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expat experience

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This page displays all the results for the Expat Experience tag, sorted by the most recent activity. There are a total of 219 questions that have been tagged with Expat Experience. Explore the questions to find discussions and information relevant to this topic.
Jun 16, 2025
14 days ago
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
There has been lots of posts over the years regarding to the use of "Pink" Thai IDs cards. Here is my experience after 5 or 6 years of use. In my mind it's second class to your passport or "normal" Thai ID, in so much they are used when a greater level of verification is needed, like banks, AIS, LD (land department). However, I have successfully used the pink ID in Hospitals both private and government, doctors, dentists, which is useful if I need to go without thinking about taking my passport, because I leave it at home.
Jun 16, 2025
14 days ago
Hi, I'm a bit confused about my experience with the DTV visa in Thailand. I've entered Bangkok three times already, and the first time was smooth with no issues. However, the next two times, I encountered some questioning at immigration.

After my first entry in February, I traveled to Singapore in April and stayed for three weeks. When I returned to Bangkok, a female officer asked about my purpose for visiting Thailand. I explained that I'm taking cooking classes and showed her some photos. She also asked about my return flight to my home country.

When I returned from Singapore again in May, I encountered another female officer who asked why I applied for the DTV visa in Hanoi. I explained that it's for cooking classes and mentioned that I have a sister here. She asked for my return flight ticket, which I showed her, and then stamped my passport.

I'm wondering why I'm being questioned despite having a DTV visa. Should I mention my one-year condo lease in Bangkok during future entries? For context, I'm not working, and I visit Singapore regularly because my partner works there. Since we're not married, I opted for the DTV visa as it's more convenient for me to stay in Thailand than fly back to my home country, which is a four-hour flight. TIA.🙏
Jun 15, 2025
14 days ago
Los Angeles DTV Update Workcation: Remote Employee (I do not own the company)

I simply wanted to share my experience so far. LA continues to be a long and difficult process for DTV.

Reading experiences from previous people who applied, I added way more documents than requested. I included:

1. Proof of Residence via Lease and Bank Statements

2. Proof of Income/Finances at ~$40,000 USD in one savings account, plus an additional $8,000 USD in another checking account, both backed to the last 6-months. I also included paystubs from my current employer.

3. Employment Contract, Remote Work Agreement, Business Incorporation Documents, Taxes for 2024.

On all of them I provided a cover letter that explained what was included and for what purpose.

Applied May 29th. Received notice June 13th requesting further documents. Four out of the Five requested documents were already included in the initial application:

1. Proof of Location via a Utility Bill (I Included via Lease and Bank Statement)

2. Proof of Finances over $17,000 for the last 3-months (I included 6-months in previous application)

3. Employment Contract (Included in Last Application)

4. Business Portfolio w/ Description of Business Activities (This one was not included prior)

5. Remote Work Agreement (Included in the previous)

I'll keep you updated as to what happens next!

Edit: As of today, June 23rd, it was approved!
Jun 10, 2025
19 days ago
also confirming i got my dtv approved today @ phnom penh cambodia, aus passport, living in thailand 2 years (1st year visa runs + 2nd year ed language visa)

-submitted on 16th may via issa compass visa agent

-remote worker

-only had the 500k thb in my account for 3 days before submission (still have it on me in case)

-was not asked for further docs or interview

-upon arriving in cambodia, was told by agent that its become an up-to-a-month process here now

enjoyed my stay in cambodia, no regrets, and to all those that wanna cry about paying for an agent--- kk bro we get it youre the coolest smartest guy known to man... id rather pay a $100-150 for peace of mind + saving my time + having application fee reimbursed if worst case.. i.e. having as much % chance of successful outcome... but i guess im the fool, right?

was going to originally return to thailand via land border, but due to current border dispute just gonna fly + vip fast track
Jun 4, 2025
25 days ago
It helps to answer interview in Thai 💕 officer will be nicer 💕 first applied last year in my home country, confident with bank account n yearly income but was met with (we don't have bilateral agreements with Thai govt so we don't know what to charge)

So to rush to get in I did ED visa which helped me to learn Thai เรียนภาษาไทย but 😩 unable to travel out. So I took the plunge & one way ticket out. Lesson learnt to check on bank holidays it was a grueling 18 days wait with just an appointment date. But I think 2 points to learn from this

1) Glad I got an agent, pay 100USD to save on headache, help me check on docs & even advise me retaking photo showing my ears and no teeth to prevent rejection. They help to push along documents.

2) Sometimes you just have to push through, follow instructions, be there early not on time, before office opens (everyone had appointment at 9.30am) what a cute arrangement 😂 just persevere. Be prepared for the weather (correction : thks for helping below, so I be sure not to miss deadline reporting save fine money 😊)
May 30, 2025
a month ago
I just did my 90 day reporting in Chiang Mai as a DTV and it took less than 5 minutes. I was prepared to spend the whole day there. So happy the process was smooth
May 24, 2025
a month ago
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just sharing today’s exprience in Don Mueng. I used the Thai passport lane as I was traveling with my thai wife. I had filled out the DTAC, and handed it to the immigration officer, who proceeded to totally ignored it. He did not want to see it or the barcode, and just went into the passport to look for the visa stamp.
May 21, 2025
a month ago
Hello everyone, hope you are all doing good😊.

Just a question if you don't mind helping.

Once you have submitted the DTV application and then a couple of days later received a message for a further document that I've updated as requested, does that mean everything else on my application was ok? Or do they keep coming back as they get further into the application requesting more?

Just wondering if I'm all good after submitting the requested document 🤔.

Thanks.
May 12, 2025
2 months ago
Mike ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
TDAC Application

On the application I don't see South Korea listed in the Country of Boarding drop down section, only North Korea.

What am I missing?

Thanks.

Mike
May 8, 2025
2 months ago
Zolar *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello every one,

I have got DTV visa since December 2024 and stay at Chiangmai over 5 months already. I have to extend/ renew another 180 days to stay at Thailand and I consider to go Tachileik which I have to cross border line to Myanmar and re-enter. So is there any one has experience for it and Thailand immigration at Tachileik border has capacity to extend visa for another 180 days by stamp in there? Would you please kindly advise?
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