@Flo *************

it should be? It's all online now usually 5-7 days max

Enter with a tourist visa (apply online and should be approved while you're still on your trip to Taiwan) this will almost for sure ensure less questions. Basically the free entry (no visa) is a gift for people to come and see Thailand - not an endless way to stay without a visa. Tourist visa for the next couple of entries will mean probably no questions (they're just glad you're paying for the right to come in)

As others have said, a long term visa is best because even so many tourist stamps will go so long as you won't be a tourist at all after a year+ of staying almost solely in Thailand. Then, technically yes you would be violating the law.

@Sharon ******

😅😂 for 7 days on an Australian passport the odds of this being asked for proof is 0.3

But sure go off 😅😂

@Sharon ******

not quite? Lol how so

Australians can visit for 60 days without a visa.

That's all you really need to know.

@Monisha ****************

just make sure to get the old one back & bring both!

**Definitely show both to the immig. Officer when you enter - he does nottt want a tourist exempt stamp in the new passport or that will be a whole new debacle to deal with!

@Ellie ******

do you mean we can now only report online up to a week before the due date but within a week (or less) before the due date we have to do it in-person?

That's strange but thanks for saying - I hadnt heard that!

@Ellie ******

yes thanks I'm aware they're asking about the initial visa not the extension

But what I said was just pertaining to the bank account as they'd asked about it being in their name or not

Your info was accurate and detailed for the initial visa part but inevitably they'll also be wanting the year extension which, if some are unaware of the bank situation, may wait or delay getting the bank account and not reach the 2 months 'seasoning' in time

**edit** oh really? Didn't know the op also needs the account before the initial non-o....? Can't that be from a foreign bank account though? Not necessarily a Thai account...?

As per the bank account: it should be a Thai bank account and in the foreigners' own name ...

Generally speaking, after he gets the initial 90 day visa, you and him can go to a bank and open an account (it usually can't be done on a tourist stamp but a longterm visa stamp will work) -- if doing the money in the bank route (which seems maybe the only option for US citizens) do this step within the first few weeks of obtaining the non-o stamp, to ensure it meets the 2 months "seasoning" time prior to applying for the 1 year extension

Can I ask what document(s) it was that your employer couldn't get?

I'm about to go through this and it might be worthwhile to know