@Vitaly *******

Wrong. Some entry points should either be avoided (if you're on a particular visa) or particular caveats may apply, in order to avoid being scrutinized by immigration. These may include - being a frequent traveler on a DTV being much better than someone who only does a quick border run every 180 days to avoiding the entry point as much as possible.

Practically anyone who knows the Thai immigration system well, including experts on here such as

@James *******

will advise people to avoid the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing for entry into Thailand (obviously, not relevant now as the border remains closed...but whenever it reopens, this advice will apply). I advise people it's OK to use that border crossing provided you're driving your own vehicle and are the driver of said vehicle, since drivers can stamp in outside, where immigration is more straightforward than the ones inside the arrivals building. Anyone who is coming on foot or by bus, or by private car where the driver is Thai or anyone but themselves should avoid that crossing, unless they are on an LTR visa, marriage or work visa with work permit.

Why? Since 2015, when the Bangkok shrine bomber bribed immigration there to come through, they've been VERY tough, on any tourist or any foreigner not on a long-term visa extension.

Perhaps the CNX airport scrutiny towards DTV holders isn't quite as bad as what happens to foreigners on any short-term visa at Aranyaprathet, but the reports are frequent enough to be of a concern and thus warrant that caution be exercised.

@Theo *******

That's so funny! Local Jakartans going crazy over a westerner! That doesn't even happen in the remotest hamlets of Thailand, Laos or Cambodia (and I've traveled extensively throughout all these countries including into the most rural areas). In Thailand, you could be in Umphang, Tak or outside of Sangkhlaburi and no one will pay special attention to you.

However, even in these places I've just mentioned, you'll still come across the odd westerner. Westerners are never far away in these 3 countries. From gas (petrol) stations in Uttaradit to the Mae Sariang walking street to a rural village in Roi Et, a market in Battambang, Cambodia or a Tha Khaek, Laos restaurant, westerners are a common sight almost everywhere you go.

It could also be a cultural difference though...in Buddhist countries, locals don't react with the same strange curiosity towards a foreigner as you'll find in Vietnam for instance...Vietnam is very touristy but despite this, go to certain very rural areas and the locals suddenly look upon you as if you were an alien. China is like this as well, but China is different, because it's so vast and thus most parts of the country simply don't see any foreigners.

@Ric *****

Possibly - although hardly any international flights land in CNX anyway and I've not once EVER flown into CNX on an international flight (domestic yes, many times). Yet I've crossed nearly every land border between Thailand and it's 4 neighboring countries over the years and I've flown to/from Bangkok and many places around the world...just never felt the inclination to fly to or from CNX directly.

Many international flights to CNX have been suspended over the years due to lack of passenger demand.

THAI used to do CNX-Kunming twice a week, on and off for several years but that flight isn't coming back. CNX-Chittagong, Bangladesh was another flight offered by THAI but that didn't last more than 3 months.

Bangkok Airways suspended it's CNX - Mandalay/Yangon flights (both of which were operated by ATRs) because there weren't enough passengers. Its CNX-Hanoi flights, also on an ATR-72 is also gone. Even CNX-Singapore flights on certain airlines have been suspended.

Therefore, avoiding CNX as an international entry point isn't difficult...besides, it's usually much more expensive to fly out of CNX anyway. I enquired about a CNX-TPE flight on EVA compared to BKK late last year. CNX-TPE was 25,000 Baht round-trip, but BKK-TPE started from 13,000 Baht. I could fly Premium Economy from BKK for less than economy from CNX (and of course, from CNX you only have narrowbody aircraft and no premium economy).

@Biff ******

Agreed. I also question why so many DTVers fly internationally to CNX with so few flights landing there. Where are they all going? Most of the few international flights departing CNX are on low-cost carriers. Unless you're coming in from Kunming or Yangon or Taipei, you're probably going to have to fly to Bangkok first. It's just the way it is and not a big deal.

This is even worse than the Thai system (and those of other countries using similar ones, such as Cambodia (for airport arrivals only), Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan etc.) which only require you to fill out a declaration before arrival, but no need to do so for departure.

Anonymous participant 406 There are far more airlines, destinations and thus competition on flights out of Bangkok, hence lower prices.

Again, where are you going every week from CNX? Kunming? Yangon? Not much choice...

Bangkok is where it's at in terms of flying in and out of Thailand, so much so that most Thai registered airlines don't even offer international flights out of anywhere BUT BKK.

Anonymous participant 494 With Germany, yes, USA depends...often they do work weekends or are expected to answer calls and emails after hours (not necessarily at ridiculously late hours but what I mean is, say 7pm on a Friday evening or 12pm on a Saturday when you're not at the office).

No problem to do any of what you mention, but not sure it will qualify for a DTV. If you're already on a DTV and do stock or crypto trading, so issue. I'd suggest you don't blabber on about it though, but I see no issue with doing it in the privacy of your own home or even a hotel room.

Anonymous participant 406 That's why. 19 entries is better than spending 6 months in Thailand then coming back in. Where are you flying to from CNX though? It's such a small international Airport with only a handful of flights...never heard anyone traveling in/out that airport so often unless they first fly domestically to Bangkok.

Anonymous participant 406 Nonsense. Bangkok is better and easier.