@Paul *******

5/growing-numbers-of-westerners-homeless-by-choice

@Paul *******

1. It doesn't matter what institution you have the 500,000 baht in, so long as you can show them you have it. 2. If you have a "large guarenteed monthly stipend, pension, etc.", put enough away each payday until you have 500,000 saved for emergencies then come over. 3. Yes, they are better off. There is help for them at home, including medical help for emergencies. It is really not bright to be in a foreign country broke. The stories about it are endless. It isn't about pride or anything else, it's about smart decision making

@Paul *******

no. You have no reserves for emergencies.

Honestly if you don't have at least 500,000 baht in savings you shouldn't be considering living in a foreign country to begin with.

@Alexander ***

we know the Elite is secure. The DTV hasn't been around enough for anyone to know how it will work in the long run.

@Lena ******

I got in before the price hike last year.

@John ******

then again, the re-entry is up to the officer giving the stamp, so...we'll know in a few months.

I have an Elite Visa, so the DTV isn't for me. That said, it's only a little over a month old. No one has gotten an extension or done a border run yet. Will they ask about the soft category and why you need the extension or to enter back into the country? Will you need to do another cooking class? Find another medical issue? These questions won't be answered for a while. I'd take the sit back and wait option myself.

This visa doesn't apply to me at all, but I am interested as to what happens with extensions and border runs. Will the soft option people be again required to provide proof of school or whatnot again? Only time will tell. I wouldn't have jumped so quickly on it myself, but time will tell.

So long as you're not working.