It’s the only way they can collect the tourist tax that they have been talking about for several years, airlines and hotels have refused to co-operate. So there is a significant financial incentive to make this happen, not to mention the ability to prevent folks gaming the system, with multiple border hops.Even the UK is about to introduce it, so only a matter of time I guess.
Dieter Kuehn they often find out the hard way, everyone thought the education wheeze was great until the authorities clamped down….better to control your own destiny - agents fuel corruption, which never lasts….
Yes, spend as you wish once you have change in status secure…..just be sure that the method you use to transfer 65k shows it as coming from outside Thailand - particularly relevant to wise
If you want to switch to the 65k a month (from 800k) you should check with your local immig office (they can vary) how much and for how long you keep the lump sum in your account after visa is issued, pull too much out too soon and they will say you never met the requirements for issuance of visa, and having the 65k a month is moot. I speak from personal experience in Phuket……..they want the 800k for first three months before switching to 65k……..
They are also questioning folk over 50 more frequently now, a kiwi mate who comes out 2-3 times a year for 4-6 weeks at a time( doesn’t live here) has been asked on arrival in Phuket on last two visits why he doesnt get a retirement visa ? The IO’s are merely doing their job, finally …….when the ETA is introduced it will become virtually impossible to game the system as technology will reject frequent flyers…..without correct visa. Marriage, Retirement, and DTV avail now and they want them used….Thailand is entering the 21st century……..better get used to it and plan accordingly I guess……
my experience goes back 15 years, west Africa was a pain, East Africa was visa friendly back then glad to hear they are finally modernizing , Nigeria will always be a basket case I suspect, I lived there for 3 years - prepares you for anything Thais can throw at you 😊
spent 20 years there prepares you for anything these clowns can throw at you - Nigeria and Angola probably took the biscuit - lucky I had two passports every visa took at least a week……. happy days though 😊
The people who had a problem won’t respond because they are not here 🤔 airlines are supposed to check before they issue boarding pass - throw of the dice mate 😳