All covid requirements were pretty much dropped. However, 99% of residents still wear masks (Bangkok) . Only foreign tourists do not. Some establishments still require a mask.

You should actually say, cook food for your Thai girl...That might be more of a thinker. For oneself no question.. But technically do something for other is generally illegal. I seen problems in Canada about boyfriends helping do big projects around the house get in trouble with immigration.

The definition of "work" by immigration is not solely attached to income. There are many kinds of work that require the proper visa and work permit even if unpaid.

The Thai government has mentioned they allow travel youtubers to make content on Thailand on tourist visa as long as it is part of a larger trip...but if it is solely on Thailand then they would require a work permit.

I would say it's probably a grey area.. If the content has anything to do with Thailand it could be a black area... But realisticly I would not worry that much of immigration coming knocking at your door unless you do something stupid.

@Ron ******

elite gets a lot of things wrong.. People on elite know that. Recent experiences are not immaterial either.

As long as it is a legitimate visa, it's okay. I did the same thing this past year and switched inside Thailand. There is no obec document like elite tells you.. The only thing you need is a letter from your school to cancel your visa.

@Ron ******

this information, which is provided by elite, is wrong... This also is only about switching inside the country... Even though it's wrong anyways.

You can do it.

What you are reading is about converting in country. If you have a bogus visa you can't convert, need to leave and reenter.

I went to ALA in Bangkok with language ED then converted in country to Elite this year.

Resident certificate from immigration last 30 days. Embassy given general rule of thumb is 6 months.. But it depends. Under 30 days you are fine.

The bank usually will not take (keep) your embassy resident certificate, but DLT will keep it. So make sure you open account first.

@Mma ******

no. No. And no.

You don't need an agent for elite. Just apply directly, very easy and simple.

Do not use bogus visa if you considerkng elite, as it might get disqualify you. Elite stated if you had bogus volunteer visa you can't get elite (although I think it depends).

Since you thinking of staying in Thailand long term... Go to a Thai school, get a legitimate visa, and learn the language and culture ✌️ I did the same thing. Ed to elite. I attended ALA, they have online classes too.

You probably don't need tm30 to get your resident certificate. Depending on what office you go to. Typically if you are "tourist" you get a resident certificate at your embassy which is usually just a affidavit. But some embassy require different things. Some immigration offices do different things on that too... So depends.

You can file tm30 yourself if the owner provides you the proper documents.. You just have to take to immigration.. Always a fun day.