@Shea ******

if Samuel were to apply for and be approved for an ED Visa from his own country, do you think that upon arrival at Immigration in Thailand, an officer isn't going to look at his history and deny him entry? I remember reading numerous posts, maybe in 2023 or 2024, about a crackdown on people obtaining ED Visas, because there were many using this Visa type to live in Thailand, rarely, if ever, attending classes.

@John *********

thanks for that. I was searching for something official from my own country, but unsuccessful

@Frank *********

"probably"... while my handwriting is always legible though I don't have 'style' like a lot of others, as much as I try, my signature is NEVER the same. Put two, three, four, or more documents in front of me to sign and all signatures will be slightly different 🤣🤷🏼

@Eriq ******

Ok, I understand now what you meant by "wrong people" which originally wasn't clarified with any detail originally. I agree with you on what's been 'reported' and stand by my opinion that I think some who have negative experiences, conveniently leave out some details to come across as 'poor me'. You've likely aware that it's minorities that often 'shout the loudest' get the most attention, even when they might be way off the mark. Could be part of the problem maybe comes at times from a little bit too much discretion allowed by individual IO's who choose to be 'aggressive' in their denial of entry too.

I have read the 'outline' by at least a couple of Thai news outlets maybe a couple of the same ones as you. I've also watched videos covering the announcement put out by a couple of YouTube channels that I've found very reliable over the past three years. They all seem to be of the opinion that genuine tourists, who do the right thing, shouldn't be affected, especially if they're flying in from their home country.

I'm pretty sure that Thailand hasn't actually changed any Laws though, rather it being a stricter enforcement of longer standing ones.

@Eriq ******

one response to your responses to me: If you read my comment properly, you would see that I didn't accuse you of defending anyone particularly, particularly scammers. to quote your own words, "Thailand is targeting the wrong people". What do you mean by "wrong people"? If you mean genuine tourists then that is wrong, and knowing some of the 'behavior' on Facebook, I'd guess that some, if not quite a few, complain about being refused entry, but don't tell to full story (conveniently). I've tried searching for the "official" announcement without luck today, so if you are so sure that I am wrong and you are right, please post the link to the "official" announcement . If I see that official announcement again and I'm wrong in what I said, that the ones that are being targeted are scammers (or illegal workers) and those who's use of the "Visa Entry" system to stay in Thailand for more than half a year (60+3+60+30 days), I'll happily apologise. As is usual, decisions on entry or not, will be at the discretion of the individual IO and genuine tourists shouldn't be affected.

@Eriq ******

NO, Thailand is NOT targeting the wrong people. If you care to search, there was an announcement by the Chief of Immigration in November, that with the new policy on Visa Exempt entries and Extensions of them, that they are clamping down on scammers who are abusing the free entry system, and also those who are trying to live in the country without the correct long term Visa.

@Raymond ********

going to Immigration isn't going to get anything sorted out. If you had read all the previous comments in a post that's grabbed your attention, like I do, then you would see that

@Brandon ***********

, Moderator and very knowledgeable person in regards to Thai Visa matters, has told the OP the answer to his problem.

@Jeff ********

a retirement "extension" can only be obtained in Thailand, but one must obtain the retirement 'visa' first. I suspect that you've just got confused with your terminology there.

There is a "Non-OA" Visa, a 'retirement' visa, which can only be obtained from one's own home country, which does require health insurance and Police Clearance among other requirements. A 'standard' (my choice of word) Non-O Visa based on being ''over 50'' that can be obtained at Thai Embassies or Consulates before arriving in Thailand that don't have the requirements of the 'OA' Visa.

Purchasing a Non-O outside of Thailand is necessary now, as once in Thailand, foreigners cannot open Thai bank accounts on Tourist Visas or Visa Exempt.

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

ok, so I technically, my wording was not correct, but I think that most would have understood what I meant. It's not like the mistake that many make in confusing Visa Exempt and Tourist Visas, which I do understand. Thank you for correcting me, but I think that "total hogwash" is a little bit rude, considering that I haven't been rude to you or anyone else. Enjoy the rest of your day

@Russell *******

Tod was referring to the original Visa that the OP would enter Thailand on. It's a 90 day Visa, that expires after 90 days and then becomes invalid, no longer exists. Further stay in the country requires applying for an "Extension of Stay", which replaces the original Visa.