@Sean ******

Exactly.

@John *********

It's not, because the visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only they would know what category you applied under. Immigration just sees DTV. You can also switch back and forth if you will, once you have the visa. You could start working remotely or start a soft power activity.

@Bruno **********

Sadly that is far from true. 50% of merchants will accept cards but you still need cash in some instances and paying 220 Baht + 5 USD / EUR / CHF / AUD + up to 3.5% of the amount withdrawn is a massive amount to be charged just for withdrawing money from a foreign bank account (in a few rare instances, such fees are refunded but not many banks offer this as it costs them too much).

Rogerio Fung Interesting hypothesis but my experience differs. I often travel with Chinese colleagues and while they gain entry inn the end, they have been given the run-around. This was particularly true prior to the China-Thailand visa exemption. Back in the days before this, Chinese citizens needed to obtain a visa on arrival and show proof of lodging and 20,000 Baht in cash per person.

I don't get the impression they were privileged; in fact, I probably received more privileges as I wasn't questioned but I hold a western passport.

Away from immigration and just in general Thai society, perhaps you have a point but as far as immigration is concerned, they're definitely looking at your passport and not what you look like (although with that stated, there is some bias against South Asians, Arabs and Africans).

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

In Thailand those on non-Bs supply tax documents but immigration only deals with Thai tax matters, not foreign ones.

@Andrew **********

Which is why I hope western libtards never gain any political power here. Sure, I can get behind making it easier for married expats to stay here long-term, as well as making it easier to get a work permit but I will never support an open border policy like most liberals demand. Unfortunately, this government is following their masters by having legalized gay marriage, opened the floodgates by allowing so many nationalities to enter visa free for 60 days, is totally obsessed with never ending mass tourism etc.

The DTV is a good initiative, but I feel it's starting to be abused and perhaps it should only be for digital nomads, with a separate medical category. Soft power should be a separate visa valid for say 12 months not 5 years. Marriage visas should be for 5-10 years and no problem if they require a million Baht or so in the bank for t

@Felipe ********

Most old expats are angry about other things more than this. They're mostly left leaning libtards, constantly whining about how unfair Thailand is, how racist it is (to them), how Thailand needs to change [to be more like the west] and so forth. These types spend their days whining away on Asean Now and the Bangkok Post and then throw a tantrum when their comments get deleted, LOL.

@Sergey *********

Can you explain what happened and why? What visa were you on?

@Tim ****************

It's hard to say at this point but someone on a DTV who spends MOST of their time in the Kingdom but departs every I dunno, 2-3 or 4 months, spends a few days to a few weeks outside and then returns, should be able to continue doing this for the entirety of the visa. Should is the key word - its not guaranteed but its fairly likely to be OK. Thailand has not, up to this point, stopped people from spending most of their time in the Kingdom on a visa of longer validity such as the DTV, OX or LTR or even the previous 1 year non-O and non-B visas with multiple entries. This contrasts with the USA or Europe, which issue visas of 5-10 year validity to certain nationalities, which are multiple entry and while they allow stays of 90-180 days per entry, they do NOT permit someone to stay that long and come back after a short border run.

There is no specific period one must stay outside of the country or region for (although the EU does have a general 90 day in 180 day rule) but ideally, if a Thai or Chinese person holds a 5 year EU/Schengen visa or a 10 year US or Canadian visa and they choose to spend 180 days in the latter, they should remain outside of the US/Canada for at least 6 months before attempting to return for another visit. 6 months being the bare minimum; 12 months is better.

The ideal way of utilitizing such a visa is to spend no more than 90 days in country per year. Any more and US / Canadian immigration might refuse re-entry. The Schengen area is similar, but they'll probably be OK with just a 90 day gap between visits but might not necessarily like seeing someone coming for 90 days, leaving for 90 days then returning for 90 days for an entire 5 year period. This is anecdotal, as each case is different.

Thailand so far, is NOT like this. They might in future introduce such scrutiny but so far, whether it's an METV, DTV or any other visa valid for 1 year or longer, there is no prescribed minimum period to be outside of the country for per entry. That stated, some border crossings might unofficially like to steer holders of such multiple entry visas to remain away from Thailand for 1-3 nights. Unofficially, meaning it depends on the border or the official on duty.

@Dany *******

It's not a permanent stay. Permanent means no need to leave at all.