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

Well, something like that. Whether it's 30 or 40 or 50 percent I don't know, but it's a significant percentage.

Yes, some completely foreign families come here on the DTV but I can't see them living here for 5 years. It's not a stable lifestyle. Besides, it's a new visa so let's see how long they last. For young families wanting to experience something new or going on a sabbatical for a bit of fun, sure for Russians and Ukrainains with an uncertain future it could be more long term but not for other westerners.

Different if you're married to a Thai and have a house and everything you can simply switch to another visa if the going gets tough on the DTV.

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

Vast majority, no. Maybe 50%. Thailand is the kind of country where most expats have an existing connection to the country...I can't imagine too many western families moving over here given how difficult it is to find work unless you're a teacher, the very small likelihood of attaining permanent residency or citizenship and always been seen as a tourist.

Most families coming on the DTV are probably only staying a year or two definitely not permanently.

99.9% certainly not. Many DTV holders have an existing connection to Thailand and are simply converting to the DTV for now as each entry is for twice as long as previous multiple entry visas. I'd say half of DTV holders have an existing connection with Thailand and thus a Thai bank account.

@Shawn ************

I see, but that's a big difference from what I can see. You do need to be working for a large company that is listed on the stock exchange.

@Dany *******

You were successful in getting your extension? Haven't heard of many success stories so far.

@Andrew *******

Also, the airport is far closer...a foreign scammer of any nationality will be on a plane to Phnom Penh, Vientiane, or Kuala Lumpur (or anywhere really) much quicker than they can get to a land border from Bangkok.

@Andrew *******

I doubt that a Burmese citizen scammer is willingly going back to Myanmar now given the situation over there.

@Biff ******

There might be questions though. You can't say there won't be.

I've done same day border runs by land (on multiple entry visas) in the past. I've also done same day runs (not for immigration purposes, but other reasons) on an extension of stay with multiple re-entry permit too.

I don't think doing a same day run by air is a good idea...aside from the fact it's too tedious and stressful. Much easier to get in a van or drive to the border yourself (depending on where you're living) but for Phuket, you can go to Ranong.

Only issue with Ranong is, they will ask for Baht cash to exit if you're on any visa, including the DTV. You might be able to talk your way out of it, but otherwise, you have to use an agency and pay them a couple of thousand Baht.

@Larry *******

You don't need anyone to help you.

Each application is unique, there is no standard "format" or "template". The main requirement is having 500,000 Baht or equivalent in a personal bank account and possibly having to maintain that for up to 6 months at some embassies. Usually, except for Malaysia and Laos, it's enough just to have a closing balance of 500,000 Baht BUT make sure you have 6 months worth of statements.

The rest depends on what you do - easy to figure out what to supply, bank statements showing money being paid to you coming in, a portfolio of what you do, that sort of thing.

@Alexander ************

Or they're programmers or doing any sort of "work from home" job...but usually aren't working for a fortune 500 company.