@Paul ******

it's not actually. Some places, usually in highly toursited areas, do charge 3%. Just because you haven't experienced it does not mean it doesn't happen. You've probably never been hit by a bus or been in a plane crash, doesn't mean someone else hasn't experienced it.

We went through the Vancouver consulate and they accepted our marriage certificate. You can try to check with the embassy you'll be using, some have their own requirements.

Yes, we were on a retirement extension previously. We when left last year we didn't get the re-entry permit so they were no longer valid. We got our DTV's last July, have been in and out of Thailand 3 times since, no issues.

If the bank account is no big deal and you already travel so leaving every 180 days isn't a issue, then there aren't really any drawbacks. We switched from non o's to DTV's because it suits us better. Edit - you will get the fear mongering about they will be cancelled like what's happening with the current fraudulent ed visa's but if you get it legally, above board it should be okay. Those on ed visas who are actually attending schools and legally obtained their visas are fine. It is getting harder to meet the requirements for some, embassies worldwide are becoming stricter and each one is different. Also the extension requirements are similar to non o's in that you need to prove you still qualify and you still need to do the 90 days. Some people state they've been asked for proof of funds or other documents on re-entry, but to date, with 3 entries we never have.

Also Canadian, applied thru Vancouver consulate July 2024. We needed the equivalent of 1MM THB in our joint account. It had to be in a regular bank account not investment, crypto, etc. The Vancouver Consulate will respond to emails and calls.

We applied through Vancouver consulate in July 2024, workcation. Main DTV holder was approved in 2 hours, dependant 24 hours.

@Ada *****

that's incorrect. It's all online unless they specifically ask you to come in for an interview.

Applying for the METV is cheaper and easier. You might have to show a flight into Thailand, out of Thailand and then back into Thailand to indicate you require it, but I'd check first. It's great if you aren't sure if Thailand is a longer term thing and gives you the 6 months you want, you'd just need to do a border hop at the 3 month mark. You want to apply pretty close to your actual departure date since it effective the day it's issued. The other option would be visa exempt, go to Vietnam or Indonesia for a couple of weeks, then come back visa exempt.

@Sam ****

this is the link for the DTV group.

Like any FB group there are a lot of "experts" who have no actual clue, bitter expats and people who haven't gone through the application process but have some intelligent contributions. We applied last year through the consulate in Vancouver and didn't have any issues. You can email them if you have direct questions, sometimes they answer the phone, they are quick to respond. My husband got the "workcation" and I am a dependent. It was pretty easy, just a matter of making sure we had the right documents. For your girlfriend, she'll need soft power. The course will have to be minimum 6 months and approved by the appropriate ministries to be applicable. There are numerous Muay Thai and approved cooking classes out there, but you need to determine where you would be staying first.

Check the website for which ever Thai embassy you'll be using in Vietnam. Join the DTV group and search, lots of posts in that group. Every embassy is different, some want minimum 3 months others want 6.