@Nick ******

But getting nothing in return. Still having to pay farang prices and possibly that 300 Baht entry tax on each and every re-entry.

No, unless immigration at land borders or airports start asking for tax proof when entering or leaving (which I don't see happening).

@Sefton *******

Yes but that's because those earning US$40-80K or making large investments aren't going to be moaning on a forum like this all day.

With DTV applicants, or rather, potential applicants, some are looking at a simple method of staying in the Kingdom long term, without qualifying for another type of visa.

For some of these people, the DTV is suitable due to its relatively simple requirements.

Even so, it's not a walk in the park either and consulates are tightening up rules.

@Sam ********

Never listen to someone blindly. Sefton claims it was easy for him to open a bank account on a DTV, for everyone else it's been difficult.

I think I've been very precise with my advice yet you haven't praised me?

@Tore ********

Which they can tell by looking at the passport submitted during the e-visa application.

@Sefton *******

I've corresponded with some LTR holders. They're not necessarily the most eager to spend. It's a facade and that visa is a poor deal compared to what you can get by migrating to the USA with around the same investment.

@Sefton *******

A 5-year visa "too good to be true"? Not really. It allows a 6 month per entry stay. Yes, that's longer than existing visas, but it's probably the way of the future. The LTR visa is an even better deal, but is that "too good to be true" as well? Hardly.

These DTV visas (and even the LTR ones for that matter) don't offer a pathway to residency. it's difficult to open a bank account on one.

There's a whole lot you can't do if you're on one...so it's hardly something to be envious of.

@Sefton *******

The ONLY likely check they might make at some borders upon re-entry is when someone is coming back after a quick 1 hour border run, having spent all their 180 days in Thailand with no time spent outside, at such borders as Ranong.

Baht in cash may be requested in such cases, but certainly not your bank account details for instance. No one is going to be carrying around such documents to show in a long line of tourists, holding them up at a land border.

Otherwise, as you state, when you do an extension, then yes, they may ask for similar documents to the ones used to get the visa.

I'm wondering whether immigration will make up their own rules, such as needing to have 500,000 parked in a Thai bank account or for a minimum of 3 months in a foreign bank account and then using their own poor exchange rate try to deny your extension because according to them, your balance is only 498,560 Baht, whereas according to your exchange rate it's 501,450 Baht or something like that.

@John *********

Highly unusual and an almost impossible task in some jurisdictions (for example, in Australia...if you're in Perth they can't ask you to fly to Canberra...it's too far away).

Anonymous participant In this case, perhaps they need more info? Still, I can't understand why such things can't be handled via email, over the phone or just by asking you to submit the relevant documents via their system.