Anonymous participant My interpretation is that the activity should be about Thai culture (ie: Thai Cooking, Muay Thai) not badminton. That is the reason for your rejection I can almost guarantee. Otherwise anyone can get a gym membership and there's no way that would count. Frustrating on your part for sure, sorry that happened. I would just try again if you can at another embassy. HCMC has a few spots open in 2 weeks before they move to evisa. They are quite a "friendly" embassy in this regards. Do you qualify for working remotely?

@Kieran ******

I heard both were ok. Keep in mind that I was told by the consulate in hcmc that they are moving to evisa in October and the wait time would be up to 30 days. Staying in a hotel for that long will start to cost you quite a bit. There are only a few more appointments available in hcmc during first week of October. Wait time is 2 days for in person appointment.

@Shannon ******

It's quoted as $340 USD so no conversions needed just prepare the $340 in USD.

@Shannon ******

I will also be at the consulate on Monday morning in HCMC 🙂 I have everything ready to go. I downloaded the form from their website. I didn't book my flight on Thursday yet, in case something happens but from what I have read from HCMC, it's almost a guaranteed 2 days.

Yeah, they definitely require mint condition USD and exact change, they will not give you any change. I have what I consider new USD but even the money exchanger in Bangkok wouldn't take them because there was a pink discoloration on them...we'll see.

You’re being lazy. It’s everywhere online and on all embassy websites. It depends on where you’re applying to. Go find out and ask a question that can actually be answered. 🫨

Dude. Why complain about it ? Demand is high and when demand is high prices increase. Either take it or leave it. Are you the problem or are they?

Its a good video. The thing it really clarifies is this 180 day question. Most people now understand that its a 5 year multi entry with each stamp allowing 180 days. It also clarifies the extension issue. However, so many questions could have been asked and since consulates all vary, that is a frustrating part of all of this. They need to get straight how long they want the money in the bank and how many months to prove those funds. They also really need get straight on these soft power activities and how this aligns with a 5 year visa and once your cavity filling is done, can you really stay 5 years? This visa is obviously going to massively evolve...will be fun to watch!

It would be really valuable to spend a half hour reading posts from this group- there is soo much information here and you will get most of it not all answers. If you read the requirements, it states clearly you have to apply outside of Thailand. Evisa online or at a consluate nearby (but most of them are going to evisa in October).

@Ivan *****

so you should stay there and go down with it? How would moving to Thailand for a great life not be a good idea in that situation?

@Ivan *****

this doesn't make sense....explain how a crashing stock market has anything to do with relocating to a more affordable country where cost of living is lower than what you are currently experiencing?