5 year multiple entry DTV visa (Destination Thailand) from 2024-xx-xx

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post about sexual debauchery.

@JimTripper  probably meant to post it in another forum, perhaps the lounge.

[sikishrory]

12 hours ago, bbi1 said:

Why did you spend 50k baht and catch 6 planes to go to Laos to apply for a DTV? Why not just apply for an Evisa online from your home country or from another country, saving on spending 50k baht and 6 plane trips to get to Savannakhet?

Because I've lived in Thailand for 13 years have no connections or ability to provide a home country document to show home country embassy that i reside there. 

As mentioned the trip was a mess from the start incorrectly booking travel to Vientiane 

[JimTripper]

10 minutes ago, sikishrory said:

Because I've lived in Thailand for 13 years have no connections or ability to provide a home country document to show home country embassy that i reside there. 

As mentioned the trip was a mess from the start incorrectly booking travel to Vientiane 

Why did you not use the website? It looked like the application process was all online now. You just document current living location.

[sikishrory]

Laos is online as far as booking the appointments. Until next year when they change the system again. I think the appointments are all full for this year and the current system

[Rob Browder]

18 hours ago, bbi1 said:

mass crackdown on a DTV due to a number of people who should be on a retirement visa abusing the DTV. I can see the day coming up when Immigration starts denying old folks coming into Thailand if they see them on a DTV as they will see this as them abusing the system.

Where ...
"mass crackdown" (envelope-money scams)

"should be on a retirement visa" (why "should"?)

abusing (abusing what / how?)

I can see the day coming up when Immigration starts denying old folks coming into Thailand if they see them on a DTV (breaking the law by denying-entry for a non-legal reason?  Well, it wouldn't be the first time.)
... as they will see this as them abusing the system (by following the law as written?).

 

Is it "Illegal" to do remote-work when old?   Immigration would clearly PREFER if folks didn't get visas from the MFA, and just paid off their agents for "extensions of stay," instead. 

I would not be surprised if those with DTVs had to start paying off agents for "VIP" / "Pre-Clearance" entry at the known-bad entry points to re-enter, but this is nothing new at those entry-points.  Better to just avoid them.

[JDMCanuck]

21 hours ago, bbi1 said:

If you're 73, you're way too old for a DTV and should be on a retirement visa. Leave the DTV to the under 50's who can't get a retirement visa. Last thing we need is for a mass crackdown on a DTV due to a number of people who should be on a retirement visa abusing the DTV. I can see the day coming up when Immigration starts denying old folks coming into Thailand if they see them on a DTV as they will see this as them abusing the system.

I prefer to be honest , Im not retired, as I stated, I still work primarily on my computer and phone, its a good position that pays well, but you would have me apply for a retirement visa and tell the IO im retired? That doesn't sound like very good advice. It's not like Im stating "wink wink" im coming for a cooking , yoga/ other loophole class, or blimey, a dental appointment. I would think those will be the ones to screw up the DTV, but that's just my opinion. 

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic pos about DTV

[JimTripper]

1 hour ago, JDMCanuck said:

I prefer to be honest , Im not retired, as I stated, I still work primarily on my computer and phone, its a good position that pays well, but you would have me apply for a retirement visa and tell the IO im retired? That doesn't sound like very good advice. It's not like Im stating "wink wink" im coming for a cooking , yoga/ other loophole class, or blimey, a dental appointment. I would think those will be the ones to screw up the DTV, but that's just my opinion. 

When asked always give a rote response with the purpose of the visa, no more. Tourism, retired, digital nomad, whatever. Nobody cares, but they want a verbal response on record. No additional info is offered unless they ask more questions.

[JDMCanuck]

Please all excuse my ignorance but I was hoping for a response from BB1and am not sure how to post it correctly. Perhaps BB1 can enlighten me as to how,,, to his so very intelligent response, which I post below ? to which I had responded and waited breathlessly for his legendary advice. Only to be told to tell the IO I am retired when I am not. Again I prefer to tell the truth , the whole truth and nothing but the truth in front of any Immigration officer in any country I have entered.  I posted that I am still working , intend to keep working, have no intention of retiring, but he appears to suggest I should apply for a retirement visa and tell the IO I am retired???  Perhaps, if he reads this he should backtrack on his advice? and just maybe, think for a second to respect your elders. Then again,.. I am not hopeful...

If you're 73, you're way too old for a DTV and should be on a retirement visa. Leave the DTV to the under 50's who can't get a retirement visa. Last thing we need is for a mass crackdown on a DTV due to a number of people who should be on a retirement visa abusing the DTV. I can see the day coming up when Immigration starts denying old folks coming into Thailand if they see them on a DTV as they will see this as them abusing the system.

Edited Sunday at 06:44 AM by bbi1

[Upnotover]

6 minutes ago, JDMCanuck said:

I posted that I am still working , intend to keep working, have no intention of retiring, but he appears to suggest I should apply for a retirement visa and tell the IO I am retired???

I know many people who stay in Thailand on a "retirement" non-O extension but work either outside Thailand on rotation or for foreign companies from home.  When applying for a "retirement" visa or extension you will not have to lie or withhold any information as you will not be asked the question.  You will only have to demonstrate that you are over 50 and have the required money in your bank.  Having said that I see no reason why you shouldn't try for the DTV as you seem to meet it's criteria.  Nice to have the choice.

[bbi1]

On 12/4/2024 at 10:50 AM, Upnotover said:

I know many people who stay in Thailand on a "retirement" non-O extension but work either outside Thailand on rotation or for foreign companies from home.  When applying for a "retirement" visa or extension you will not have to lie or withhold any information as you will not be asked the question.  You will only have to demonstrate that you are over 50 and have the required money in your bank.

@JDMCanuck There's your answer right there above.

 

In a Thai person's mind, it's very hard for them to even think a foreigner would be working at 73 years old when they thing all foreigners are millionaires and the retirement age in Thailand for Thai people is 50.

[Liquorice]

11 minutes ago, bbi1 said:

@JDMCanuck There's your answer right there above.

 

In a Thai person's mind, it's very hard for them to even think a foreigner would be working at 73 years old when they thing all foreigners are millionaires and the retirement age in Thailand for Thai people is 50.

Retirement age is 60 for both men and women in Thailand, and the Ministry of Labour is considering raising this to 65.

Certain public sector employees may retire at 55.

[sikishrory]

My DTV approved at HCMC today.

Muay Thai.

3.5 business days.

Used the same documents that were presented in my previous failed application at Savannakhet.

 

[MART]

On 12/2/2024 at 12:02 PM, Rob Browder said:

Where ...
"mass crackdown" (envelope-money scams)

"should be on a retirement visa" (why "should"?)

abusing (abusing what / how?)

I can see the day coming up when Immigration starts denying old folks coming into Thailand if they see them on a DTV (breaking the law by denying-entry for a non-legal reason?  Well, it wouldn't be the first time.)
... as they will see this as them abusing the system (by following the law as written?).

 

Is it "Illegal" to do remote-work when old?   Immigration would clearly PREFER if folks didn't get visas from the MFA, and just paid off their agents for "extensions of stay," instead. 

I would not be surprised if those with DTVs had to start paying off agents for "VIP" / "Pre-Clearance" entry at the known-bad entry points to re-enter, but this is nothing new at those entry-points.  Better to just avoid them.

Is there a list of known bad and good entry points somewhere? Is Suvarnabhumi a known bad entry point?

[Briggsy]

49 minutes ago, MART said:

Is there a list of known bad and good entry points somewhere? Is Suvarnabhumi a known bad entry point?

If by "bad entry point" @Rob Browder means that entry may be denied and the announced rules ignored, then, yes, that possibility exists at Suwannaphum. It denies on your history of stays and what you used to obtain permission to stay.

[Rob Browder]

2 hours ago, MART said:

Is there a list of known bad and good entry points somewhere? Is Suvarnabhumi a known bad entry point?

Both Bangkok airports have a "guaranteed entry" agent-money thing going, so deny entry to force this option.

 

Other airports are more "hit and miss" - some we do not have enough reports for analysis.  Personally, I would avoid entry by air if a frequent / longer-staying visitor entering on any tourist-type entry - visa or exempt.   Or, you can pay an agent for that "service," then - no problem.

 

The Poipet/Aranyaprathet land border is even worse - can be a small fortune in agent-fees there - will be approached by their agent *after* denied-entry.

 

"Good" entry points are those where we do not see reports of problems - Vientiane/Nong Khai, being one of those. 

 

Then, there are "minor hassle" cases: 

If near Chiang Mai, "stay out one day" is now required, unless payment of 4K baht to an agent for same-day return.  Into Malaysia, there is another "same day return" paid-service reported at some crossings.   Cambodian crossings tend to be do-able without an agent, or with an agent "mini-van" service - with payment to the Cambodian-side for same-day return if DIY.

[a3tsw]

Just had my application for the DTV refused this morning at Savannakhet , reason being that they only accept bank statement from one’s home country showing 500k baht equivalent, Thai bank accounts NOT acceptable  … I wish they would make these requirements public , just a heads up for anyone contemplating using Savannakhet , as I am sure this is a recent change that has not been made known…

[Bvor]

On 12/17/2024 at 4:13 PM, Briggsy said:

It denies on your history of stays and what you used to obtain permission to stay.

not always the case when discretionary whims (often) kick in - see below.

 

On 12/14/2024 at 1:09 AM, sikishrory said:

Used the same documents that were presented in my previous failed application at Savannakhet.

typical TIT.

[Caldera]

1 hour ago, a3tsw said:

Just had my application for the DTV refused this morning at Savannakhet , reason being that they only accept bank statement from one’s home country showing 500k baht equivalent, Thai bank accounts NOT acceptable  … I wish they would make these requirements public , just a heads up for anyone contemplating using Savannakhet , as I am sure this is a recent change that has not been made known…

 

That's insane, sorry to hear that. I've never heard of a Thai consulate not accepting a Thai bank account (for any visa).

[sikishrory]

1 hour ago, a3tsw said:

Just had my application for the DTV refused this morning at Savannakhet , reason being that they only accept bank statement from one’s home country showing 500k baht equivalent, Thai bank accounts NOT acceptable  … I wish they would make these requirements public , just a heads up for anyone contemplating using Savannakhet , as I am sure this is a recent change that has not been made known…

She didn't say a word about my Thai statement and picked something else instead.

The documents this malevolent woman refused were accepted the following week at another embassy.

Anyone going to Savannakhet to do DTV is wasting there time and money IMO.

[a3tsw]

23 minutes ago, sikishrory said:

She didn't say a word about my Thai statement and picked something else instead.

The documents this malevolent woman refused were accepted the following week at another embassy.

Anyone going to Savannakhet to do DTV is wasting there time and money IMO.

I was served by a man , I had read your post several weeks ago and had my fingers crossed that it would not be this woman , I recognised this man from many years ago when I got my initial non-O and at that time he was very easy going and helpful , how times change , he was just as you described the woman who served you .. I am not going to try at another embassy or consulate as you have done, `I just don’t have the energy or patience for all this b*lls*t , but will begin the process to regain my retirement visa from scratch…

[sikishrory]

6 minutes ago, a3tsw said:

I was served by a man , I had read your post several weeks ago and had my fingers crossed that it would not be this woman , I recognised this man from many years ago when I got my initial non-O and at that time he was very easy going and helpful , how times change , he was just as you described the woman who served you .. I am not going to try at another embassy or consulate as you have done, `I just don’t have the energy or patience for all this b*lls*t , but will begin the process to regain my retirement visa from scratch…

The guy is the same. There are other reports online about him just the same. I also used to go there for non-o and it was always a breeze. Not sure what changed. It really seems as if they have some sort of hidden quota of dtvs that go all to agent jobs or something. 

I googled this embassy to death before I went and have followed it very closely after. As far as I can see there were 2 succesful DTV reports that don't involve agent. One was the first DTV issued there. Then there is a growing number of bad reports. Some were sent to me privately.

I understand the loss of patience. I was just about at the end of mine as well. I was away from home for 19 days and bleeding money.

[Jabatron]

Hi, everyone!

Did any of you already re-entered with DTV visa? I spent 170 days in Thailand already and I am thinking about visiting Vietnam for a week and coming back. Will there be issue? Do the immigration officers asking for any additional document on re-entering?

Thank you so much!

[Briggsy]

33 minutes ago, Jabatron said:

Hi, everyone!

Did any of you already re-entered with DTV visa? I spent 170 days in Thailand already and I am thinking about visiting Vietnam for a week and coming back. Will there be issue? Do the immigration officers asking for any additional document on re-entering?

Thank you so much!

There appear to be no denial of entry reports yet. Similarly I have not read any reports of requests for additional or supporting documentation. They are likely to start issuing warnings first before denying entry, but who knows!

 

However if you are seriously concerned, you could always pay for the safe entry service.

[Chalky0w]

4 hours ago, Jabatron said:

Hi, everyone!

Did any of you already re-entered with DTV visa? I spent 170 days in Thailand already and I am thinking about visiting Vietnam for a week and coming back. Will there be issue? Do the immigration officers asking for any additional document on re-entering?

Thank you so much!

 

I’ve been out and back-in. No comments or requests from immigration other than visa, passport and boarding card.
 

Not sure if it makes a difference but hadn’t been in Thailand as long as you.

 

Details:

- originally arrived in October

- went on a side trip for 2 weeks in November

- flew back in to Chiang Mai

 

Previous history:

- had been in home country for about 4 months before coming to Thailand in October

- had been using METVs for previous couple of years

- side trips on METVs had mostly been genuine “holidays” for a week or two rather than just border bounces although had done a couple of border bounces

- never previously been questioned / warned by immigration

- no previous ED visas or volunteer visas or covid extensions that reports seem to indicate trigger problems

No idea if any of that makes a difference!

[Haddo]

this interview all about the DTV visa with Mr. Naruchai Ninnad, deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be of interest:

 

[anrcaccount]

8 minutes ago, Haddo said:

this interview all about the DTV visa with Mr. Naruchai Ninnad, deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be of interest:

 

 

11,000 issued already. Flying off the shelves.

 

Probably the best visa in terms of benefits vs eligibility vs cost that Thailand has issued in many years. 

[Chops28]

My DTV visa was approved through Phnom Penh a couple of hours ago. Applied as soon as I arrived late on 18/12/2024. Next morning I got a request for more information but it was just proof of my entry into Cambodia. Stayed on pending approval until I got the email saying it was approved. I applied under soft powers - had a letter from the medical centre listing my chronic disease and skin cancer history and noted that 3-6 month followups were required. It was accompanied with two appointment slips for the dermatologist and endocrinologist within a month of when I plan to re-enter Thailand. I provided one month bank statement that is a multi-currency account from Hong Kong and lists my Thai address.

[CLW]

7 hours ago, Chops28 said:

My DTV visa was approved through Phnom Penh a couple of hours ago. Applied as soon as I arrived late on 18/12/2024. Next morning I got a request for more information but it was just proof of my entry into Cambodia. Stayed on pending approval until I got the email saying it was approved. I applied under soft powers - had a letter from the medical centre listing my chronic disease and skin cancer history and noted that 3-6 month followups were required. It was accompanied with two appointment slips for the dermatologist and endocrinologist within a month of when I plan to re-enter Thailand. I provided one month bank statement that is a multi-currency account from Hong Kong and lists my Thai address.

So you had to stay 12 days in Cambodia. Is that correct? And I assume you went there from Thailand for the purpose of application and returning straight after approval?

[Chops28]

47 minutes ago, CLW said:

So you had to stay 12 days in Cambodia. Is that correct? And I assume you went there from Thailand for the purpose of application and returning straight after approval?

Yes, but I was expecting that it wouldn't be processed until January. The Phnom Penh Thai Embassy website did a news release in October stating that visas were taking 10 business days excluding the day you submit. With Christmas/New Years etc I wasn't sure how long it would take. My METV ended on 21/12/2024 so I needed to leave and get another visa. My extended family are also in Cambodia for Christmas so I am not in a rush to return to Thailand. My flight is booked 14/01/2025 and my first appointment is scheduled for 07/02/2025.