@Elías *******

A marriage visa issued outside of Thailand (a 1 year one) does not require a re-entry permit as it's a multiple entry visa.

A one year extension of stay for the purposes of marriage does require a re-entry permit (obtainable at the same time you obtain the extension).

The DTV is a better deal, until such time that 5-year or longer marriage visas or extensions become available (sadly, that has yet to be proposed).

With a marriage visa, you only get 1 year at a time (90 days per entry if using a multiple entry marriage visa obtained abroad) but you are work authorized once you apply for a work permit.

With a DTV, you can't work for a Thai company.

However, unless you're expecting to receive a job offer for working in Thailand soon, you might as well apply for a DTV and then, should you get a job in Thailand, you can always convert it to a non-B plus work permit or go out of the country for one, in order to ensure you are able to work legally in Thailand.

Thus, a DTV is better, provided you don't have a need to work in Thailand for a Thai company.

A marriage visa is better, if you do have that need.

@Oliver *******

100%. It still requires border runs, even if they're not as frequent as with existing/previous multiple entry visas. That alone makes it less attractive to many people.

I also agree that they might tighten up or even scrap the soft power category.

@Anon*****

That's a good point. I'm sure the MFA know what they're doing and his constant criticism of them, as if they were a completely incompetent agency for creating this visa is another thing that completely confuses and annoys me. I mean, they're a branch of the Thai government that deals with external affairs, including issuing Thai passports to Thai citizens and visas...they seem pretty competent to me.

@Andi **********

It also seems like he wants to keep Thailand for himself, as in not wanting any other foreigners to live here.

@Ray ****

Exactly and thus it's more than absurd to think they would create a visa class that suddenly can't be used over the course of 5 years as intended for no reason.

@Steve **************

What annoys me the most is how he's adamant he knows Thai immigration better than Thai immigration itself.

@Anon*****

Actually, he is a naturalized Thai citizen, but the rest or your comment is spot on. He's definitely spreading fear and misinformation.

@Jean-Baptiste **********

Doesn't matter where you arrive from, no need for a ticket and no request for proof of accommodation when applying for the visa either.

@Andi **********

Generally, you don't come in for interviews once the e-visa system goes into effect. You are simply asked for more documentation via email or possibly phone call.