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I had the incredible opportunity to meet Ambassador Sean O'Neill, Consul General Kathryn Flachsbart, and their team at the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. They graciously spent about three hours with our group of veterans, and everyone treated us with remarkable kindness and warmth. I was definitely fanboying over the Foreign Service Officers, who kindly answered all my curious questions.

This visit truly broadened my understanding of how embassies support Americans overseas. It was inspiring to see people from diverse backgrounds united by the common goal of serving our fellow Americans abroad. The Ambassador emphasized that the pause on immigrant visa issuance means that, while issuance is paused, the rest of the process, including accepting applications, continues. He talked about tariffs, the border conflict, military relations, and the role of an embassy.

Meanwhile, the Consul General addressed the topic of tourist visas, explaining that visa officers must operate under the assumption that applicants might attempt to immigrate or misuse their tourist visa. Thus, it’s up to the applicant to prove their intentions and stability. Naturally, having strong financial stability greatly helps in overcoming these concerns. In addition to these topics, we also discussed tariffs, veterans’ concerns, and handling remains.

I’m excited about the possibility of volunteering at the embassy soon and look forward to showcasing how we support our veterans and fellow Americans abroad. It was a very proud moment to see it was my fellow veterans advocating for Americans who have passed away in Thailand, and making sure they get their proper respect. We do that work, and a lot more at American Legion Thailand Post TH01

#AmericanLegion #stillserving

So how long do you all think the DTV soft power option will be available like that ?

Now with all the changes for tourist visa I’m worried they will get it that a 6 month course doesn’t really justify a 5 year visa.. anybody had the experience applying for DTV but getting less than 5 year visa ? Or does it depend on the embassy you’re applying at ?

Why dont the banks / goverment allow people on tourist visas to open highly limited bank accounts that could be a win win. E.G limit transfer amounts in / out monthly. Limit transfers to foreign accounts etc that way day to day spening is possible but business / work isn't.

I don't know about you guys but I would be happy with a bank account with a tiny limit such as 1,000 baht per month all my large spending can be on credit card and my small day to day stuff on my thai account.

This limit would stop people running businesses or getting paid through their thai bank accounts but allow legitimate tourists to use the bank account

FYI...

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still deliberating the possibility of reducing the visa-free period for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days, with no decision made thus far.

Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura reassured that no new visa regulations are currently in place, so tourists visiting Thailand remain unaffected for now.

Since a policy change in July 2024, passport holders from 93 countries have enjoyed entry into Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, with the potential to extend their stay to 90 days.

Full story:

This popped up in my news feed. Guess helpful for a border run with no visa cost.

Is there any particular visa requirement to get a savings account here. Is a W-P 100% required? Any banks for more tourist friendly than others? Ask for a long-term tourist friend

Me & my wife are traveling to Thailand like we do each year at Christmas for 30 days only. We've heard the E- visa is starting on the 1st December. Do we need the E-visa?

Hello,

Have you ever been asked by an airline on the way to Thailand or at immigration at the airport in Thailand for a bank statement to see if you have enough funds?

Someone in another facebook group is claiming a new rule that visa runs are unlimited by land. Is there any truth in that?