For the sake of argument….

What if someone lands in whatever country they wish to apply from.

Uploads photo of entry stamp to said country.

Comes to Thailand visa exempt while waiting for approval. Or even goes to another country.

After approval, next entry to Thailand they start using their DTV.

@Mat****

what if you just pull it out at the ATM?

@Gr**

I don’t know how they would know.

If I go to an ATM and take out money from an overseas account is that income remitted?

If people owe me money and make regular bank transfers to my account, is that income?

I understand there’s CRS. But I’m hesitant to believe what they will know or be able to do.

The only thing they’re getting from me now is a portion of the interest my Thai bank pays every 6 months. They can keep it.

@M*

just the stamp for current stay. 180 days runs out in January.

@Ad**

, I can sympathize with that. Another way of looking at it: it’s for far fewer nights and you only have to go there once.

Additionally, think of all the money you saved by not trying to stay here on Muay Thai, ED, pay to volunteer visas. That would run you 35,000฿/year at a minimum.

D) Taiwan. Fastest turnaround time. Flight prices are similar. No appointment necessary.

@Ke***

, I’d much rather have a short holiday than spend another day at immigration. What a waste of time and paper.

@Ka**

, in Thailand, you take your old passport with the visa and your new passport to any immigration office and they officially move it into your new passport.

It’s not difficult. I’ve done it before.

As far as losing a passport, that would be very inconvenient, but you gotta treat it like gold and it’s wise to have photos of your details and visa on your phone as well as have it uploaded to the cloud.

@Den***

there’s some English but it’s still a bank account. You’re not signing over your first born child or giving a kidney.

You’ll be alright. If sceptical, probably best to pass. It’s a minor convenience to have but not necessary to live here.

@Dee***

, I agree. 90% of the time, people don’t need a Thai bank account.