Email them, Vancouver consulate is responsive, ask why they changed it. It could be they are one of the embassies that don't accept that course as it can be done on line. You may as well use the METV since some embassies won't issue an DTV with an active METV.

It's very easy to do yourself if you meet the qualifications but if you aren't sure or confident then there are different levels of agents. To get someone to help you with a course and proof of funds is expensive and can have drawbacks. To get someone to review your paperwork and just give some general advice, cheap and easy. Neither come with any guarantees though so choose wisely.

@Max *********

I'd go a bit further then

@Todd ********

suggests and talk to an agent for your next entry. At the very least, if they won't offer you a "safe entry" you know you'll probably be denied. Might want to look into the DTV as well, still fairly easy to get in neighboring countries and the agent can probably assist with that. Edit - a tourist visa probably isn't worth your time since it's no guarantee

@AllSabai *****

a lot of people actually. I've met lots of people who use visa exempt to come to Thailand, travel around a bit and then determine if they want to proceed with a longer term visa or if they want to live in a certain area before signing a long term lease. Along with those that aren't interested in settling, don't need to work, travel full time and spend 3 months in various countries in the area. Easy enough for people in those circumstances to switch to getting a tourist visa instead so they won't be affected.

Visa exempt entries have always been abused no matter how long they were valid for. It's surprising it's lasted as long as it has considering it was announced by the prior PM and didnt seem to be a permanent thing.

The visa will be valid from the date it's approved, not your planned arrival date which has nothing to do with it. You'll be wasting almost 6 months so you'd be better off waiting at this point. Depending on what embassy, some won't let you apply more than 3 months out.

@Brandon ***********

if you are in the DTV group there is a post about people with the DTV being pulled aside, getting questioned and having to provide the 3 proofs at CNX. It's an interesting read.

@John *********

true, but they don't normally ask for those items with a tourist visa. I can't read Thai but was under the impression that the entry laws, thinking Royal Gazette, only mentions those requirements for visa exempt.

@Matthew ********

wrong group, he's not in this one. The same agent owns the other group as well.

@Greg *******

I also think there is a lot of 🐂💩 answers in these groups that just add to people's confusion.

@Paul ******

that's not a "need" it's a personal choice. If you have a trip planned sure, but I wouldn't go out of my way to travel just to avoid 15 minutes at immigration.