@John *********

The initial plan was a non immigrant B visa (volunteer Engish teacher at the school where my GF is a teacher). But I didn't get a 'Certificate of criminal past' on time in the Netherlands. So I entered on exempt. Next year I will get the right visa and teach.

In 2024 I was here here for 29 days in January on a paid tourist visa. Then Australia for a month. I returned for 12 days to Thailand in March (I missed her 😊). Then 6 months later 57 days on exempt... And now, nearly a year later I am back. Sounds like a tourist to me 😁

So, I don't feel entitled. More humble....

@John *********

I have a rented room. Not living with her... (to give her 'children', youngest is 19, their privacy). But surely she is with me most of the time :-)

And believe me, I am adding to the economy. Always some reason to reach for my wallet 🤣

This country loves our money, but not our presence...

I am not abusing in any way, like so called digital nomads...

@John *********

my point is, I lost a whole afternoon in Ayutthaya, to hear that my extension was denied... Then 4 days Vietnam (last minute trip I would normally not do. The touristtrap island of Pu Quok. It was cheap and available on short notice). Costing me around 700 euro all together (what could have been 1900 Baht), to be stamped in in a few minutes, no questions asked... (no proof of funds, no accommodation)... Just because an IO in Ayutthaya had a bad day...

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

Thank you so much for your time and effort ;-)

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

Thank you ;-)

@John *********

Coming back from Vietnam I was even allowed to follow my girlfriend in the Thai-immigration-line at BKK (as opposed to the 1,5 hour Farang-line). I was stamped in 1 minute, No questions asked...

@John *********

Believe me, I have absolute no intention to live in Thailand😉

And my GF visited me in the Netherlands last April. Now the only thing she is thinking of is plans to move to the Netherlands (despite her 3 children).

But, she still has 11 years before retirement, so we are just looking for the best system to see eachother as much as possible (respecting the impossible visa-system)...

@Cloana *******

I didn't even get one time 30 day extention...

So, it is very unclear...

I was surprised too. Did not see that one coming. They said I should have gotten a Family-visa. But, I am not married...

@John ********

"He"? You mean me?

It is simple: to be with my girlfriend. I am absolutely not here for Thailand itself. She just happens to live here...

I was just (10 minutes ago) talking to a Norwegian friend of mine (who is in Thailand too at the moment. His 6th or 7th time). We agreed that Thailand, if you look around well, is not the beautiful place many Farang claim it to be... Again, I am here for my GF...