Anonymous participant check the group, and search for Ho Chi Minh, plenty have posted about the requirements. No you don't need a criminal clearance.

@Andi **********

that’s under the 2nd category or what they call soft power. There is actually a 3rd category for spouses and dependents.

In reality, there are 2 options : Digital nomad / freelancer OR soft power (muay thai / cooking, etc...). If you have the money in the bank and work remote, go for the digital nomad option.

@Ray ****

its a 5 year multi entry but each entry is only 180 days. You can extend once per entry OR leave and come back and get another 180.

@Shannon ******

yeah, outside embassies do not accept Baht. They have their own price in their own currency unless its SE Asia most of them quote in USD. I think that Laos accepts 10,000 baht so they are probably the "cheapest" but Vietnam is $340.

@David ******

agreed. I think it has to do with Thai culture for acceptance.

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.