I enjoyed my past, spending a lot of time in Thailand, the easy visa process, getting 30 day extensions without hassles (occassionally a 20 baht paper copy fee).
I've been reading a lot about how much hassles are involved nowadays particularly towards visa applicants and long stayers.
This all brings me to either think about getting a 6 month METV visa or just abandoning visiting Thailand altogether.
The last time I visited immigration (Pathum Thani), I was required to fill out additional forms,my girlfriend (homeowner) was required to fill out forms and copy her ID.
The immigration staff were rude and unfriendly, things were somewhat tense and discomforting.
I didn't even go to Thailand last year, went to Philippines and Malaysia instead.
I'm leaning towards returning t o Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia this upcoming year and skipping Thailand again.
Maybe it's better to keep the good memories in tact and avoid current state of Thailand.
It's no longer a land of smiles. I have Thai employees here in the US and I have a lot of love for Thailand.
But the current situation there is unsettling for a long stayer who uses tourist visas and seems no longer welcoming for a long stayer.
Just my opinion, not an article or factual information for long stayers. I don't feel it's worth my effort to try and stay there anymore.

Thailand has done an excellent job clearing out the bottom feeders, all of whom, when leaving, claim they no longer liked the place. It's liked getting dumped by your girlfriend and then telling your mates she was a bitch and wasn't worth it.

I'm not a bottom feeder or a law breaker. I am just a long stayer. But I agree, getting rid of bottom feeders is a good practice.
However it seems they cannot clean up and prosecute their own problematic hiso children who commit crimes.

With everyting I know, I was much happier not knowing anything and just being a stupid tourist.
I guess the METV is best for me, if I can acquire it by mail.
I know the Portland consulate doesn't issue them.

Richard I rely on your knowledge regarding Thai visa's. What is a METV?

Cam Nivag wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2017 1:37 pm Thailand has done an excellent job clearing out the bottom feeders, all of whom, when leaving, claim they no longer liked the place. It's liked getting dumped by your girlfriend and then telling your mates she was a bitch and wasn't worth it.

Please define Bottom feeder?

I found this link explaining how to extend the METV to 9 months.

http://www.johnnyfd.com/2015/10/thailan ... entry.html

Emphatically, NO!

Philippines is quite easy right now to longstay. It doesn't have many of the perks that THailand has, and the food isn't great. But the people are very welcoming and friendly and immigration is also straightforward and easy (at least in Cebu).
Decent new small Condo with kitchenette and good security costs around 500 usd a month, there is also cheaper options but I prefer good security and location.