@Barry *******

I know nothing of Pattaya but I suspect you’re referring to a similar Soi we have here in Phuket - Soi Bangla. That’s where the real experience of Phuket awaits all who visit. You get the true ambience of what it’s like to holiday in Thailand in all its glory. Or perhaps the opposite.

@Barry *******

Hey it’s fun down there. You get to hang out with the crowds and see what it’s like to be living in that area. Where else can you get that experience. Embrace it….

If they have told you to do this then please do it. If you don’t then the possibility of not getting your next year extension could be high or absolute. I believe it’s an office specific regulation and possibly only Jomtien that requires it.

The DTV is a 5 year visa that allows you multiple entries for the duration of that visa. On each entry you’ll get a stamp for 180 days. Whether you use 1 of those days or 180 of those is irrelevant.

Each time you enter you’ll be allowed to stay for up to 180 days. The keywords there are “up to”.

The TM7 forms and TM47 have been designed and probably printed years ago. They have the space to fill in the TM6 code but 98% of people won’t have been given one. Immigration are well aware of this and will not require it unless you used one of the land border entry points that still issue them.

@John *********

Yes. Didn’t qualify that. Assumed the OP was at or near the end of their extension rather than mid way. But you’re correct you can only switch when you would normally be allowed to extend for the same reason.

Very basically you can only get Non OA in your home country. You don’t need funds in Thailand but you need insurance and health and police checks. Good for 2 years if used wisely.

Non O initial visa bought outside can use funds outside Thailand. Don’t need insurance or checks. To extend or get in country you need funds in Thailand.

@Andy ***********

Whoops sorry you’re right. I misread it. ETA sidelined. TM6 (electronic version) set for 1st May. I will edit my answer.

@Brett ********

it’s in the first sentence.

Pre changing to 60 days for exempt and thus having the 2 entries by land things were pretty much guaranteed to be “reset” at the start of a calendar year.

Now since the change the calendar year is irrelevant as there is no official limit. It’s up to the specific immigration officer to interpret your entry history and decide whether to let you enter or not.

If bouncing by land then use a recognised bounce company to do so. They know the wheels to grease. They usually won’t take you if they think you can’t get back in.

If bouncing by air then flip a coin. Heads they’ll let you in and tails they won’t. Oh wait a minute. Perhaps that’s the other way around.