@Adam ****************

100%

Have they not just changed the rules for SIM cards very recently (If the Telco's define the DTV as a tourist visa) - need to revalidate every 60 days? Has anyone seen that

I think you phrased it well already. Just say you want to travel and see more of the country and observe and learn the culture. This you cannot do on a short term visa as you need more immersion. Good luck.

@Adam ****************

Yes you can. You can do both even on a Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa.

There was a recent thread about this. DTV you can work remotely legally. Strictly speaking on Retirement you cannot. Less visits to Immigration Office with DTV. Money not tied up in a Thai Bank if doing capital option for the O. Costs can be debated but it depends how much you travel. Full 5 year O with multiple entry permit each year cost is currently. The DTV is 10k initial plus SP if that route plus border bounces for most. The "O" is a much more established visa and is "Owned" by immigration who also own entry and extensions for both. That could lead to a speculative area which I will leave for others.

@Fitfac ****************

Yes. It is quite obvious it was rushed and all stakeholders not consulted :-)

@Fitfac ****************

My best pal is quite a senior Diplomat (Not Thai). I was telling him about the DTV. He was amazed about 2 things 1) That the MFA could create a visa and issue it without the interior depth. 2) That embassies do not have fill sight of the system and immigration history of all applicants.

Talk to the Plants and Herbs people on Whats-App. They are very responsive and will tell you where recent applicants have been successful. As for shorter courses there are currently no issues doing those and re-entering without further booked courses.

@Fitfac ****************

I was surprised they did not have the visa application history previously.

@Fitfac ****************

Interesting about not applying immediately. There have been a few questions about this recently.