You CAN look for business opportunities or become a shareholder but should the day come when you need to do any sort of work inside the business, switch to a visa that will allow you to do that AND apply for a work permit.

It's not clear if DTV holders are permitted to apply for a 15 day temporary work permit for emergency work services as those on visa exempt are. Advice on this needs to be sought.

@Mike *********

It's about the fact that foreigners need a work permit to so any sort of work inside a business.

@Tommy *******

The Philippines is very popular as well. However, Thailand, being more developed and sharing borders with 4 countries is more accessible and hence, somewhat more popular. Regardless, the Filipino immigration system is still easier to navigate than that of Thailand, despite recent improvements.

Parakorn Chanjaru By the 19th, Songkran is over. Songkran finishes on April 15.

Stefn Zanbo Yes. Just make sure you have 3 months worth of funds parked and translated documents may need to be legalized by the Thai embassy or consulate in the country where the documents come from. For instance, if you work for a Chinese company, China. Or an American company, the USA.

@Hein ****

I thought agencies were the reason the Thai embassy went down to having bookings open only 14 days in advance with no possibility of canceling an appointment..

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

Gosh you're a pedantic one aren't you? Again, unless there's conclusive evidence, at this point it does not appear that immigration sees any difference as it's a visa category that covers a number of different methods of qualifying.

@Ray ****

For HCMC, no minimum requirement.

@Tod ********

Aha. So this could mean that even e-visas are not necessarily in the immigration system yet. Of course extensions of stay are.

@Stephan **********

Sorry, but you're wrong. There's been a transition going on worldwide from traditional stickers to e-visas. A visa is simply a permission to enter a country. Doesn't matter what form it comes in.