. So they're dropping the extension, and just giving 60 days flat

@Jim *******

maybe he used an agent help him grease the wheels. Money buys you everything

@Nongnuch *******

Nope - it was a language school. Good one too. Duke in Soi 13. All legit

@Nongnuch *******

Agreed. The details aren’t clear, yet. I doubt it will end up being 180 days per entry. Then again, the Elite getting obsolete would be a good thing. Ridiculous to ask people to pay that much (Elite) for the privilege to spend money in the country. In parts they made the Elite obsolete with the LTR already - which in many ways is the better deal already.

@Sacher ******

Let's wait for the details to come. 180 days a year would still be a good deal for a multiple entry 5 year visa at 10k THB. There is other places in the world that are nice to - especially the less nice other 185 days a year.

@Frank-******

Corporation* not an incorperation, verb not a noun. You'd know that though wince you channel all your money through one though 😂.

And how many people have been issued thr LTR since inception?

@Garrett **********

You are a great English teacher, thank you. 😘 And as for your question: Not more than a couple of hundred LTR's have been issued - maybe a few thousands in the lower 4 digits. The program was set out to attract a million people, though. So, the initiative failed its self-set target. End of story. And it did so, because (like all so often in Thailand) - they messed that great idea up in the details with bureaucratic overkill of requirements that don't align with the desired audiences’ realities. So it failed quantitatively (as in not even a fraction of the desired numbers) but also qualitatively (as in missing out on a big group they would actually desire). But I got better things to do than to debate this here. Have a great day y'all.

@Frank-Steven **********

no Mr Oakwood. It is very easy, the easiest. If you work with a big company it’s so clear.

@Jo *********

I work with many big / listed companies. Only I refuse to be directly employed by them. Instead, I invoice them through a corporation that I own. Almost all smart "remote workers" do it like that - if for tax reasons alone.

@Peter ********

no