@Russell *****

That doesn't make it legal.

@Paul ******

Never heard of that before. And it sounds like if it does exist, it would be a process for Thais and not for foreigners.

I also doubt a DLT would ever send someone to a police station when they're already at the DLT.

Nobody will see anything. You won't even go to a person. Exiting Thailand is through automated gates.

They'll see your re-entry permit when you return and attempt to enter Thailand. That's when you need to make sure they stamp you in correctly.

Police have nothing to do with getting a license. Maybe they want you to have a residence certificate from immigration and there's a miscommunication.

Only the DLT can issue drivers licenses.

@Nick ********

then why would you spend tens of thousands of dollars to buy a visa when you already qualify for a regular one?

Yes

@Vladimír ****

I didn't tell anyone to leave. I said that's the option if you don't like it. The law was changed to make banks responsible for any fraud or scam losses. This is what is causing all of this. Banks are no longer willing to take ANY risk because they're the ones on the hook financially. So they've ALL determined, at the same time, that they no longer wish to take the financial risk of giving bank accounts to tourists. That's their decision to make, as they get to decide who to give accounts to because they're private business. Making a complaint because you don't get your way isn't going to change either the legal landscape nor their risk assessment.

TE visa is basically for people who want to throw money at staying in Thailand, rather than doing the work of qualifying for another type of visa. DTV is much better right now if you're not yet 50.

You should ask at the time of application, as they might want to do a home visit. That will be your only opportunity to ask.

@Vladimír ****

it has not "been like this for a long time."

It's only the last 6 months or so. And it's completely deliberate based on new laws that were passed in Thailand. It's not a fluke. The only way to not accept it is to leave.