So what happened in the embassy process when you submitted your ticket in the application? (People do frequently confuse the terminology)

Over the last several years, I have come to Thailand twice (or once) a year for just under a month at a time. These have always fit nicely into visa exempt entries and never without question of my touristic intent.

I am coming soon for my first trip this year, will similarly be under 30 days, within the visa exempt parameters. I didn't and don't expect any issues coming in and enjoying my stay (Bangkok, Hua Hin, brief Chiang Mai) and have all arrangements made and documented. Given the current situation (and with entry under visa exempt being entirely up to the immigration officer you come to) and the significance/cost of a denial of entry (US based), I chose to apply for a single entry tourist visa (even if it is not required). In the past, embassies would not process the applications. My visa was issued on a Monday after a Thursday application. The extra (not absolute) peace of mind was worth the $40.

“When are you planning on leaving?”

“I don't have a return ticket yet, how long can I stay?”

“What is the purpose of your visit?”

“I’m here to visit my Thai wife who is already here.”

Especially in the current climate, why would this not raise a concern that you might be intending to just stay in the country?

My understanding is that they are not worried about whether you have everything clear but are also using your application to see if the landlord has everything clear. Then they can see the landlord’s problem but it also means that you don't have everything clear because you are participating in their wrong.

So, let's say Ralph is in his situation, what would be the advice for an appropriate visa? He is stating that he would come for two stays a year, with each stay being up to 60 days.

- He claims he has been told that tourist visa(s) are not appropriate

- Many of the options require an annual extension of stay, which has to be done within set time periods based on the original entry permission and may not line up with one of the two visits

- DTV is not necessarily seen as a long term visa so may not meet the criteria he has been told

- is someone who is maintaining a primary residence outside of Thailand and perhaps being more than a tourist and having a secondary or vacation home in Thailand left with needing to get an Elite or make permission to be in Thailand be a driving force of when they visit?

Aside from what others are saying above, although not as likely for the OP (unless they are planning regular trips back home as well), there is the whole issue on the other side of where you have to be at renewals for retirement visas each year, unless you start over.

It depends on what you mean by living in Thailand. Some people will not view their pattern as being that - I'm not drawing a conclusion but that can influence it. Then there are the 60+30, gone for 2, 60, gone for 2, 60+7, gone for 3, .…which is a clear living in and knowing you are working a system.

I can't say if the other people’s reports are true. I do know that there are countries I have gone to as a tourist that would not issue the single entry visa to someone coming from a country that was eligible for a visa on arrival or visa exempt entry. On at least one occasion I tried as I was overnighting at a hotel outside immigration and I wanted to maximize my sleep time by getting a visa in advance, but they would not let me.

I have read multiple reports of this, not extensive, and I have not verified them, just read them.

I can think of several reasons:

- it is easier to use visa exempt and some people do not have to get visas for most countries

- while not a huge cost, there is a cost difference and for “real tourists” doing multiple shorter trips (rather than those abusing the exempt process and living in Thailand for months or more) this can add up

- some people have visitation patterns where most people would recommend that visa exempt is the correct way of entering

- a smaller number of people have reported Thai embassies refusing to issue a visa because of eligibility for visa exempt entry

- a visa is also not a guarantee if entry, the IO still has discretion, even if this is less likely

Equivalent: non-cash (bank statement, limit on credit card, etc) not accepted

Equivalent: non-baht (major currencies like EUR or USD) accepted

That is my understanding at least but I could be corrected.