@Marco ******

technically you are correct, but since January they have been much more strict, I suspect this maybe because of the ETA process that's incoming which will mean that they have much lass ways to take tea money..

Thai immigration look at your last 6 months and say you cannot visit more than twice under visa exemption so after Malaysia you have high risk of denial, few people on here have this experience in last few months

A couple of friends of mine were asked why they not have a visa for visit because they see that the make the trip from UK to Thailand maybe 3 times a year and they are retirement age, so yes immigration are getting a bit tighter in regards to multi entry in a year, also have a friend who did the 6 month visa before he came, even with that you have to leave and come back every 60 days, but he's been out twice and come back no issues or questions, so that maybe your safe option and I agree that you should probably book a flight out of Thailand before you come, like you have said it's part of your travel plans

Agree that you need to speak to a legal advisor, but depending on how long you know your lady and future plans it maybe a good idea to really look at business visa for a couple of reasons, it's the only visa that can lead to permanent residency I believe and also moving forward if things go south for you and your lady you would still own part of the business and have some protection if it's in joint ownership, where if just marriage visa and things go bad you could lose all much easier, please understand that this is my understanding of things and may not be 100% right, so as others have said seek legal advice please

@Rob ********

So the reason the DTV is 180 and leave is because of tax liability, and it's not really a stretch for them to think 'true digital nomads' would move between 3-4 countries a year is it, part of the reason to become one is to travel is it not??

Last year I spoke to an agent in regards to becoming part owner in a currently running Thai owner bar and the registration and visa was quoted at 65k baht and 35k baht for work permit and yes of course there would be staff cost to get work permit but as bar has staff that's not an issue, this quick quote was given to by Magna Carta on South Pattaya road just by the junction with the big yellow Tony's fitness place

@John ******

there was a YT video recently after changing to fully digital application that advised it will now typically take 14 days

@Joseph ****

oh I do wish I was asking for me but sadly that's not the case, and it's me that's ask on my friends behalf as I have spent more time in Thailand than him and so may understand thinks people mention a bit more and he is also very busy trying to get other ducks in a row ready to take the next steps when it's possible, so I'm just trying to be a good friend and take some pressure to help things....maybe I will be asking similar things for me in the future who knows....

@Terary *********

hmm some food for thought in your answer so thank you for that and also as I have spent some time in Thailand I understand that not every little thing is tested, but I have heard some stories about people getting in to trouble for painting there own home or changing a lightbulb in a bar, so it seems that you can be in wrong place at the wrong time, it just depends on who sees you, most of the answers people have given have matched my thoughts as in it would not be legal as it's really two separate things, remote work part is easy with DTV but the hands on part is the issue, and you might have given a good idea in saying hire a Thai person to do the hands on part, I know there are lots of smart ones about, maybe I will go speak to a computer shop or two next chance I get....

@Braulio ********

can I ask in what way I sound suspicious please, maybe I just didn't ask my question in the clearest way