Anonymous participant It depends on which visa each individual is on and the conditions attached to that visa. Even people working voluntarily for foundations need a work permit and a specific visa which allows this. Most foreign musicians playing in nightclubs and bars probably don't have work permits either and are paid cash in hand. It is what it is, and I'm only stating the legal position

Anonymous participant Irrespective of what other people are doing, if you "earning money" you are working, hence you are violating the terms of your visa. That's how Thailand operates.

You must be new in Thailand. You don't lose a visa over failing to report. You just pay 2000 Baht next time

That's exactly 180 days, which is the allowable amount. I can't see how it's an extra two days

@Incognia *********

That includes the "gratuity" 😆

@Sasi ***********

Of course. Everyone's viewpoint is different. I think you'll find more westerners living in places like Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai than you will in Isaan. Most of those living in Isaan have gone there specifically for a woman, usually much younger with little education and little career prospects. They build big homes to cater for the family of their young wives. There's very small expat community in Isaan other than the larger cities, and even those are sparse. Let's be honest, the airlines, hotel organisations, travel agents etc are selling places like Phuket, Samui, Phi Phi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok etc. You don't find many glossy brochures on Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. Yes if people want "quiet and relaxing" watching the sunset over the rice fields, and watching the buffalos come home, it's the place to be. But do people really want this every day for rest of their lives?

@Sasi ***********

I've lived in Thailand for almost twenty years, I've been to every corner of the country. Sure, there's some nice places in Isaan, especially along the Mekong, and Loei in particular is very pretty. However, in the main it is flat barren land given over mainly to rice farming. Education standards are low and poverty is high. My point was that if a westerner is going to sink money into land/property in Thailand I feel it's better to do it in a more pleasant environment.

If you're going to invest in a house, do it in a good area. Up north Phetchabun way, or out west Kanchanaburi or Ratchaburi. Not in that endless rice field called Isaan

If you've done any form of extension in Thailand before you would know you have to state the reason for the extension on the TM7 form, so whether they know or not, you have to tell them, and then sign the form. Do you have something to hide?

@Sean ******

You need to keep up with developments

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