@Roberto ********

yes indeed, regarding the retiree visa agents. There are definitely networks of folks in on the whole game though, so it's unlikely to change, and fair enough. I think the track record of retirees is generally good, in any case, so nobodies eyebrows are raised.

The same can't be said for some tourists, who fully intend to live, work and overstay.

In any case, I'm just a bit defensive because the DTV is perfect for my situation (and as we have discussed in another post, yours too!). I could get a retirement visa, but DTV suits better at the moment.

Thailand have opened the door very wide on this one and I'd hate them to feel the need to repeal it down the road, because of issues of overstay, illegal working, etc. I don't care what folks do in Thailand. I just care about the future of this visa and hope that it will remain available to me.

My beer is currently more than half full, so I'll try to remain optimistic! 🙏

@Roberto ********

dodgy agents do get caught and shut down from time to time, just as more and more illegal workers are being found and deported these days. This is usually triggered by locals who get fed up with clandestine foreign businesses taking business away from them. There have been many case in Ko Pha Ngan recently, as well as Phuket.

There are plenty of broke/homeless/illegally-working expats in Thailand and if they start finding lots of them with a DTV, then it will become hard to ignore.

Frustrating to hear that some folks are getting the visa, based on a 2 week cooking course, when other legitimate remote workers are being denied. Also frustrating that the acceptance policy seems to vary wildly between consulates and embassies.

@Roberto ********

my only concern is the number of obvious 'chancers' who don't have the funds (they've borrowed them), nor a real purpose for the DTV. Good luck to them if they get it, but if enough of them fall foul of the system (run out of money, or get caught working illegally) then the visa requirements might be tightened up, or the whole thing cancelled in the future, which wouldn't be a good thing.

Anyway, we shall see.

@James *******

certainly, but if they decide to expand the scope of the 90 day reporting, to include proof of funds/purpose, then that would change things. I'm not suggesting that will happen, but it could.

@Ray ****

Working for an offshore company whilst in Thailand is a grey area with non-o visa, but if you satisfy the requirements of the workcation DTV (proof of offshore employer/clients), you're not actually doing anything wrong.

DTV is possibly cheaper in the long run, but you can't live full time in Thailand on DTV. Extensions and/or border runs are necessary.

@James *******

I agree!

@Dave ****

90 day reporting is required with DTV. Currently, you only need to provide confirmation of address (TM30), but they could possibly expand that, requiring ongoing proof of funds and purpose.

@Jeff *******

I've been stamped in 4 times already this year, but now that DTV is available, that suits me better.

@Nadeem *******

UK citizens get 60 day visa exemption, not a visa on arrival. Visa exemption is permission to enter, without a visa.