Recent report from Airport Immigration Office (not actually at the airport) is they had one officer specialising in the DTV. Only heard 2 reports of extension. One was refused as did not have the 500k. The other successful and the immigration officer who knows the DTV helped. Not many immigration offices get kudos in expat groups but Chiang Mai Immigration does. They have graduate trainees and student helpers who go out of their way to help. One expat last week reported 2 of them escorting him to his car with umbrellas last week in the rain :-) :-)

It is very rare for anyone to get pulled unless it is obvious you are bringing in crazy amounts. I have come through customs at both Bangkok airports well over 100 times over the years. Only 1 tome have my bags ever been x-rayed and that was 2022. I was carrying quite a bit of personal belongings I had left with a friend in Singapore when I left in 2017. Opened 2 cases and all good.

I can assure you there is no need for a license to rent a bike in Phuket, Pattaya or Samui. There are some other glaring issues but Mr Pedant is going home at midnight in Chiang Mai :-)

Dog bites man is not newsworthy.

Anonymous participant 448 What do you mean by "Permanent Resident" - it is not a term used in the UK. Anyone equating PR in another country like Thailand or Singapore, equate it to "ILR (Indefinate Leave to Remain)" status. Do you mean you can only apply in UK if you are currently living there?

@Andi **********

And there 6 month lease in Thailand. Probably just want to determine applicants and only do locals.

@Andi **********

That is how I read it too. Not 500k each month for 6 months.

@Kimberly *********

If they are going to ask for 500k to be shown they will ask for the other qualifiers too then? Booked and paid for courses in the case of soft power? This is only going to happen if there is a general change of policy by Immigration and currently this does not look likely.

@Kimberly *********

I saw the English guy post the video. I asked about it and was told it was a while ago. That is the only example I have ever come across of someone saying a person was asked to show 500k at the border. I have zero evidence but the person tried to extend without the 500k at an Immigration Office. My suspicion is a note was put on their file.

@Kimberly *********

That is the only example I have seen and it is not recent is it? I suspect there was more going on there. Tried for Extension in country first and could not get it as lack of funds.