@Mark ********

hi Mark - my comment may have been a bit harsh! That's great that you found a good agent - I think that is the challenge (lots of hackers). I found a very useful web forum - it was sponsored by a Canadian law firm but there was no pressure to engage them and they respond to forum questions for no charge. It helped me immensely. canadavisa.com

@Mark ********

an agent doesn't really help. If her circumstances are weak, an agent is unlikely to make a difference. If her circumstances are strong, it's easy to do it without an agent.

I did it on my own, my GF (now my wife) got a 10 year multiple entry visitor visa. Whether it's difficult depends on your gf's circumstances. Does she have proper employment, owns property etc. I also helped my wife's niece, she now has a 10 year visa.

I'm in the same situation....I do the TM30 myself (with my wife's documentation), print out the pdf, take that and my passport to the immigration office in BKK. Note - if in BKK be sure to book online for immigration appointment, it will save you several hours.

I never understood why it seems like most people want to return so quickly (<24hrs). So many cool places within a 2 HR flight. Why not stay 5-7 days? I have flown to Medan, Hanoi, Yangon, Mandalay, LP, Jakarta.....

@Ian *********

thanks Ian, did your home country DL include motorbikes? (Mine doesn't)

Hi thanks everyone, one follow-up: my Canadian licence is only for cars, so will this make getting a motorbike licence in Thailand more difficult? I don't really need this as my driving in Thailand will be in a car, but I just thought if it's not that difficult I may as well get the motorbike licence as well.

I'm in the same situation, I spend 6 months in Thailand and DTV is perfect if you qualify. Much simpler than non-o.

A good alternative to having a bank account is using a cash transfer app that offers cash pickup. I use XE which is similar to Wise, but unlike Wise XE has a cash pickup option. Pickup locations are everywhere (banks, 7-11 etc) and no extra charge. XE exchange rates are very good, you will get almost as much THB as you would get by exchanging at Superrich. A much better option than using ATMs.

I'm Canadian (Thai wife) .....I do 6 months Thailand, 6 months Canada (may to Oct) and it's perfect. I'm in Toronto but spend most of summer in cottage country and the weather May to Oct is much nicer than any time of year in Thailand. Obviously it's nice to escape Canadian winter but it's just as nice to escape the sweltering heat and humidity. BTW I'm on a DTV and it's perfect!