@Su *******

yeah, I hear you on that... an hour at immigration isn't horrible and we also have no issue with providing the required documents. I think for most people, thinking soft power, it will depend on the requirements regarding classes or ongoing medical treatment. If you travel a lot it's a non issue, but those that don't will have to decide based on their circumstances. Will be interesting to see how it goes.

@Alma **************

currently there are no requirements when you re-enter from a border bounce. Doesn't mean they won't pull you aside or ask questions, but no one has reported being asking for "proof" doing a bounce.

@Su *******

suggest you edit your original post as this is relevant info. Every IO might have slightly different information required.

@Henrik ****

your comment makes no sense.

@Harvey ***********

did not use a loophole. He legally applied at an official Thai embassy in the country he was physically located in at the time. They accepted his application so he met their requirements and was officially granted his visa. His entry stamp was accepted as proof of residency by the embassy, just like Vietnam, Taiwan and other nearby countries accept entry stamps or hotel bookings. Nowhere on the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh site does it state "a real residential status" is required for this embassy. The ones that require that, state it on the embassy information site. Based on your comment you are impling that those who did not apply at their "home countries" embassies used a loophole which is not factual.

Anonymous participant can you edit your post to show where your "local" immigration office is? If immigration follows the usual trend, every office will have small quirks and requirements that others won't... like CNX requiring a TM30 for extensions when others don't. I totally agree that it's helpful to share info and appreciate you sharing the experience. There will soon be a flurry of these posts and knowing what office wants what is also helpful.

The LTR is the best if you qualify. If you travel a lot the DTV is easier and a bit cheaper. You don't have to deal with yearly extensions or pay for re-entry permits so in the end it's cheaper. It's valid for 5 years so more flexibility if you go somewhere and end up getting stuck for an extra month or two, you don't have to be back for that yearly date. Also lower financial requirements and you don't have to keep funds in a Thai bank. If you don't travel the benefit would just be on the financial side.

@Alma **************

I'd seen your previous posts and questions in this and the DTV group so was happy you finally got it.

@Alma **************

glad you finally got it and it all worked out. Leave whenever it's convenient but before your 60 days expires. I'd print a copy to take with you and check to make sure you get the 180 days when you get stamped in again. After everything you've gone through to get it, I'd be paranoid of anything going wrong!

@Rob ********

lying on a visa application is a form of deception and when it results in someone obtaining the visa it is considered fraudulent. Of course many people obtain the visas using agents. Some agents actually work within the requirements but it's common knowledge that many agents also assist people in fraudulently obtaining visas... putting money in the bank for retirees being one of the most common. Eventually, immigration cracks down and visas become harder to access like what's happened to volunteer and ED visas. I think it was 2 years, maybe even last year, some agent visa mills for ED visas were shut down in Chiang Mai and people had their visas revoked. In all probability the agencies have already opened under other names. This isn't uncommon or unheard of in most countries when it comes to immigration and will probably never end while there are loop holes to work around. Everyone should make their own decisions about how to go about it and do what they are comfortable with.

Anonymous participant Marcus is giving you the best advice... unless money is no issue for you and your passport doesn't allow you to enter visa exempt. What category would you apply for? It's either spending time getting your paperwork together, organizing and paying for treatment or Muay Thai all of which is some hassle.

The only upside of doing the visa before visiting, if money isn't an issue and you have the time for it, getting stamped in for 180 days will give you time to figure out if you like Thailand and what area might work.

Thailand isn't for everyone so actually coming here and figuring out if you like it first isn't a bad idea. Someone had done what you did, came here and after about a month realized it wasn't for him. He posted in the group but got roasted pretty seriously but I'm sure he isn't the only one who has done this.