@Mark *****

and as slow and overcomplicated as they can make it. It's a power trip.

I've been doing this for nearly 20 years. Despite few changes to my details, Immigration demands the death of a small forest in repeat bits of paper.

I live in Thailand. If I had my time over I would choose Vietnam. Everything is overcomplicated here. Every Thai official is on a power trip and so makes things difficult.

'need to fly out of the country' - go to Vietnam and stay there. There's none of the rigmarole that Thailand inflicts on those wanting to spend money. TDAC is just another hoop that the Government thinks will make Thailand attractive to foreigners.

Why are you asking me?

'all foreign nationals will need to complete a written test, regardless of what licence they hold from abroad.' 'Temporary driver’s licences: International driving permits will no longer be accepted as valid evidence to obtain a temporary licence.' 'Foreign licence holders: Foreign nationals applying for a temporary Thai licence using their existing foreign driver’s licence (for the same vehicle type) must now sit a written exam. Previously, they were exempt from both written and practical tests.' I ask why is Thailand discouraging visitors?

Continued proof that racist Thailand is actively discouraging foreigners and driving them to a less complicated country like Vietnam.

Thailand has thousands of ex-pats; long-term snowbirds who winter here. Each one has family/friends who visit. (I've averaged 3 per year over the last 22 years.) Every hurdle that racist Thailand puts in their way, drives potential tourists to a less-complicated country like Vietnam. I have had numerous holidays in Chang Mai & Pai where each couple hired motor bikes to see the sites. These trips are now off the menu. The galling thing about this short-sighted plan is that the foreigners are among the few decent drivers on Thai roads where the vast majority of locals don't bother with licences; helmets; insurance; fines.

Thais overcomplicate everything. It's a power trip. They are losing thousands of potential tourists annually.

Thais believe in overcomplicating everything. It's why so many potential tourists are flocking to Vietnam.