@Tim ****************

I stated a definitive based on my own observations. The DTV is selling like the proverbial hot cakes. Within my own social circle, over half those people are on DTV. I know that's not representative of the whole country but it's pretty good market sampling. The landlord (Thai) I rent my condo from has eight such rental properties in the "Sukhumvit Area" from Thong Lor to Bang Na, many of which have been sitting empty since covid. In the last six months, he's filled all the empty condos with DTV'ers. He reckons it's the greatest government initiative to help Thai investors in history. Seeing as government officials and high ranking police are big condo investors I really cannot see the DTV fading into obscurity. But only time will tell. You believe the government will kill the goose which lays the golden egg, I beg to differ, but we'll see!

@Greg *******

Agreed there's no official figures, but going by these forums you have to admit there's been an avalanche of applications to embassies all over the world. Posts about DTV across these forums has been very high, dwarfing most other visa queries. I know these forums represent only a small percentage of visa applications, but even you'd know market research is carried out with samples of the population. The thing that does amuse me with the DTV is that it's one of the easiest visas to obtain. The number of retirees I personally know who have switched from non-O to DTV is now 15, ranging from remote working (and you would laugh yourself silly if you knew some of these guys, who haven't worked for years, let alone remotely), a dental treatment plan, a fictitious "hip replacement" and so on. Even with the easy process, these forums are filled with notes of "congratulations" to those who have been "successful". Some people find it more time and labour consuming to extend a 12-month non-O than to obtain a brand spanking new 5-year DTV. The whole thing is quite funny. It was designed to get foreigners into the country to put money into the economy and it's working. Too many government officials and high-ranking police have investment condos sitting empty but now slowly filling due to the waves of DTV'ers entering the country no longer scared to sign a 12-month lease. They're not official figures, but it's a pretty good yardstick. In my condo building alone I've several new neighbours all on the DTV. It's the biggest upsurge in new arrivals since covid.

@Tim ********

Yes. Thai Police Officer. Always work strictly in accordance with "the book". Took me a while to write that sentence, I was laughing so much.

@Chris ***********

It's actually LAW. It's in the Traffic Act. A temporary visitor (of no defined duration) covered by an international treaty can use their home licence and IDP. It appears you are trying to massage length of visa into licence requirements, whereas it's actually type of visa.

@Tim ****************

Not just digital nomads, but retirees, dental appointments, cooking classes - you name it, people have got it! I'm just as curious to know who in the government has told you it won't be around in five years! 😂

@Tim ****************

This visa isn't going anywhere - it's been a resounding success

@Patrick *****

That still gives you five years

@Tim ********

Again, are you quoting a LAW? Or another Facebook opinion? I've seen nothing official which suggests this.

@Greg **********

I've produced the Thailand Traffic Law which states "temporary visitor", there's no defined time limit in Thai law.

@Stuart **********

DTV is issued under the "staycation" banner. It is most certainly a tourist visa.