James Mitchell Wouldn't DTV holders also be "expats" (immigrants would be perhaps a better term, or economic migrants), though? And what makes you so certain that those on it now wont lose it? I'm not saying your wrong or anything, just curious. And given how many posts I've seen from folks trying to skirt or fake the requirements for DTV, I would think it would be a big thing for changes/crackdown. That's why, for example, the Elite visa is much more stable. You pass the background check, you pay, you're good to go. DTV doesn't have a background check, so far as I know. That might change given the whole foreigners behaving badly thing, the increase of bad behavior coinciding with the introduction of the DTV (not saying that the DTV is the cause, but when you look at the timing, it's not a good look)

Josh Lee Hey, no worries there, that's great, and good that you got it. TE wasn't that bad, until they really raised the rates a couple years ago. LTR is the insane one I think haha. DTV is certainly a great option for some, but, I do caution the people (there seem to be SO MANY) who seem to think that the DTV is like the premier VIP Thailand Visa, and many of them are new to Thailand, new to living abroad, and they seem to think that they have it all figured out and should have the red carpet rolled out for them (not saying that you are, in this case, but, well, it's elsewhere, and it's noticeable). It's important to understand it's standing and stability, in case things do actually change (they may not, ya never quite can know around here until it's in the Gazette). For example, because in large part to foreigners behaving badly, the 60 day visa exempt scheme is going back to 30 days. This has shocked many, but they clearly aren't aware or familiar with the fact that it's only been 60 days for a short period of time, about as long as DTV has been around, so, a switch back to 30 really isn't that huge of a thing. That said, here's to hoping for smooth sailing with every entry and renewal for ya!

James Mitchell Also, forgot to mention, but the DTV doesn't even allow for Thai banking, so, that's another big knock against it. And that's why I would rank it below the retirement visas, LTR, and TE. It's basically a step up from METV.

James Mitchell Why isn't it stable? Well, firstly, it's the newest one. It's barely been around. Has it even been two years? Also, it wasn't a creation of the immigration department, and it seems to be seeing a lot of abuse (for example, nomads, as they like to call themselves, are supposed to be bouncing around, not exactly using it as a 5 year residency visa, which is what most seem to be trying to do, which seems to go against the intention of the visa), so, it remains to be seen what changes will come to it, and, given the lack of longevity of the DTV, one would be reasonable to expect tweaks and changes to it in the future.

Josh Lee DTV isn't really a "top tier" visa, tho. I'd probably rank it below retirement visa in terms of stability. Nowhere near LTR or Elite.

Josh Lee You think that places like Vietnam and the Philippines don't have various crackdowns? 🤔

Gordon Kilpatrick yeah, for real 100%. You’re correct I do notice a few more when I’m up in Bangkok, but, it’s a huge city, and Americans still don’t stand out as outnumbering other nationalities, particularly given the size of the US population in relation to other countries whose citizens seem to be more commonplace here. As I said before, it’s my experience, in Phuket, to meet a “random” American once every several months or so

Angela M Nava It's kinda been a running joke for the past 25 years or more that Americans would put Canadian flags on their backpacks when traveling abroad, as Americans tend to have a stereotype of being loud, ignorant, and not so well educated/aware about the wider world

Jimmy Simpson I live in Phuket but is also applies to when I travel around Thailand. I just don’t run in to many all that often. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Kenneth Gilliam That may be. Just speaking from personal experience :)