@Christopher **********

Not many Thais pay tax, so that makes zero sense.

If you want only a year or so just use tourist visas & visa exempt stamps. Get a METV from your home country first of all, & you can squeeze almost 9 months out of that. Spend time exploring the countries next to & near Thailand between visas etc... so you look like a tourist to Thai immigration - plus you'll have a much better experience. After a year or so you'd know if you want more time here or not & could review other visa options then!

At your age I'd be focused on Europe & European type countries, as the opportunities there for a young guy are great - whereas Thailand is best for older guys who want to live like they are young but can't in the West! Choose wisely! ;) But a short holiday in Sth East Asia is a good idea at any age!

@Will ***********

Even more dangerous 555 ;)

@Will ***********

Don't worry, he's 'probably' not going to steal your girlfriend... lol...

Because Somchai velly big man, velly important... 🙏

@Jacob *******

It's only in recent times that consulate websites have been updated accurately in a somewhat timely manner, so it just goes to show you can never really trust them (hence groups like this) no matter what some supposed experts claim!

Van or songtaew to Surat Thani bus station or train station, then bus or train to Hat Yai, then van or train to either Dannok/Sadao or Padang Besar. Bus is faster, train is more fun. But I would say Dannok/Sadao is less hassle from immigration. Best to go down to Penang, Malaysia for a couple days if you are traveling as a tourist!

@Nigel ********

Yes, we know that. In rare cases they may be needed at land borders, I'm just saying - they aren't "standard requirements". I'm just pointing out language accuracy here!

How many times have you been asked to show the three proofs at land/river border crossings & over how many years/crossings?

Again, not disputing they can be asked for, but just the claim it's "standard". Maybe it's standard currently in Ranong, but the border there hasn't been open long & it wasn't like that before covid so it's a bit much to claim everyone should know it's "standard".

@Nigel ********

A flight ticket isn't a "pretty standard" requirement. At an airport, maybe, but land border/river crossing it's not normal.

I remember hearing Ranong needed the extra stuff when they re-opened not so long ago, but it surprises me they persist with the extra requirements. Before covid I never had to show more than a passport there.

It's good people are bringing it up again to update that people should be prepared though.

@Frank *********

That's not always easy.

Did you know of these extra requirements at the Ranong border of airline ticket etc?