Ah, I applied for the DTV online through the LA consulate while I was in Singapore and was approved. You just need to show proof of residence in the US, not actually physically be there.

It’s not “for no reason”. They rejected you because you aren’t complying with their requirements. Did you ask what the requirements are?

Beginning early this year the Thai gov started cracking down hard on money laundering due to international pressure. This in turn has caused the banks to significantly tighten their procedures for accepting and onboarding new customers. Good luck.

FWIW you don’t really need a DTV for your child. There is no overstay penalty for children. They do get an overstay stamp in their passport but it’s not held against them as long as they are traveling with a parent/guardian who has a visa or eligible for the waiver.

I have been in-and-out several times on my DTV with no real issues. Only problem I’ve had is IOs who aren’t yet familiar with handling DTVs and have to ask someone for help.

It’s funny that you tried to argue with them. Hopefully they didn’t leave a note on your record in their system.

I got a DTV specifically because I had been warned by both an IO and the Thai embassy in Singapore that I had too many tourist visas and needed to get a long-term visa. I have re-entered Thailand multiple times since getting the DTV with minimal hassle.

@John *********

visa status of the kids is functionally immaterial if they are going to an international school (or homeschooled) and their parent(s) have their own (non-guardian) visa.

@Florence ***********

haha, make sure to tell the IO that when you go through immigration.

Mike Cooper I’ve rented several condos and villas over the years after entering as a tourist - not a single landlord or agent ever inquired as to my visa status. All they wanted/needed was a copy of my passport bio page for the TM.30 reporting.

@Gerry *******

everyone has different levels of risk tolerance. I travel a lot, so the DTV is perfect for me. Someone who wants to be in Thailand 364 days a year? Maybe not so much.