Requesting permission to post this video from Integrity Legal. Seems like Benjamin Hart has a real problem with this visa (and by extension, his friend, Barry Kenyon from the Pattaya Mail), believing such things as, 1) no in-country extensions will be possible; 2) it will lead to an influx of Westerners and other foreigners that will "disrupt" the Thai way of life and 3) that it can't be used for de facto residence in Thailand. 4) That Thailand based employment would be allowed when this visa was first announced (I don't remember that claim at all).

Firstly, for 1) it's too early to say what will happen. Let's wait and see and stop with the endless back and forth speculation. For 2) that's complete nonsense; only a few thousand DTVs have been approved, that's a drop in the ocean compared to the millions of tourists that have entered Thailand since the DTV became available in mid July. Not to mention there have probably been thousands more agent assisted extensions of stay for retirement, marriage and other purposes issued in that time. 3) Why would the DTV be different to a multiple entry non-imm visa? Other than some land borders possibly insisting on a night or two outside of the country between visits (especially if you "max out" the nearly 6 month stay limit) I don't see why DTV holders won't be able to come and go as freely as multiple entry non-imm B and O holders have been so far. 4) Sounds like he's making that up or has misunderstood something.

How can I give 6 months payslips if I have only been employed 2 months?

I am applying for my DTV visa next week in Jakarta. I’m hearing there is potential for them to ask me for 6 months payslips/bank account history however I have only been employed for 2 months. Has anyone had this problem?

Hi everyone.

I have a non-b visa with work permit (3 months extended to 1 year, obtained in Malaysia).

I found out my Dad was unwell in hospital, so I left Thailand to visit him (with a re-entry permit) and hoped to have returned by now.

Unfortunately with stage 4 kidney failure he is not improving, therefore I wont be able to return to Thailand soon.

I was hoping for some clarity on how/if I can cancel my work permit and visa from the UK. I want to do this properly and abide by the laws.

If necessary I could try fly to Thailand, cancel them and fly out again, but of course that is a lot of money, so would avoid if possible.

Any help is really appreciated, thank you

We are a family of three from NZ, we have two businesses there that we own and can run them remotely.

Currently in Thailand (dont wanna go home) and ideally would like to apply in SE Asia as the NZ embassy charges 42,000 baht per person!

Plus we would need to all get back there too which would cost a similar figure each.

Has anyone applied as a family with dependents / spouse and what financials did they ask you , as we do not keep 1.5 million baht liquid but can show regular income well above requirements?

Via business profit and loss and similar.

Interested to hear others experience in similar situations.

Hi Guys, I currently have a retirement visa and due to the UK pension rules if I just stay in Thailand my state pension is frozen (I arrived 3 months ago! The question I would like to ask is if I go back to the UK for 6 months and wouldn't be able to do the 90 day reporting would I lose my visa? Which I would like to keep!

Many thanks, David

Does anyone know if you need to notify residence after the change to new TM30 system. I thought we were good by being notified in the old system, but our names don’t pop-up in the new system.

Hi group,

I will renew my retirement visa this week with single reentry , and my passport is still valid for 13 months. Once Home in Belgium, I will get a new passport. What will happen with my non O visa and the extensions ? How will this be transferred in my home country? Thank you for your answer. Regards, Luc

Hi, hope someone can help clarify…I’m an expat resident in Bangkok and want to visit Phuket (for a local holiday not sandbox programme) for a week in February. What are the rules for domestic flights in terms of PCR/AKT requirements inbound/outbound?

This anouncement is a complete new way of letting people stay who are unable to travel due to Covid.

It is not an extension of the ending maximum 60 day program.

So far we understand:

People entered Thailand with a visa on arrival can NOT apply for an Extension of Stay based on unable to travel due to covid.

People entered Thailand with a Non Immigrant Visa can NOT apply for an Extension of Stay based on unable to travel due to covid and must apply according the normal requirements for their stay and reason why the visa is issued.

People entered Thailand on a Tourist Visa must apply first for the normal 30 day Extension of Stay based on Tourism, after that they can apply for an Extension of Stay for no more than (EDIT) 60 days each time.

There is an extra warning:

2. Increasing strictness in considering permission to stay in the Kingdom to prevent aliens from using them as an opportunity to circumvent the reasons for applying to stay in the Kingdom without meeting the objectives of the immigration law. In this regard, the relevant laws, regulations, orders and guidelines shall be complied with. The agency inspects the notification of residence under section 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and checks to prevent illegal work without permission

There are still talks going on with Visa Experts and translators, but the general advice is for those who want to stay another 60 days in Thailand claiming they are unable to travel back home,

DO IT TODAY.

What this new program will offer for those who are already in Thailand using the Extension of Stay based on unable to travel is NOT mentioned. Be aware and make sure you have a plan B in place.

Please stay on topic and updates or corrections will be made if we found out the details in a better way.

Thanks for your patience.

Is there any sliver of hope that I could close the loop at a different immigration office than CW?