Caldera

Yet another flip-flop, but at least it goes into the right direction.

Well potentially and depending on where you are a tax resident now, becoming a tax resident of Thailand instead could well be beneficial. Other than that? I don't think so.

No more fingerprinting? That would be a surprise if true.

I disagree. If and when they do enforce it (either selectively on you or broadly), it will be too late. Too late to avoid being a tax resident or too late to file a tax return on time and avoid penalties. This really is something you need to be proactive about.

I'm not surprised. Many grand announcements, every week another new hub of this and that, no lack of pipe dreams, but where's the meat on the bone?

What's with this "per se" nonsense, in immigration's own words it's a visa and they charge you the same 2,000 baht fee as for a non-immigrant visa applied for abroad. That it's used right away is just a consequence of the applicant already being in-country. A visa on arrival is used right away and at the same place where it's been issued (minutes ago) as well. No idea why you get hung up on this "not a visa per se" nonsense in this particular topic anyway, because nobody knows where the DTV can be applied for yet anyway. We all know how non-immigrant visas work.

That's just nonsense, the stamp clearly says VISA.

Do we really need those "nothing has changed yet" reports every single day, complete with superfluous drivel about having used an award miles deal? The only thing he failed to mention is whether he took the time for a stop at the restroom on his way from the gate to immigration. Some people. Why not wait until someone finally posts a report about finally getting those 60 days we're waiting for.

My passport would disagree with you. I have a non-immigrant VISA issued by an immigration office inside Thailand stamped into my passport. That visa was the prerequisite to changing to a non-immigrant entry while in the country, so as far as immigration is concerned, they perform two steps (issue the visa, use the visa).

That's a bizarre statement. You reckon relocating twice per year is getting easier as you'll age? That would worry me more than the paperwork, as you can just pay someone qualified to deal with it on your behalf, if and when the need arises.

Seriously now?!

It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Lock him up!

And many similar incidents before this month. What is it that makes Pattaya the hub of balcony falls?

A bigger man would just admit that this "problem" only existed in his head and not in actual fact. There have never been any reports of anyone leaving and having trouble getting back in.

Thanks for this! Looks like I'm fine then, my current number is already on record with them and used for things such as transaction alerts and OTPs via SMS.

If they ask you where you live and your answer is Thailand, they will assume that you're a tax resident of Thailand.

Thailand has joined the CRS, so this is hardly surprising. If you tell your bank - that is located in another CRS country - that you are a tax resident of Thailand, they have to report information about your accounts to the Thai tax authorities.

The only thing that surprises me is that this is NEW. I've always taken my passport with me whenever I've had any business at any bank, and I've always had to hand it over for them to copy it. I use their apps and machines whenever I can though, I only go to a branch when I really have to.

How exactly did that work and how did you prove that the SIM card is registered in your name? I'm potentially facing the same issue. Longtime user of Kasikorn Bank's app with a SIM card that has been registered in my name since 2010, but to the best of my knowledge, Kasikorn Bank doesn't know that. My app is still working fine as of today for what it's worth though.

Watch out Thailand, all you'll get to see from Vietnam in the years to come are its back lights. They're educated, they are motivated, they are driven.

It's a shame that neither the Republicans nor the Democrats seem to be able to replace those old goats and field a youthful candidate that could inspire Americans.

Much safer to make a QR code payment than handing over your card.

No surprises there. Just look at Vietnam's young professionals and compare them with Thailand's - Thailand doesn't stand a chance to compete. That also can't be fixed anytime soon, as the biggest issue is the Thai education system that would need to be redesigned from the ground up. Results could then be expected when those who enter primary school will start to work, or in other words, about 15 years after meaningful reforms have been implemented. By that time, Vietnam will already be so far ahead of Thailand that catching up won't be possible anymore. Then there's demographics, I don't even know what it would take.

Isn't it always? But it's doomed to fail. Rich people have a lot of choice, and opening the floodgates by granting visa exempt entry to Chinese and Indian travelers will make many popular Thai tourist destinations too crowded to remain enjoyable.

I wouldn't recommend traveling with a passport that is this close to its expiration. Other countries are strict on the 6 months rule, which could be a problem especially in case of transiting. You could also run into trouble in case you need to make unexpexted changes to your travel plans. Many things can happen.