@Winston ***********

A very good idea.

Andreas Mueller Many of us already held Thai bank accounts prior to going onto the DTV, but you're right that for those that don't, it's going to mean a border run instead.

@Greg *****

That often happens, but when it comes to applying for a driver's license, any visa is fine. On a DTV, you may or may not receive a 5 year license upon renewing your license, depending on the office involved.

@Andy ***********

Good to point this out. Many people are confused. It's the same with foreigners constantly referring to Thailand's Aranyaprathet as "Poipet". No Thai would understand what you mean if you incorrectly refer to their border as Poipet, which is in Cambodia.

Moreover, despite Poipet being the border town on the Cambodian side of the border there, the difference in treatment between the Thai and Cambodian side is quite stark. Therefore, it's factually incorrect for someone to say "I got denied entry at the Poipet border" if they aren't referring to being denied entry to Cambodia.

@Sameer *******

Sorry, but with that attitude, they can just deny you entry. It's not difficult to print it out. Keep the printout in your passport and just show that every time. Nothing difficult about it at all.

I can understand objecting to things like mask wearing (not currently mandated, but obviously it was during Covid) but that's a different discussion.

However, simple requirements like filling out the TM6 form (only required at most land borders) and presenting a print out of your visa are easy to do and there's no reason for the traveler to object to them.

ANY border but Aranyaprathet/Poipet, especially if you don't have your own car or motorcycle. There are 6 other Thailand-Cambodia border crossing points:

1. Ban Khao Din / Phnom Dey (this is the closest to Aranyaprathet/Poipet)

2. Ban Hat Lek (Khlong Yai) / Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)

3. Ban Pakkard / Psar Phrum

4. Ban Laem / Kamrieng

5. Chong Chom / O'Smach

6. Chong Sa-ngam / Choam

Choose one of those. Ban Khao Din is closest to Bangkok. Chong Sa-ngam is the closest border crossing from Siem Reap, but once you're across the border, the nearest larger city is Sri Saket. Ubon Ratchathani is the closest city with an airport. Cham Yeam is the closest border to Phnom Penh, but the highway (highway number 48) is still under construction and a bit rough in places. It should be mostly complete within 6-9 months from now.

Get your visa now. You can come over whenever you're ready. Don't leave the visa until later, if you're worried about the rules changing.

@Henrik ****

No. Interesting if you don't want to do a border run. That's what this group is for.

Who cares about the price of the extension, what I'm interested in is, the criteria for extension.

How many months do you need to season the 500K for?

Can it be in a foreign bank account? What exchange rate do they use to calculate how much you have in Baht?

How much do they scrutinize your work contracts? Do they call your employer?

So far, I've not seen even one report of a successful in country extension.

@Henrik ****

You can leave Cambodia after submitting proof you are there but should NOT enter Thailand until the visa has been approved. You can however visit Vietnam or Laos or any other country in the meantime. As long as you've submitted proof of location, it doesn't really matter anymore...just don't enter Thailand, that's the Golden rule.