That bar code is your passport number btw, ends in 114 I believe?

@Nick ******

took about two weeks. After a week I emailed asking about the status and they responded with “We will email you request for further documents.”. They never did though, was approved 3 days later.

I maintain a mailbox in Seattle and used that as my address when I applied for the DTV online via the LA consulate. Same address that was on the bank statements I submitted.

I was in the Philippines when I applied. I probably could have applied at the embassy in Manila but it would have been a PITA for me to travel there to do it at the time.

Its actually easier & faster to just do it yourself. You still have to gather and provide all the information to your agent. Then you have to wait on them to process the paperwork and get back to you. Cut out the middle man.

I suspect most often it’s because they don’t have the 500k show money and rely on the agent for that. Wouldn’t be surprised if we eventually see Immigration add a requirement for your 500k to cook for at least six months because if this practice/abuse.

Why not just apply yourself???

You maintain your legal residence elsewhere because DTV isn’t a residence visa - it’s a tourist visa. If you are planning on actually residing in Thailand then you should get an appropriate visa.

Maybe better for you to stay in Malaysia if you find this frustrating.

It’s a tourist visa….

Don’t waste your money investing in a business here unless you can be onsite overseeing things on a regular basis. Even then it’s a crapshoot. Better to invest your money in mutual funds or real estate back home.