@John ******

Not an option....

@Zay ************

Essentially, as long as it's not Thailand it should be OK. Just make sure that they don't call you for an interview first. If they do...immediately return to the country of application. Basically, try to stay in the country of application until they approve you...only leave if you're having visa issues there.

@Zay ************

You can go to a third country in the meantime...say you're in Cambodia and you can't get approval in time, head for Vietnam or Laos to wait things out.

Anonymous participant 845 It might be...because maybe you are about to overstay a visa in that country and no extensions are possible. HOWEVER, there is usually no issue in going to a third country, as long as it's not Thailand.

@Dave ********

Except many airports don't accept boarding passes on your phone. Even if you have one, they'll print a paper one for you at check-in. Entitlement doesn't get you very far here. Invest in a printer and print out the documents you need. It's not that hard. Only TDAC doesn't need to be printed.

ThoughtfulLychee5096 They're following the WEF playbook. Many neighboring countries have added a similar system to TDAC...however, unlike Thailand, every single one of these countries exempts permanent residents and sometimes, other types of long term residents from needing to apply.

Thailand has no exemptions for any foreigners except for those traveling on short term border passes without a passport, which means nationals of 4 neighboring countries. As soon as they use a passport, they too need to apply for TDAC.

Malaysia by contrast exempts Singaporeans and vice versa. Taiwan exempts long term visa holders. Singapore does too.

@Wannikea ********

Depends. If he's coming every 2 weeks for 2 weeks at a time for months or years on end, it just might. If he comes and goes every 2 weeks for 3 consecutive months, then leaves for a while, it might be OK.

@John *********

I agree, especially since he comes so frequently. Someone who comes for a few days, leaves for Vietnam for a week, comes back to Thailand for a week, then goes to China/Japan for 2 weeks, returns for 1 day and then goes home for 6 months before undertaking another similar trip with Bangkok as their base shouldn't have any issues.

However, someone coming and going every 2 weeks might start to get questioned at some point.

He spends an awful lot of time in Thailand. Even if it's 2 weeks in, 2 weeks out...if this is repeated over a long period of time one day an officer might deny him entry. Definitely apply for a DTV if eligible.

However, just reading your post again it says he stays only 1 week per visit...Ok, that's a bit different but still better to go for a DTV or a privilege visa.

@Lee-Ann ******

That's a good point and definitely true...but even there, you'll be surprised...while culturally, Thailand's neighbors are very similar to one another, some of their policies on banking, immigration, even land ownership may differ considerably to Thailand.

For instance, Malaysia, which is a collection of federated states, each have their own rules on whether foreigners can own land. Some states allow it, some don't. Most states allow foreigners to own residential land / properties above a certain value (leaving cheaper properties for Malaysians) but ban foreign ownership of farmland.

Cambodia remains easy when it comes to banking for foreigners and their accounts are in USD too, which is handy.

Vietnam is a disaster when it comes to banking. Highly restrictive; can't transfer money abroad online, no deposit ATMs. Very old school...only foreigners working in Vietnam can open accounts at all.