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I’m not sure if the rules have been tightened, but enforcement definitely has. I feel for the guy, but jumping between a Muay Thai ED visa and a DTV draws attention. It suggests he might be trying to stay on indefinitely, work illegally, or something of the sort. Regardless, I’ve been living here on a Non-Immigrant Retirement visa for ten years without any issues. When it’s time to renew, I bring my lovely wife along. We make sure we’re smartly dressed, and my wife has a bit of a natter with the officers. It’s always sorted within 15–20 minutes, and I always manage to book a slot at Chaengwattana. I don’t foresee any problems with my own extension; I even do my 90-day reports online. But stories like this always crop up and get everyone worried. In my experience, if you just follow the rules and remain polite and respectful, you won't have any trouble.

The visa rules must be for everyone. You can't make rules for every single person. Education visas are being abused. There are a lot of "fake" educations where a visa is applied for., but make clear rules. If you study Thai, you can get an ED visa if you can show how you can pay for your stay in Thailand, and the visa will only be given if you study at official recognized institutes. The visa is valid for the duration of your education. every year you have to show your attendance list and your improvement, In fact 3year max. Now I know there are people working fora church don't study anything but have an ED visa. Muay Thai or other cultural educations the same. This story is about 1 person, but as said visa rules should be for everyone, and if they can't meet the requirements it is sadly for the applicant...

You should present your statistical data to the relevant authourities and demand change.

You could offer to man the phones, but I fear there would be an increase in jumpers after you spoke to them

last couple of week: impossible to get a slot for an appointment at CW even you have an appointment, agents come and get priority service for 10,20,50 customers people who don't have 800k/65k a month, use dodgy agents with connections to get a stamp, while those people should not get follow the rules and scrutiny to the max for every single paper and money in the bank for a year, and dodge users of agents don't even show up at the immigration nightmare why is this not handled ? too much money involved anti corruption agency is as ... fill in yourself... make it more difficult for people following the rules instead of finding a humane solution for long term rule followers (married, children, working, retired, tax payers, ...)

Stories like this and the accompanying headlines are written for the sole purpose of trying to get people worried, The number of people currently viewing this thread (56) is proof of its success. Follow the rules and be polite is all that is required

I find the headline to be more than a little misleading. It implies ALL long term retirees are facing growing uncertainty as visa options narrow. The information then describes ONE person having been refused a DTV visa. Was the very small detail of facts, deliberately designed to cause panic? Is this to be an ongoing thing in AN now? Or is this a try at jumping the gun for April 1st? Whichever, it is in vert poor taste, especially coming from the News Team.

The best export business are the tourists, and expats. They are give a huge income to Thailand. If the thai government would be smarter, issue visas easy, for tourists, and expats. For example 30 days visitor free of charge Migrant birds, 6 months 5.000 thb/visa Retirement, family, and long term stay, one year 10.000 thb/visa, include an emergency insurance up to 200.000 thb

just one chinese trying to game the system hardly evidence of an "Anutin Crackdown" and certainly no reason for anybody else to start worrying

Better get your savings over here, do it the Legal way…….ED visa abuse, border hop abuse, Agent abuse, back to 30 day exempt entry for all, looks like a PM Anutin crack down. Should be a more pleasant long stay extension visit soon for those locking up money here

agree with all these comments. I too have been in Thailand a total of over 40 years with no visa problems as I adhere to whatever the requirements are at that time. I have had several different visas but legally every time and no problems with extensions. I plan to stay until my ashes are strewn over some mountain top or waters of this what I still consider to be a Paradise. I respect the people, the govt and their laws and hope that they respect my positive attitude too. I continue reading daily, negative stories of foreigners here which seems to be impacting the respect from locals more and more. I also see this problem happening in many countries today. Best of luck to all here!

I bet Trump and his billionaires friends, family and closed allies are making a lot of money

Yes individuals with no money - the ideal sort of person to be a resident. Why does he think he has a "right" to live here?

Free late night entertainment! What's not to like?

Well pulled the trigger and bought a Electric Vehicle. It's a Aion V 602 Luxury and it is beautiful. Rides great, runs great and drives like a dream. Nice features including a little refrigerator. Sales lady set things up going through screen, all in Thai, changed to english when she was done. Screen is easy to see and use.

You yanks elected in a madman dictator !! try and get rid of him. not going to happen !! bloody fools!!!

oh please ,there is no need for gender and transphobia discrimination I sometimes identify as a woman myself on different days and I expect to be treated as a lady when I do

Probably from New Jersey. Can't take them gals anywhere . . .

Those are American girls

Its surprising it hasn't fallen farther since the Treasury announced the USA is financially insolvent last week, Not surprising it hasn't gotten much air time considering the friends of trump are controlling so much of the media landscape now

US stocks plummeted on March 27, 2026, with the Dow Jones dropping nearly 800 points () to enter correction territory, while the Nasdaq sank . The market faces its fifth straight weekly loss due to rising oil prices above /barrel, fueled by intensifying Middle East conflict, sparking inflation fears and prompting investors to sell riskier assets. The Economic Times +3 If this doesn't change soon the republicans are toast

How is he financing his stay in Thailand?

You should only be allowed to stay here in Thailand IF you qualify (both the explicit rules but also the spirit) for the visas a country issues for the people that they want to attract. You are just a person that wants something and tries to qualify for a visa, nothing special.... Nothing special about Thailand doing it vs any other country. An ED visa is for people that are studying at an approved school and approved program for a limited time - then return home. A retirement visa is a glorified long-term tourist visa for someone that has money, does not work and wishes to stay in Thailand long term but only if he qualifies each and every year (they are not permanent residence and no special rights of residency). A tourist visa is for a specified shorter time for someone to come here to relax or have fun and then go home... Notice the pattern... you come here if you are going to benefit Thailand. DTV is for people that can work remotely earning money from business that is earned outside Thailand for a company that does not have a legal entity in Thailand... and if you cannot meet expectations then you won't qualify in the future. All of these are - you come here, you bring money here, you don't take jobs from Thais and you spend money to help the economy... that is it.

Looks like you did not watch the vid....seems to me that those two ignorant American women got their assess handed to them. They found out that this was not a Carnival Cruise.

I have lived here for 40 years and held a retires visa for 25 years. It costs me less than 100USD and takes half a day once a year. Its really not that difficult if you follow the rules.

Looks like the fatigue has come to Pattaya. I still wonder if TAT doesn't recruit street performers to entertain the tourists.

An elected dictator, or elective dictatorship, is a leader who gains power through legitimate elections but subsequently consolidates absolute authority, often by eroding democratic institutions, manipulating laws, and restricting opposition. These leaders leverage initial popular support to justify authoritarian methods, google is your friend https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elective_dictatorship

There are still people that think Trump is playing 5D chess. In reality, what's he playing is more like a fake reality tv show without a script. He's having fun, he and his cronies are making billions in corrupt grifts, that's for sure. But at what price to the vast majority of people in the world?

Muslims and muslim loving cuckolds on the match again. Branding patriots as far right is so last year.

Dear me, YT. So you are saying the Strait of Hormuz is open? The US has its' own supply of rare earths? Please specify what facts you have that contradict the facts I have posted.

You are either eligible to a visa [correct] for your situation or you are not. There are rarely stories of visa holders who stick to the rules; only those who don't and personnaly couldn't care less for those who cant [or wont] follow the kingdoms legislation

Most, if not all of these guys have run out of money, spent it all having too much fun, maybe listened to the wrong bar girl after settling down. I've know many good guys who lost their life savings here, all went back home broke, quite sad. Anyway, now you've mentioned it, something can be done. You are around the age to withdraw your superannuation. You've been working all your life, I'm sure your super will be quite a package. Sell your apartment, withdraw your super and help these penny less foreigners who are looking to end their life

Not Filipino. They are low impulse control African/African American up against ladyboys. As for being on the job, absolutely. Also more than two. Looks like turf warfare Pattaya style.

Trump tore up the former deal they had with Iran, a deal that was made by President Obama. Trump tore it up because he is an insecure little s**t who did it out of spite, malice and jealousy. Now he's crying to reinstate the exact same deal. Someone send him to Tehran. He needs to go, now, alone.

The most astonishing part of this whole story is how effortlessly some people suspend critical thinking the moment their “chosen one” speaks. You’ve got folks cheering on a war they barely understand, convinced it’ll be quick, clean, and cost‑free because that’s what they want to believe, not what the facts suggest. The cognitive dissonance is wild. Blind faith in the man, but fear of the very real consequences staring them in the face.

Let's get this out of the way first; visas/extensions that are agent gotten (even ones where they bank the funds for you for a matter of minutes) are REAL immigration stamps, from REAL immigration offices by REAL immigration officers and they are indeed valid.. Now to answer the question, do people have issues later with agent/gotten stamps. That is not as easy to answer. If you use an agent to bank the funds for you and have no problem using an agent year after year, no, you'll be fine HOWEVER with that being said If you ever wanna jump off the slippery slope of agent gotten visa/extensions and 'push your own paper' (get your own extension) you can indeed find 'issues'. First if an agent banked the funds for you for the extension you're on, EVEN if you start transferring in 65K baht a month each month every month for the next 12 months, OR decide to bank your own money a couple months before your next extension comes due you will run into problems. That's because most all immigration offices are now requiring you to provide a year transaction detail report printed by the bank <- and that shows the balance of the account for every transaction done the previous year. It's this report that will show your agent banked the money for just a matter of hours and you did NOT meet the required seasoning <- which is keeping the 800K in the account for 3 months after the extension is granted and then never letting the balance get below 400K for the rest of the year.. That's what catches people out Obviously if you bank your own money and just use an agent to get the extension you'd be in a better position to do your own extension the following year Another issue that comes up is agents that do those "one-&-done" visa/extensions all in one day <- where you go, get the 90 day Non-O issued and then immediately get the year extension issued the same day (usually done at Chaengwattana Bangkok). That is a GIANT red flag to any immigration office in the country and it's 100% a tip off that you used an agent because you (as a "normal human being) couldn't show up and pull that off. You'd have to show up, apply for the Non-O, pay the 2000 baht, come back 2 weeks later, get it inked into your passport then wait until you had 30 days or less left on that 90 day stamp before you applied for the year extension. I know people who did the one-&-done, and then the following year tried to push their own paper at the immigration office and were denied being told go talk to the person who helped you last year.. Another issue that people have is those "no go/no show" extensions <-that's where you just give your passport / bank book to the agent and it comes back with the year extension in it. Usually those stamps come from some back water out of the way immigration office. From a province you have never lived in, set foot in and most likely you couldn't find on a map of thailand if the provinces were labeled. Even filing a new TM30 at your immigration office, once you got that extension filing 90 day reports at your office doesn't guarantee that you'd be able to push your own paper the following year.. The above 'issues' are the reason the Pattaya agents are the best to deal with. They HOLD your passport so that the Non-O, then the year extension stamps are spread out so it is not immediately apparent to anyone looking at the stamps that they were agent gotten. AND not to mention the high number of foreigners who live/stay in Pattaya so those stamps are NOT always indicative of having used an agent. As far as using "shepherd" <- someone to "herd" you thru the process with you meeting the financial requirements on your own. As a rule those "Hand Holders" are usually okay, and the following year if you don't wanna use them it's not an issue pushing your own paper. Sorry this was a long response. Hope this was somewhat helpful.

"In the MAGA movement you'll find people with 5 teeth defending people with 6 yachts." How many teeth have you got, Yellow?😁

Foreign nationals living long-term in Thailand are facing growing uncertainty as visa options narrow and immigration rules tighten, leaving many in a legal grey area. The issue highlights immediate concerns for expats who rely on education or alternative visas to remain in the country. Get today's headlines by email For Cui Heng, a 34-year-old Chinese national, Thailand was intended as a place to settle rather than exploit loopholes. He entered in July 2023 on a tourist visa and later obtained an education (ED) visa, valid from March 2024 to March 2026, allowing him to train in Muay Thai and establish a modest lifestyle in Pattaya. However, with his ED visa due to expire, his attempt to secure a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was rejected without explanation. The DTV, a five-year multiple-entry visa permitting stays of up to 180 days per visit, is aimed at remote workers and those engaged in approved cultural or training activities. At the same time, authorities are considering reducing visa-free tourist stays to 30 days, adding further uncertainty. While visa runs to neighbouring countries remain an option, Mr Cui acknowledged the risks involved and said the lack of stable pathways leaves many long-term residents in limbo. Mr Cui stated he has never overstayed or committed any offence but described pressure to pay informal fees during immigration checks, suggesting outcomes may depend on factors beyond official requirements. “Some people get through easily even if their records are not good,” he said. “Others follow the rules and still run into trouble.” His monthly living costs are about 40,000 baht, covering rent, food and utilities, with little discretionary spending. Despite maintaining a disciplined and lawful lifestyle, he said there are limited legal routes for individuals like him to remain in Thailand long term. The Bangkokpost reported that the situation reflects a broader tightening of immigration oversight, with authorities increasing scrutiny of visa misuse and informal work arrangements. The uncertainty is affecting a group of foreigners who are neither short-term tourists nor criminals but long-term residents seeking stability. Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost of Cui Heng Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Bangkokpost 30 Mar 2026 View full article

Israeli airspace will remain closed to most commercial flights until at least April 16, significantly limiting travel between Israel and Thailand, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday 29 Marxh. Only two Israeli airlines, El Al and Arkia, are continuing operations on an irregular basis, with services subject to sudden cancellation. The restrictions have disrupted travel plans and raised concerns for Thai nationals in the region. Get today's headlines by email Deputy spokesman Panidone Pachimsawat said the Israeli government had extended the airspace closure, leading all international airlines to suspend their services. The ministry advised that Thais needing to leave Israel urgently should contact the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv to arrange alternative evacuation methods. Limited flight availability has made departures increasingly uncertain. The disruption comes amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, including conflict between Israel and Hezbollah forces along the border. Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missile strikes on Israel, while Iranian attacks have targeted infrastructure in neighbouring Arab nations. Israeli and United States warplanes have also continued strikes on strategic targets in Iran, including the assassination of senior Islamic Republic figures, most recently the head of the navy. Despite the widespread suspension of flights, Bahrain’s Gulf Air has confirmed it will continue operating routes between Dammam and Bangkok until April 30. Dammam is a key transit hub for travellers connecting through Saudi Arabia, offering one of the few remaining options for travel between the region and Thailand. The ministry has reiterated its call for Thai citizens to leave high-risk areas in the Middle East as soon as possible. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions show no sign of easing. The evolving conflict poses ongoing risks to both civilian travel and regional stability. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Bangkokpost 30 Mar 2026 View full article

This folks is what we’re up against. A complete departure from rational thought.

Well in my over 40 years here, I have never had ANY problem with visas nor with bank paperwork when necessary. Visas have changed since I began staying here and I changed with them as requirements for some of the same visas changed and in order to meet those new requirements, from stories on this Forum and the Bangkok Post, i learned of the changes and was prepared when ever I had to extend a visa or when a new visa would appear that better suited my finances and life here, I jumped at it so that I feel really comfortable and very little interaction with immigration officers too though I do speak Thai and I was always polite when talking with the IO's and think that maybe that had something to do with it but attitude is something that IO's don't have any more than many expats IMHO anyway. I have live in many countries around the world, and have always obeyed local laws and never had any problems except maybe with known terrorists affecting my lifestyle except maybe during a war so not something I couldn't deal with. To me, after 40+ years here I still think that Thailand is more of a paradise than most other countries so have no plans to depart anytime soon. Today i received a news article Entitled "10 seconds to maybe a better day and life" and it talked about just sit back look at one's life and think of the people that you met that improved your life. I for some reason had been doing that just this morning before I even read that article and was immediately surprised at the number of people that in many cases went out of their way to provide some blessing to my life. There are so many that it is impossible to really remember some of them but there had to be as I have been truly blessed too many times in my life. it certainly makes me sit and relax a lot more right now knowing that and that i am still in Paradise! I certainly hope that everyone can sit back and relax a bit - think of the positives in your life, not the negative and if you are successful in doing this, life for you too should seem much brighter. If not, then maybe this is not the paradise you once thought it was. Maybe there is another one somewhere else. I belong to forums covering many countries in Europe and Asia and many of the complaints are similar from some expats so here might be better for them and there might be better for some on this forum that are not happy here. I only wish the best for all of us, I have experienced horrible conditions in some areas of the world but survived with more knowledge and appreciation for what I do have. I am a patriotic American VN vet, who can live here or there comfortably on a retirement income but that doesn't want me to move back to the political situations in the US of which I am ashamed and embarrassed by the politics there especially the current administration. Just saying if one wonders why i stay here so happily. Good luck with your visas and any changes that might show up with the new government. and

Hmm. I’ve been to a couple of No Kings protests, and nobody ever paid me, or any of the other people I know who have attended. Maybe I’m just stupid. Nick Shirley? Really? Teenage shock jock who’s now learned how to monetize his antics? Say, have you shelled out $50 for one of his sweatshirts at his Shirley Defense website? Better hurry before they sell out! More than that, are you OK? You seem to be all tangled up in conspiracy theories. Maybe take a few days off from those blogs run by fat guys in their thirties living in their mothers’ basements ...

IMHO, Thailand is no longer an attractive retirement destination for 'Mr Average', because of the requirement to tie up 800,000 baht in a Thai bank, (plus of course the 90-day report, re-entry visa costs when leaving the country etc). I'm Mr Average, and now use Cambodia as my home base, with no bank deposit required and only $300/year for my annual retirement visa, and NO 90-day reports, and NO re-entry permit costs etc. It's not ... er..... rocket science is it? :)

I think you will find that the majority of genuine long term residents are like you and have no problems, I have been here 16 years and never had an issue and know people who have been here far longer one guy over 40 years. Unfortunately there are people in every country who try to rort the system.

So, Thailand is finally getting wise then... 30 day tourist visa exempt, fewer EDs, and DTVs. All makes sense when you look at how they've been abused in the past.

These were two Arabs, they have a different culture than us. Insulting their mothers is a big deal.

Life sometimes doesn't go our way and deals us a bad hand and for one reason or another people decide to end it. But why do it in such a public manner, why do it in a way that will traumatize people and potentially harm people in the process? Why not just do it in the quiet of your own home using poison or overdosing on drugs or doing something else that is an effective way of ending it without causing a public spectacle? Show some dignity.

The Yanks as usual dont understand that they have voted in a dictator !! they will not be able to get rid of him !! you reap what you sow !!

Your medication said only 1 per day…

One man started the U.S. war against Iran. It's well documented that the military warned him against it.