@Mike ****

thanks for the replay. You said something that might be important. You said that once you use an agent you either have to continue using the agent or leave and start over with a new application. The later is fine if it removes any sketchiness created by using the agent

@Mike ****

by Agent, do you mean someone who helps you get around the rules, like qualifying, but not having to deposit the 800k? I understand from previous discussions that once you get help to circumvent the rules, you are stuck with this method forever. Is that true? I don’t want to jeopardize my ability to get the visa myself in the future, but not having to deposit the money sounds nice

Much of my money is actually sitting in some investments in the US stock market. I left the money in for too long and after making some nice profits the market turned and I am back to my original investment. I want the money to stay there for another year or so when the market goes back up (hopefully). Money sitting in a Thai bank account doesn’t earn me anything (except long term entry into Thailand again)

@Brandon ***********

I am a US citizen but it now looks like I may spend at least several months in France before I go to Thailand. I had assumed that I could apply locally in Paris but now I am not sure. What do you think? Thanks

What if the rental contract is in my fiancé’s name. She is Thai and she already has a rental and I haven’t arrived yet

@Aaron ******

I probably wouldn’t go back to the US but could go to Laos or Cambodia for a week if that is sufficient. So the 270 would be possible if I re-enter Thailand just before the end of the 6 month period and then I get 60 more days plus the 30 day extension. After that could I apply for another METV or would that be difficult? Didn’t I read that the METV requires some kind of documentation proving that you need the multiple entry instead of single entry? Thanks again for the advice

I have looked into them

What I will be trying to do is find a way to stay for a year or so while I work on transitioning into remote employment from the US. There are some programming classes that will help me get started with a remote income stream while I live with my likely future Thai wife. Once my income stream starts (hopefully) I can save the required 800k. Do you think I can limp along with multiple tourist visas and extensions? Any combination of easy visas until I save the required amount or get married. If I pursue an Ed visa I will go with a reputable institution. Thanks

@Steve *******

I am in the same situation but only 54. I would love to do a retirement visa when I return to Thailand this coming summer because I do want to learn the language and can’t afford the retirement requirements yet. Some institutions won’t accept students over 50

Yes I am constantly trying to prep her for failure. I don’t like it

@John *********

Here is exactly what they sent me: it’s like a few things in Thailand where it’s always been there but not so strictly enforced. A couple of weeks ago Immigration called a large meeting with all schools to clamp down on those using ED visas with criminal records who then go on to do illegal activities in Thailand. We want to make that clear now so applicants know. Some schools may reveal it later.

If you are able to enter Thailand on a tourist visa then this will screen you with the same method, but unfortunately we don’t know the outcome of that until you attempt to enter the country.

It means that you could try to come to Thailand on Tourist Exemption or Visa depending on your nationality and preference, then convert within the country. It may cost a little more than applying outside of Thailand but would be more of a guarantee before committing to a course and package.

Unfortunately we don’t have much guidance on other visa types. 🙏🏻