@Gerry *******

For decades people have used agents to get retirement visas to by-pass requirements. These are the most abused visas in Thailand with some mugs paying + baht for a dodgy visa. Immigration haven't ever "looked into" these scams, and no-one has "fallen foul of the system". If you think suddenly Immigration is going to get serious about the DTV you've got your eyes closed!

@Dave ****

Exactly! The MFA sets foreign policy and hence visas. Immigration cannot interfere with the issuing of these visas

@Greg ******

Totally agree. There's so many expats who seem against this visa, and yet it's exactly what foreigners have been demanding for years!

@Dave ****

You do realise this visa was introduced to get people into the country by making longer-stay visits possible and much easier? Everyone entering the country is in some way adding to the economy, some obviously more than others, but working on the saturation theory it sure is working! Why on earth will they kill the Golden Goose? This visa is here to stay

@Luit ****************

Only applies if you haven't paid tax elsewhere. You can't be taxed twice

@Seb *******

There has been nothing suggested that the 60-day exempt entry is temporary. Of course you can guess, but why would anyone base a strategy on guesses made on Facebook? The change was introduced to increase foreigners in Thailand, spending money and contributing towards the economy. It's by far the best option for someone who comes and goes frequently and spends a lot of time in other countries, as that is a true tourist

Depends which embassy/Consulate you are using. Pick the right one and the answer is yes!

@Brian ***

Weird

I'd say you'd have to sign up with a personal trainer at your specific gym. Unlikely a normal gym membership would suffice.

@Graham ******

Go to the ATO website and in the search box type in resident for tax purposes. It'll bring up the three different methods to assess it