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What are the implications of the new Thailand ETA on long-term stays and the DTV application process?

Thailand ETA DTV visa Visa application process Visa exemption policy Long-term stay in Thailand

Sep 21, 2024

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

More confirmation the DTV is staying and talks of simplifying application process.

The Thailand ETA is coming and that will make it more difficult for those trying to stay long term in Visa Exempts ie border bounces. [members only]

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses recent updates regarding the Thailand ETA and the DTV visa, emphasizing that the ETA may complicate the ability of travelers to stay long-term under the visa exemption policy, particularly for those who frequently cross borders. Community comments reflect varied perspectives, with some expressing relief at the clarity of the DTV process, while others question the efficacy of the ETA in preventing abuses of long-term stay options.

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Dave *****

How much simpler can the process be? I mean as far as long term visa application processes go, I thought DTV was easy as.

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Andrew *******

just more uniform guidelines must be

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Andrew *******

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Gerry ********

it would appear the only appreciable difference with the ETA is that it removes the ability of the immigration officer to make discretional decisions.

Frankly, that doesn't bother me.

Having said that, I've been to Thailand on visa exemption 4 times this year, hence why I'm now applying for the DTV! 🤣

I'm legit and will rest easy knowing that I've done the work to prove it.

Tourists will still be tourists and I doubt that filling in a form will make any noticeable difference.

Opening some wide doors, whilst closing some other narrow ones. Most folks will be fine.

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Andy ************

The ETA will separate tourists from non-immigrant visas, and will solve the problem of how to charge the 300 baht "tourist tax". This alone will deter the regular border bouncers who will be paying 300 baht each time they bounce. It's not much for each individual, but it will net the Thai government a small fortune

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Gerry ********

@Andy ***********

We shall see.

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Andy ************

Exactly! A lot of people are in for a shock - especially the Cheap Charlies who meltdown over 300 baht! 😂😂😂

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Gerry ********

@Andy ***********

that's like 3 hours worth of beer...

(cheap beer!)

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Andy ************

I only drink decent beer in Thailand, mostly imported. 300 baht represents about 30 minutes of drinking.

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Andy ************

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Greg ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Vast majority will be fine. I can remember when the Bamgkok English Teachers had to do border runs every 30 days. The cheap Charlie's used to get the free casino bus to the border. They had to change 5k to chips but they did it. Got the receipt and changed back

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Gerry ********

casino bus and dealing in chips! 555

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Gerry ********

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Wayne ******************

I'll give this a read. Got my DTV a couple of hours ago. e2e 4 days. I'll post about the process later (UK online).

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Greg ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wayne *****************

I am currently assessing whether to give up retirement visa and go on this one. Was looking at the BOI Smart Startup Visa but only if we would be doing business in Thailand and raising funds here. However, looks likely will set up the company in Singapore as that has advantages.

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Gerry ********

be cautious mate.

A lot of folks are pondering the same thing.

The retirement visa options seem to be well 'proven'.

It would be a shame for a 'retiree' to come unstuck after switching to what is essentially a glorified tourist visa... It's probably fine for many 'retirees' but only time will tell, I suppose...

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Andy ************

For retirees who travel often, it's a no brainer. So much cheaper and no need for the annual trek to immigration. Even if it falls flat, retirees will still have the option to go back onto non-O. I'll be switching next year when my current non-O expires

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Andy ************

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Wayne ******************

DTV is definitely simpler than the Retirement option. The caveat would be that in five years time it's reasonable to assume it won't exist. The benefits would be not having to do the annual admin and 90 day reporting associated with the retirement visa.

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Greg ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wayne *****************

I thought the jury was out whether the 90 day reporting is required or not. People are say it is required and others not. Not seen any links to anything official stating anything about DTV specifically.

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Gerry ********

It's required by default for all long(er) stays, unless the particular visa (Privilege/Elite, LTR, etc.) has a specific exemption.

For example, LTR has annual reporting.

I found some evidence and posted it elsewhere in this group...

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Gerry ********

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