If he got an actual denial of entry he likely got warned last time and didn’t take it seriously.

He should try to get a real visa.

DTV is likely the best option if he has the money in the bank to qualify. If not you should be able to put it into his account if you have it.

Not sure which embassy is easiest to get the DTV.

@Gian ******

do you get to extend another 30 days as well?

Hard disagree.

Apples to apples Thailand is cheaper than PH in most things.

And I spend far more time in PH than TH. This isn’t a fan boy thing this is just reality.

Ask any OFW in Thailand. They come to work in Thailand for better wages and cheaper costs. Allows them to send more money to their families.

@Martin *******

seriously someone tag me when/if he updates.

@Sean ********

I’m on a family plan with others so my part of the bill is an agreed upon $32 a month.

I also regularly return to the US which makes the cost make more sense as well.

@Sean *******

Thailand has higher taxes so most phone available in both countries cost less in the US.

If you plan to maintain a US sim it would make sense to buy the phone in the US and have sim working before leaving.

Those imo are really the only two reasons if you don’t already have a phone you will take to TH.

I guess having a phone during the first hours and days before you could buy has advantages for using Google maps, grab, and etc.

@Sean *******

you won’t know if it work till you port the number.

But anything you set up with the number before porting likely will work.

Also phones are often cheaper model to model in the US. But there are cheaper models available in TH that are not available in US.

I used Google voice all the time.

It works with some but not all 2 factor when I use it.

I also keep a number active on t-mobile that I used in the US and outside. T-Mobile on many plays has free roaming but the calls (if not on wifi) are pricey and the data is slow and not meant for long term use. As long as you turn off data roaming they let you use it for years and years outside the US from what others have said.

Also you should not need new phones. Just make sure your current phones are unlocked.

Not sure how consumer cellular works but if you are keeping numbers active make sure you know how roaming will work to make sure you get any texts or calls you need.

As a true tourist only planning a year or less with no history of staying in Thailand you likely can pull it off with visa free entries and extensions if your nationality qualifies.

60 days + 30 extension

Do that 2-4 times.

If you are pulled aside (not likely till the 3rd or 4th time) just explain and show you are not illegally working and do not plan to stay long term.

Worst case you go to a neighboring country if they won’t let you in or warn you about next time.

But honestly for real tourists I think you will be fine as long as you don’t push a year.

Side note if you want less hassle consider the Philippines. Depending on nationality you can extend up to 36 months without leaving the country and just a flight in and out resets it.

You could also just travel around regional. Do 90 days to start and 90 days to end in Thailand. Just add a few months in the middle visiting one or more other countries.

You can do it until the officer you get decides you are breaking the “rules”.

Normally when they think you are living in Thailand, especially if they suspect illegal work.

That could be as soon as the 2nd (possibly even first) and could be years and years in a row. That would be rare without “help” for border runs but technically possible.

The officer you speak to along with their supervisors can do whatever they think is right. Most will be warned not outright denied entry first.

TLDR: you realistically can’t live on visa except entries unless you have “help” with border runs.

If you plan to stay beyond 6 months a year it makes sense to look better visa options. The new DTV is perfect for many who want this but lack the funds or desire to pay for the elite/prestige.