@Deepak ******

Unless enforced, I can't see that happening. I won't be filing any tax returns here myself for sure, unless I start working for a Thai company again..besides, I'm still owed 4000 Baht by the revenue department from 10 years ago.

@Florence ***********

WHY?? Ridiculous to deliberately break the law.

@John ******

of course.

If you're a Chinese citizen, then logically the best place to apply would be via the e-visa system from China.

@Luit ****************

Even 500K isn't enough for anywhere close to 5 years of residence in Thailand. It's only sufficient for about 6 months...maybe less.

@Charles *********

I actually enquired about this with an agent for applying in Vientiane. The issue back then was, while I had the money, at the time, the funds hadn't been sitting in my account for the required 3 months that Vientiane demands (which i find ridiculous). The agent wanted 27K, which is relatively cheap compared to what they're charging now.

I then considered that given no other consulates are requiring the funds to be there for 3 months and I meet all the requirements anyway, why would I waste my money on paying an agent when I can do it myself?

I'd rather spend that amount on a business class ticket to Taipei, or a business class ticket to Saigon with change leftover and get it done in one of those places.

@Cliff ********

Yes and I had payslips and invoices to show in Taipei. I doubt I would have been issued the visa otherwise (not that I ever had the intention of not showing my payslips).

@Deepak ******

Good point and I don't get it either (as much as I like Thailand, but like all countries, it has it's good and bad points).

Another hilarious assumption among many holding this visa or intending on getting it, is that it's for residence and that Thai embassies and consulates don't want you spending too much time outside of the country.

The truth is, it's the exact opposite. While you should be able to use it for de facto residence in the country (with 6-12 monthly border runs or vacations outside the country) it is essentially a visa to allow you to spend a few months in the country, travel somewhere else then come back again later, like digital nomads do.

@Deepak ******

If you stay in Thailand only 2-3 months a year, that's never been a problem to do without a visa.

The issue is, so many foreigners are living in Thailand without a visa and are eventually denied entry, because they're not spending any time outside of the country.

In your case, you've clearly always followed the rules and never abused them. A different story to a large number of foreigners who believe they don't need a visa to live in the country.

@John ******

You can do it by post.