Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing Thai Visa extensions; let's jump in here. I thought of making this video after reading a recent article from the Bangkok Post, bangkokpost.com, the article is titled: Thai Immigration steps up Visa Run scrutiny. Now the thrust of that article goes a different way; I urge those who are watching this video, go check out that article for further information. 

That said, across the board this Immigration apparatus is tightening up; there's increasing scrutiny. Just understand that generally. Quoting directly: "Immigration Offices across the country have also been instructed to carefully review all applications for temporary stay extensions. Applicants showing patterns consistent with Visa Runs will have their extensions denied or revoked followed by deportation." Again, this sounds maybe a little bit more serious than I think it probably is going to turn out to be; this is heightened scrutiny. If you've done a couple of visa runs and you are going to extend your status in Thailand, no, I don't think there are going to be guys that come out of the back room and drag you off to deportation just because you want an extension. What's being said here and, in my opinion, what is being conveyed is the notion that yeah, there's going to be heightened scrutiny on this stuff. You're not going to be able to use Visa Runs to live here, and if you're not using a legitimate Visa Extension for legitimate reasons, you may have a problem remaining in Thailand long term. 

Now as that article goes on to discuss, and as I'll point out here in this video, look there are multiple ways to get long-term status in Thailand. There is the standard Thai Business Visa. Oftentimes folks have that with a Work Permit. In fact, in order to have the extension, you need the Work Permit. There's the standard O Retirement Visa; there's the O-A Retirement Visa; there's the O Marriage Visa. Although not optimal most of the time, there is the option of utilizing an Education Visa. Also, there is the Elite Visa out there and as we have discussed in other videos, there's the LTR (Long Term Residence Visa); there's the Smart Visa and there is also the DTV which to varying degrees may be useful, may not. 

The thing to take away from this video into understand though is, there's going to be increasing scrutiny and extensions moving forward. Those who maintain extension status well advised to keep that the back of your mind; make sure all your ducks are in a row when it comes time to deal with your extension. That being said, for those who find themselves a bit overwhelmed by everything associated with Thai Immigration and with Visa processing associated therewith, it may not be a terrible idea to contact a legal professional, gain some insight and guidance into how best to proceed.