I usually get my visas from the Birmingham Consulate in the UK. This year, I was surprised by the additional requirements (documentation) listed on the application form. I am unaware of anyone bringing this up before so I've attached the documentation from the B'ham web site for you to read. Web site: http://www.thailand-visa.com/

Is this a new policy and did you know about it?

B-Cons_Thai-Visa-Application-form.pdf

Main thread on it here - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/870548-the-multiple-entry-tourist-visa-topic-metv/

It started Nov 13th.

From the latest reports it seems Canada and Australia aren't asking for the 'proof of a job' requirement.

METV is a new class of visa and has been discussed frequently.

Yes, have you been sleeping for the last 6 months?

Not everyone spends their waking hours glued to internet forums.

Yes it is relatively new.

As it happens, I do read the two emails from ThaiVisa every day and I do spend an inordinate amount of time on the internet. So it's not asleep that I've been, it's at home but nobody in! I don't know how, but I did miss this and the outrageous fee increase that goes with it. I can only think that there couldn't have been many links in the emails to bring it to my attention.

Thanks to 'jspill' for the link to the main discussion, which I am reading with interest.