As others have said you are approved or denied at the interview stage which you book online. Open appointments are likely several months out. You can book the interview before filling out and submitting the DS160 online. Book the earliest one as soon as you can. You can fill out the paperwork after. Then check every day to see if an earlier appointment opens up, as they often do.

I'd put money on this being nothing but a rumor.

In Chiang Mai I've only ever had to provide copies of the stamps in the new passport. After transferring the visa, or stamp they've never asked to see the old passport again.

Despite what others say it is possible, not easy but possible. My thai wife got a tourist visa a few years ago. It depends on the circumstances, office you apply to, and officer you get.

I live here now and neither of us has any desire to move to the US but wanted her to be able to travel back with me when visiting family and friends. We put that and additional details on the application. There is no spot for that but simply put the detail in an answer for another question. We did that because the interview isn't much of an interview. They don't really give you an opportunity to explain your situation at all. She also applied to the embassy in Chiang Mai instead of Bangkok because we heard it may be a little easier to get approved. She had been denied a tourist visa in Bangkok a few years earlier.

@Cliff ********

because they think means November 23rd not November of 2023. Pretty understandable mistake.

@Ryan **********

does duolingo have thai? Last I checked about a year ago it did not.

I'm not aware of any sort of fiance visa like the US has.

@Ruth ******

yes. Beyond courtesy, it is prudent if you don't want a vacation ruined. My comments have simply been more of a curiosity and interest in what the actual law states.

@Ruth ******

I'd have to disagree that that is always how laws are worded. My experience with law and legal documents, including my divorce agreement, would never use the word "should" if it is a requirement. It completely leaves the law open to be challenged. Legal documents and laws are usually extremely specific and careful with the wording. If you search should definition in terms of legality it is clear that it means it is recommended, but not mandatory. Not saying that it is not a law, but the link you sent does not make that clear. Yet the link I attached clearly states that it is not a law. US customs and border protection also states that it "recommends", not that it is required. Although I can also find that they say it is required, at least for entering the US. Clear as mud.

Either way it is definitely something one should do out of common courtesy and I believe I am required per my divorce agreement anyway.

@Ruth ******

thanks for the link, although it's still not clear if it is an actual law. The link you attached says the other parent "should" have the letter. Not that it is "required". I 100% agree that it should be a law and enforced more consistently.