BaanOz

Hi Drjack, With reference to my post below, I had zero issues on my entry. Will see how the extension plus re-entry goes in a couple of months. Probably go to Penang. I did have A$1000 (~B20,000) on me but was on my way within 2 minutes, stamped passport for a couple of months.

Well all that angst was for nothing! For starters we asked a Thai worker if I (having an Aussie passport) could join the Thai immigration line with my Thai wife. Answer was my wife could have "one follower" and they walked us to the Thai line which was empty. Felt like we were VIPs and got directed by another worker straight to the immigration officers desk. Immigration officer asked for what flight we arrived, didn't care or look at wife's boarding pass (with different name) and he didn't ask for her Aussie passport with a different surname name/DOB/place of birth. When we were thinking it could have been the longest immigration taken, yet it was the quickest of over 50 past visits!

Will do. One other thing in 30 years of visa exceptions, I've never brought or been pulled up about the 20,000 baht cash to enter. I'm feeling I should change my ways on that and don't what to give them an excuse. The only naughty thing I've done in 30 years, overstayed 2 days about 20 years ago 😄

Same as me ...in Australia but a couple of weeks ago. Showed 3 months banks statements plus the "official" balance printout using a joint bank account. Balance at least double the required amount. Other joint account holder did not apply for a visa. Staying at inlaws place and got them to "write a letter of invitation" plus they provided their ID and electricity bill with their name and the address. I actually wrote the letter (using Grok) in English. No actual hand written signature by the inlaw. Inlaw was not contacted. Took 8 days (including weekend) to approve. BTW got the METV last year (but at consulate in Sydney) and stayed 6 months between March and August. Got 2 extensions plus went to Penang in the middle. Hoping to do the same with no issues when I arrive next week for another 6 months!

It's up to the insurance company, nothing to do with Thailand. Apparently zero rules if showing Thai ID with name matching foreign passport. Already mentioned above by Maestro and replied to.

Thanks for the replies! I had forgotten about using her Aussie passport plus Thai ID to enter. She was born in Thailand and I had actually replied at the end of that thread. Her name and DOB is different between the Australian passport and Thai ID. I guess this idea is out when reading it's "essential the names are the same" here: https://thaicitizenship.com/thai-citizens-entering-thailand-on-a-foreign-passport/ I guess she'll have to stick to entering on her Thai passport and the original question of her filling out the "digital arrival card" is answered ie: she's not entering as a foreigner so no need to fill it in. BTW it would have been good if she could enter with the Aussie passport as travel insurance will not allow her two names of her passports on the policy.

Aussie with new Thai passport with zero stamps, never used it before and traveling back to Thailand soon. Is the procedure?... Buy a flight ticket using Australian passport name (different to Thai passport name). Show airline in Sydney the Thai passport as being able to enter Thailand. Arrive in Phuket, show Thai passport and airline boarding pass. Boarding pass has Australian name so required to show Australian passport. Reverse for coming back home but is the new digital arrival card necessary to do please? I suspect not.

Nope, no where near those classy 'burbs. https://merivale.com/venues/allawah-hotel/menu/

Maybe for a long GP appointment or a cheap specialist? Standard GP appointment A$85 and get A$42.85 back. Local beer on tap, schooner A$7.24 including cc fee. Pub meal: Grain fed rump steak (250g) A$23 (chips and salad) The above numbers are from middle class suburb 15km from the GPO. We spend 6 months Phuket / 6 months Sydney. Although, it still costs us double in those 6 months living in Sydney (compared to Phuket) but the numbers in this thread are generally not typical unless you are living in a touristy spot.

...we normally walk together, 5mins to a nearby 5 star resort toilet that's air-conditioned while the family attend to the restaurant. (I just relieve myself in nearby bushes) There is competition with neighbouring restaurants and why "assisting" may be a bad idea.

This subject interests me as I've been guilty of "volunteering" to bring items in my car and unloading them for the family restaurant. Will get the kitchen-hands to unload in future. Also, with outside tables I've run to pick up table clothes etc as it starts to rain. Otherwise I've tried to avoid doing anything at the restaurant besides chatting with customers. Although, I have taken customers that I've become friendly with to some tourist spots and guess that's a no-no too but never for or received any money. The family restaurant does have surrounding similar restaurants that could get upset as the family restaurant does do well. Generally about volunteering, I mentioned in another post about the Soi Dog Foundation and I just found this on their website under their volunteering FAQ: I guess it's a grey area and the Soi Dog don't have a similar business nearby that could get upset but they do cover themselves by saying "check with your local Thai Embassy".

Surely it would be rare (if ever) for a foreigner to be trouble for joining a team to pick up rubbish off a beach, walk dogs at the Soi Dog Foundation or volunteer to paint the in-laws house?

If/when that happens you could just pay and get the METV. I guess there would be zero applications now for that METV for countries who can get the 60 day visa exempt.

Thanks, that basic one above would do me and is cheap! Reviews look good on it too.

Great thanks, cheap and perfect to sit for 6 months between visits!