No you don't. Just get a DTV from an embassy. Much easier, much cheaper, and lasts five years! Everyone's doing it now

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

The DTV has virtually made the ED and O visas redundant. Everyone's moving onto DTV

@Lili *******

Bargain!

@Sean ********

So about the same price people have been paying to Visa Agents for dodgy visas, but getting nothing in return?

@Sean ********

But it's still a bargain-priced visa, and a two week cooking course won't be that expensive!

@Ručman **********

If that's how you think I guess you just have to suck it up!

@Ručman **********

So you say, but bottom line is anyone who meets the criteria can apply for it. Nothing unethical about it at all. Many "digital nomads" are 50+ and live in Thailand on retirement visas whilst still "creating content" or working remotely for overseas businesses. Technically they are currently unethical, as any employment on a retirement visa is strictly forbidden, whereas on a DTV is totally legal. And yes, you'll be seeing a massive decline in retirement visas, but hey ho that's life. You take the opportunities. Bring on the "consequences"!

@Elías *******

Correct. I usually travel overseas times a year (last time I filed a 90-day report was during during the covid restrictions), the DTV is a Godsend for me. Five years and not required to visit immigration! That has to be a plus!!

@Elías *******

The visa has a validity of five years, so you don't need a visa run. A simple border bounce will suffice. But many people, such as myself travel overseas regularly, so these trips will in effect be the border bounce.

@John *********

I see it the opposite way. I see the DTV becoming the major visa in the years ahead, it's the others which will diminish in popularity. The DTV is a visa which will fit many situations and will streamline the whole process.