@Barc **********

I didn't say it was necessary for the imm official to do what they did. But yes they CAN do it. They have the power in that situation. What about any of my statements made me sound submissive? I clearly did stand up for myself and phoned a friend and got in didn't I? I didn't just accept the nonsense and leave the country. I also never said anything about visa exemption or anything like that. If you're going to completely miss the point and also share wrong opinions, be my guest. But it's not useful.

@Joshua **********

I do know. It doesn't matter. They can question you all the same. Not sure why you think it makes a difference.

@Joshua **********

how does that matter? These are basic immigration questions anywhere you travel with whatever visa. Sometimes you get picked to be grilled and sometimes you don't.

Anonymous participant Well, at this point, be grateful they let you in. I went for a change of Visa a couple of years ago, got questioned up and down when I came back, and they were ready to send me away at BKK. The only reason they didn't is because I was able to call a Thai friend who could vouch for me. I hadn't overstayed or done anything wrong, and I had a paid for and approved Visa in hand. They can do what they want at the end of the day.

Anonymous participant You've been lucky then I guess. Those are pretty standard questions I've been asked in other places as well. Not every time of course. But on occasion. You won the lottery this time.

Welcome to Thailand. Everything is unnecessary and more complicated than it has to be.

But also, have you never been through immigration anywhere before? These are basic questions.

The government changes rules all the time. So just keep that in mind. I'm not even looking into the DTV in too much detail right now, because I won't need it until next June, and everything could be different by then.

I was able to get a Covid extension when my STV ended at the immigration office in Chiang Mai. Currently on my second Covid extension. I’ve been given mixed messages as to whether you can convert to any other visa type once on a Covid extension.