@Roberto ********

summery of the rules and how they will be applied.

@Roberto ********

is there a good source you are aware of that actually lays out realistically what it looks like?

I would suggest visiting other similar countries first.

One can be a long term tourist in some (Philippines is basically forever) while being nomadic between several keeps you within the rules of being a tourist in others.

Yes there are ways to stay in Thailand long term before 50. Some are grey area and some are 100% above board.

But until you have experienced several countries and areas within each you really can’t know what you like or don’t.

Given Thailand doesn’t want people living there on the wrong visas it is worth traveling more to be sure you want to put in the effort.

Once you are 50 as long as you have the income/assets it is relatively easy to stay in Thailand.

Before that why not not make sure it is best for you?

Curious about why you got denied?

1. No one knows yet what it really means.

2. I’m 100% sure the answer is no.

@John *********

while true the only people to have been detained (arrested?) for being digital nomads were quickly released. Happened to a few groups several years back.

And low level officials even made statements it is allowed.

Clearly there is no law saying it is legal. But current interpretation of the law by authorities is that it is.

That could change at any moment.

But Thailand is the most light grey for digital nomads that I know of.

@Chris *****

it is a grey area based on the total situation and the specific border agent you talk to.

One is not supposed to “live” in Thailand on visa exempt or tourist visas. But clearly there are those who do.

So there is no specific amount of time in the kingdom that sets them off. On paper there is no rule/law about how long on can stay in the Kingdom as a “tourist”.

In practice it varies a lot.

We have heard stories of people who did loads of covid extensions that now face issues when they enter even if they have been outside the Kingdom for months.

The “6 month rule” is something that some mention for those who are nomadic but spend significant time in the kingdom. Basically those who make Thailand their home base but spend about half their time outside the country.

And IMO it is a good way to look at it if you are not living in Thailand. But spending 6 months every year in Thailand might still get the attention of the immigration agent. I’ve heard stories from those who had that happen.

If someone truly wants to live in Thailand they really need to find better visas. Being on tourist or exempt will always be a risk.

And as we saw with covid extensions and education/volunteer visas (in regards to Elite visa application issues at least) even the “right” visa can be an issue retroactively if they think you abused the system to live in Thailand.

Loads of grey areas and each person has to decide how much they want to play in them.

IMO outside of work, marriage, retirement, and maybe the Elite long term “living” in Thailand will always be a grey area.

They do care

The issue is will they notice and if so what will they do. Sometimes you hear stories of officials being bribed. Sometimes you hear stories of people getting arrested. But honestly a lot you don’t hear about because it seemingly isn’t noticed.

It is up to you how much risk you are ok with I guess.

I wouldn’t do it. But some do.

I also would hope no one would believe such a prospective employer’s statement.

I’m not sure there is an exact answer.

Sounds like you get atm fees refunded and if your American bank gives good rates than it is likely the cheapest. But that doesn’t figure in your time or hassle.

If you are going to leave the money in an account vs taking out cash it is likely a wash. Save a bit of money vs save a bit of time.

Just remember if you need this to show as money from outside TH you don’t want to do the atm.

Personally I’d just use wise for a one time bank to bank transfer. And my atm to pull out from the US account if I needed cash. Like you I get atm fees refunded.

From your comments it was a new passport, so not the one you used in 2015?

Did the airline give more details?

I’ve heard of similar mistakes before where the airline got it wrong.

I’m not sure how their systems work for checking that stuff but personally I would assume it was an airline mistake.

Though have no idea how to have them recheck or have another airline check without booking another flight.

Even if they somehow forgot an exit stamp I don’t think you get blacklisted.

If “you” are truly blacklisted the only way I see that happening is if some how your record is merged with the person who really did.

Maybe an error with your new passport? When they scan it does it come up as you? Is this the first time you used the new one?

If this wasn’t an airline mistake good luck.

If it was you may have to fly with a different company to test it out and be sure now.