It seems to be a common theme with embassies/consulates in general these days, not specific to Thailand.

We have our flight to BKK already booked. I consider staying on the tourist visa first and then going to a nearby embassy for the DTV. Which one are you planning to go to?

Sounds like a smart choice. This e-visa has a scammy feel to it. My suspicion is that the consulates get to pocket the same amount of the fee no matter if they grant the visa or reject your application. Rejecting is less work for the same money, so the employees are tempted to reject.

@Wannikea ********

yes it kinda is, unlike in the original game, the holes and spaghetti aren't even clearly defined. 😅

@Max ****

this entire group is set to "public", which is a pretty bad idea IMO, so anyone who decides to spy on you can see what you post. I totally understand the poster.

@Roberto ******

what consulate did you call? The Thai consulate in Frankfurt does not answer calls or emails. And this has been the same with Brasil. The Frankfurt Consulate of Mexico answers the phone 1x per week for 1 hour. You have to ask in person to know when that is.

@Roberto ******

sure, like any consulate answers the phone these days. 😅

@Markus *******

I would say it depends on the terms in the DTA.

In the case of Germany, if the center of vital interests is still in Germany, the tax stays in Germany and this change in Thailand means nothing.

It used to be favorable to have a tax residency in Thailand, with the current remmitance-only taxing it's so-so. If they follow through with their plan of taxing people on all their worldwide income. Many folks won't spend as much time in Thailand any more...

@Michael *******

What is the advantage of establishing a tax residency in Paraguay? If you stay >183 days in Thailand and Paraguay does not have a DTA with Thailand, I see no use in that.

@Deepak ******

actually no. Consulates operate under the law of their respective country. In this case Thailand. As the Thai DTV law is very vague about the criteria, there's truly no point in taking them to court over such a decision. But it's not like they could do whatever they want.

@Justin *******

is correct in pointing out the lack of professionalism on the side of the Thai government. At least from a western perspective.

I guess it's a cultural thing. Basically, they are handing those DTV out for nothing to get some cash in the country, but they are ashamed of openly saying so. The side effect is that some embassies behave emotionally as well. Best counteraction is to share information in groups like this to avoid frustrations to your peers.

I think if you apply online for the e-visa and it goes through the embassy in your country of residence then this language plus English and Thai are accepted. If you must do it in another country, a notarized translation is what they want and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I did it with rapidtranslate.com 1 page is 25 USD and another 19 for notarizing everything of that order.