Finally got the DTV. Went through an unbelievable ordeal to get it. Here’s my story:

Applied in Savannaket a few weeks ago in the workcation category. Waited a few days, then was told that I need to provide some extra business documents from my clients translated and notarised. For various reasons I couldn’t get them, so I went back on a tourist visa.

Decided to apply the soft power route. Found a Muay Thai gym that could provide the documents and I purchased a 6 month course with them for 22k.

Flew to China under the new visa free arrangement, thinking I could apply there. Was told at the embassy there that foreigners cannot apply in China without a Chinese residency permit.

Decided to take a bus to Hanoi. Forgot that I need to apply for a visa invitation letter first for Vietnam (d’oh). Missed the bus. Decided to book a flight straight to Taipei to apply there.

Applied at Taipei on Monday morning. They told me I needed a certain business license document for the gym which was different from the document I had been given (which was strange because 10 people had already gotten the visa with this gym with these same documents, including one in Taipei).

They also said they wanted me to show them my bank account balance on my phone. Opened my bank app, and suddenly I was completely locked out for security reasons. Spent hours on the phone with customer support and waited a full day before I could get back into my account.

Meanwhile, I emailed the gym owner. He said they don’t have that specific document, but gave me a copy of his work permit.

Went back the next day. Got a different visa officer this time. She decided that the issue was actually not about that business license document, but the fact that the name of the gym on that document did not match the company I made the payment to (which is actually the company owned by the gym).

I told the owner. He agreed to issue a new invitation letter under the name of the holding company so that it would match up.

Meanwhile, I suddenly realised that… I could not find my passport. I had given it to the lady at the embassy, and it seemed she never gave it back. Cue one hour of me and all the embassy staff running around frantically trying to find my passport, and me panicking thinking that I would have to order an emergency one and be stuck here for another week.

Finally, some lady in the back room of the embassy yelled “found it!” It was hiding under some document.

By then I was sweating bullets and my head was spinning.

I gave them the updated invitation letter and explained them that the gym is actually owned by this holding company.

Three of them got together and scrutinised the documents. They highlighted a bunch of stuff, then decided they would let the supervisor make the final decision, and told me to come back in the afternoon.

I came back at 3pm, and they told me it was approved.

THE END

I wanted to share some useful information:

I flew to Thailand 2 months ago to get a hip replacement. My last trip to Thailand was a long time ago. People on this site helped me with vital travel tips, because by the time time I arrived, I was in a WHEELCHAIR - (yes my condition got exponentially worse). I only knew one quick way to get started: I checked into a $30 hotel (The Palace), near Bumgrungrad, and went down there. After a visit I learned the surgery was $20,000+ USD. I knew I was simply reconnoitering and getting information. He told me to go to his alma mater, Ramathipbodi Hospital, for a better deal. It took me about 10 days to get things lined up (major surgery) at Ramathibodi: a lot of waiting, tests, etc. No other Fahrangs AT ALL - fully Thai. It wasn't so bad. I adapt and learn.

The doctor told me I had to check in WITH A FRIEND (who had to say in my room for the whole stay) or it was not possible. Since I wasn't in Thailand to recreate, and I was damn-near crippled, it looked like an Apollo 13 moment: complete failure. I went down to a legitimate massage place on Sukhumvit Road and within two days, I had arranged to have a nice woman (52 years old) - agree to help me. The doctor at Ramathipodi had already told me I needed to stay in Thailand 3 months. So first trip was to Immigration. My friend totally helped me, and major surgery is a sure-bet extended visa. After about 10 days of hospital visits, everything worked out. I was was 'fast-tracked' at Ramathipbodi Premium because I am an American and can affort $200/day hospital stay for 3 DAYS... I never saw one foreigner in over 2 weeks, weird. Surgury/stay/surgeons/prosthesis/care was 10K USD... email with questions.

I have a life-lone friend in Thailand now, and maybe could be advice to you if you need information.

Thank you everyone -

Caleb - USA

I have an unbelievable story! One of our new teachers in the office (July) actually got a work permit today! He should be getting his non b this week. Yes, you can swoon now. He’s from Wales.

Hi all. I wanted to share a happy store about DMK immigration this time. 😂 I flew out late Tuesday night from there with a 1 day overstay as my visa actually expired the day before on the 2nd. I was so anxious eventho it was just a day (not even a full day) over. I was rushing to make my 7:35p flight and was praying. Hahaha

The agent was very nice she called another make agent over and asked if I knew I'd overstayed, I confirmed yes because of my flight already being booked. She smiled asked when I was returning I told her 6th and she sent me through with the male agent. Who just checked something in the computer. I was all pulling out money to pay and he just smiled and told me to go ahead. When I tell you I was so happy! LMFAO! I floated through security and was at peace by not paying that 500 baht I swear to you. I'm flying back in the early morning but landing in Suvarnabhumi this time. Fingers crossed! 🤞

Hello TVA fam. Just wanted to share a story with you. I am on my non b teaching visa and when I was going back today to my condo I saw 7 immigration officers with police officers at the entrance. They where talking to anyone they saw including the door man and receptionist. They called me over nicely asked for my passport or copy which I didn't have. I said it was in my room they escorted me there I showed them my passport my tm 30...the took a picture of me near to my room door...looked and something on their tablets...took down my passport information and said okay thank you you may go. They talked to all farangs in the be condo and much more. I think my big joke wave has hit Chiang Mai. But ye just a story. Gl all.