pepper402

Good suggestion. Thanks!

I often use Cherry Taxi—they’re usually responsive and reliable; however, earlier this year, I did have one issue where the driver didn’t show up, so I asked my hotel to call a different taxi service which I found on the internet. When they did, the hotel staff member was told—somewhat sternly—that there are about 10 taxis advertising under different company names actually belong to the same parent company. They recognized that the booking was for me and told the hotel staff that I should wait and not call any other Taxi companies because the original driver was still on the way. Sure enough, the driver arrived about 10 minutes later.

Issues Entering BKK with LTR Visa I arrived in Bangkok a few weeks ago for my second visit this year. Since the regular immigration lane wasn’t busy, I used it and expected a smooth entry with a quick passport stamp. I had already completed the electronic TDAC form. However, the immigration officer told me I couldn’t enter Thailand without an E-Visa and proof of insurance. I explained that I held an LTR Visa, which should exempt me from both requirements. As a U.S. passport holder, I also could have entered on a tourist visa if necessary. Instead, she made me wait and eventually called a supervisor, who brought me into a back room. The supervisor also insisted that I needed an E-Visa and proof of insurance—even though I had submitted insurance documentation as part of my LTR Visa application two years ago. She was polite and professional, and after making several phone calls (in Thai, which I didn’t understand), she eventually told me everything was fine. She stamped my passport and escorted me through immigration. I’m hoping this was just a misunderstanding or an isolated error—and not a sign of new or unclear requirements for LTR Visa holders.

Does anyone know if I can get a Thai drivers license with my LTR visa? I don't (yet) live in Thailand but could use a friends address if needed. If it's possible, how would I go about doing this and how long would it take? Thanks

Thai Los Angeles Consulate took 3 business days to process and approve my e-visa! I had difficulty making the $1,600 payment and needed to have Chase fraud department on the line when I submitted my payment. I submitted my application over the weekend and received the approval letter this morning (2 1/2 business days!). I might have expected such a quick turnaround from the Swiss Consulate. I thought I was going to get a fancy sticker to put in my Passport. Maybe I will get one in the mail. I presume I now take my e-visa approval letter, get on a plane to Thailand, and show Immigration who will put an ugly stamp in my Passport. Am I missing anything?

@TaiMaiTai, I just applied for the e-visa at the LA Consulate and had the exact same questions! And also wondered why any of this should matter. I supplied all required documents and "estimated" some of the other information such as where I will be staying and my flight information. The hardest part (which should have been the easiest part) was paying the $1,600. All of my credit cards and debit cards were declined. I had to complete the transaction with Chase fraud department on the line manually overriding the purchase. I'll report back as soon as I hear anything that might be helpful for you. - Pepper

Still beaming from my recent LTR approval, I created an account with these guys: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ I had to upload Passport, drivers license and other information and proceeded to payment ($1,600). I failed... I tried several credit cards - all of them declined. I talked to the fraud department at Fidelity Visa who told me that they could not override/approve this purchase because the recipient was a high risk / high fraud user. Any suggestions on how I can pay for my e-visa? Hopefully the website is legit and I didn't just give a fraudster all of my information.

Approved! For the second time... My first application submitted early September was approved, but I got a new Passport and was unable to upload my new Passport, and BOI claimed there were technical problems and couldn't revise my approval letter with my new Passport number. I was told to submit a new application with my new Passport information. My second application was submitted Nov 8 and finally (after several phone calls to BOI) approved yesterday Jan 5. Good luck to everyone still trying to get their LTR.

Just wanted to provide another status update: Sept 01 - Submitted application with all required documents including insurance information Sept 27 - Received approval for LTR (there were several requests for additional documents. I mostly just re-uploaded the same documents) Oct 20 - Received new Passport and tried (unsuccessfully) to delete old passport and upload new one. Oct 21 - Had a friend in Thailand call BOI to ask them to change the passport number on my approval letter. BOI agent said that due to technical difficulties, they couldn't do that and suggested I submit a new application Oct 22 - Submitted new application with exact same documents that were previously approved and new Passport information. Nov 27 - Still waiting... Status shows pending. Sent four emails explaining situation and my friend called them to expedite. BOI agent said that he will get right on this and it should be approved ASAP. Dec 14 - Still waiting... Status shows Consideration by Government agencies (whatever that means).

Just wanted to provide a status update: Sept 01 - Submitted application with all required documents including insurance information Sept 27 - Received approval for LTR (there were several requests for additional documents. I just re-uploaded the same documents) Oct 20 - Received new Passport and tried (unsuccessfully) to delete old passport and upload new one. Oct 21 - Had a friend in Thailand call BOI to ask them to change the passport number on my approval letter. BOI agent said that due to technical difficulties, they couldn't do that and suggested I submit a new application Oct 22 - Submitted new application with exact same documents that were previously approved and new Passport information. Nov 27 - Still waiting... Status shows pending. Sent four emails explaining situation and my friend called them to expedite.

Sorry, I didn't say this very clearly... My former employer is giving me a retiree pension that on a gross basis just meets the $80 requirement. I submitted a letter from them attesting to my pension income which meets the BOI requirements. And I submitted a copy of a payment stub from the bank that makes my pension payments as further proof of my retiree pension. I'm goin to resubmit the same documents and thank them for bringing this to my attention - not sure what else I can do. I don't currently live in Thailand so I believe I am the ideal candidate for this new program but if they make it too difficult/unreasonable - I'm not going to pursue this.

Frustrating... I submitted a new LTR application with exactly the same documents and information as my previous application which was approved except for a new passport. I just received this: Dear LTR Applicant, Your application is on process. In this regard, we would like to request additional information/documents as follows: 1. Please show official certificate of pension fund from your government. What is an "official certificate of pension fund"? I previously submitted a letter from my pension administrator which was accepted. I don't have a government pension. I have a feeling if I stamped my letter with "Official Certificate" that it would be accepted.

For those of you unable to revise your application with a new passport: A friend of mine talked to a BOI representative today and he suggested (until the developers can fix this) that you submit a new application. If your application was previously approved, attach the exact same documents. Also, on my application, I check "single" and it converts it to "widower" (hope that's not an omen)

Pib, I had the same problem. I was approved late last month but just got a new Passport and asked BOI to revise my approval letter before going to the Los Angeles Consulate for the e-visa. I was not able to delete/update the main passport page. I've written to them twice and -- no response and no revision to my approval letter.

Pib, I was also asked to provide documents that were already uploaded onto the BOI visa system. Instead of pointing out that the documents were already there, I thanked the analyst for bringing to my attention the missing documents and uploaded EXACTLY the same documents again. They were subsequently approved. Remember, this is Thailand and you are the one who wants a visa. Good luck!