Arrived in Bangkok 11 December

This is not something I dreamed up.

Previous retirement visa but COVID and a death in the family screwed that up. So in

November 2024 Visa exempt with 30 day extention. Left the country for a week and back from Vientiane to get another Visa exempt and left before the 60 days in April 2025. That entry did raise a few eyebrows and required input of a senior IO but nothing was said. That was the only visa run done.

For the record, no over stays or any other issues in 35 odd years. A clean slate as far as I am aware.

On arrival got taken out the queue to the immigration office. Had to fill out a Passenger Information Form and was told I needed a Wife visa. The IO supervisor, firm but polite, wanted to see Baht 20,000 CASH, marriage certificate 35 years married to a Thai, wife ID card and a ticket out of Thailand. I had a genuine reservation to Ho Chi Ming city, thought that might be helpful.

I was given a 60 day visa exempt and TOLD in no uncertain terms to get the correct visa. I doubt if a 30 day extension will be given

On a side note there was another Brit who seemed to have been stopped for visa "irregularities" and told to return to the UK. When he asked if he could buy a ticket to Loas he was told no, go back to the UK.

There were at least 6 others in the office, the one where seniors over 70 can fast track, being interviewed.

So there will be two types people that will read this.

1. Those who think this will not happen to them and continue to think visa exempt is the way to long term stays. Your entitlement will be your undoing.

2. Those that will take on my experience and be prepared. I honestly believed that the ticket to Vietnam saved me from being sent back to the UK.

So why did not get the correct visa before coming. I have been trying to get funds out of a fund run by STM Malta, useless company, for 4 months. They keep changing the goal posts.

Far too many posts thinking this is a joke it is not. Long term stays require a visa.

Are there official announcements that they won’t grant DTVs in the near future?

Flying out of the country and returning on the same day for 6 months extension, is it possible? Or is it risky to do?

Would staying 1 night and flying back the next day be safer? Anyone with experience that flew back same day did you have any troubles? Thank you

Hello, I'm interested in obtaining a DTV visa through Muay Thai gym, with the intention of changing it at a later date. Could anyone here who has gone through this process please offer some general advice and/or tips on it, as well as recommend any good gyms to contact for this. Thanks!

How long must I stay out of Thailand after a 90 stay?

Hi everyone,

As many of us who have lived in Thailand for a number of years know, immigration rules can shift without much warning. I wanted to hear your thoughts on the new DTV visa, particularly regarding future enforcement.

How long do you think it will be before immigration officers at airports or land borders start requesting more detailed proof from DTV visa holders—such as:

– Proof of ongoing funds (e.g., showing that the 500,000 THB minimum is still available)

– Evidence that remote workers are still actively working for the company they listed on their application

– For those who applied through the Soft Power route, confirmation that they are actually attending classes or programs (e.g., signed attendance or progress reports)

Do you think this type of enforcement is likely in the near future, or will things stay relatively hands-off?

Hi,

I'm trying to determine when the 3 months has passed after being granted an extension of my retirement visa to be able to drop the funds deposited in my bank account to below 800,000 baht,

Is it from when the visa was granted, 17th December 2024 or 16th January 2025 when my new visa started?

Thanks in advance.

I got a quote from an agent of 70,000 Baht to help me with the retirement visa process. Is this a fair price? Could anybody recommend a trusted agent if this quote is too high? Seems a bit high but I have no idea if I’m right. Thanking you in advance!

She wants her home in Issan renovated. Basically rebuilt. I put the cost to at least 1.000.000 baht + . What is the best way forward in covering myself legaly with the Thai authorities. I would indirectly be paying men’s wages to carry out the works. Along with sourcing all materials and paying for these.

Morning guys.

I'm looking to buy fire bricks to build a pizza oven. Any idea where i can purchase these from????

Many thanks in advance