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

[MisterGreen]

4 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

Sounds like it was pushed back down to a subordinate.  I would expect another request for more documents - but who knows.

 

They just sent an E-Mail, telling me to call them? Never read something like that before, can I expect an interrogation? :D 

[Seppius]

1 hour ago, MisterGreen said:

 

They just sent an E-Mail, telling me to call them? Never read something like that before, can I expect an interrogation? 😄

If your application fits the bill, should be no problem. Good luck

[DCXMX]

Got DTV approved - My experience:

 

From London embassy 

 

Applied on the 20th August and got approved by 21st, got contract and letter from company stating I could remote work or WFH.

11,000GBP bank account statement

Used ID and Drivers license for proof of location but the statement from bank that I used for finances had my address and stamped by bank also.

Provide length of stay (no idea why this is required for a 180 day visa thats valid for 5 years)

Flight number of arrival.

Paid the 300GBP Fee and done 🙂 

 

Way faster than when I applied for METV at beginning of year which took 14 days , 

[Maestro]

37 minutes ago, DCXMX said:

Got DTV approved - My experience:

 

From London embassy 

...

Applied on the 20th August and got approved by 21st, 

Way faster than when I applied for METV at beginning of year which took 14 days , 

 

That's very interesting. I wonder if the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whipped the visa section of the embassy in London into shape generally or just for the DTV.

[Tomtomtom69]

On 8/20/2024 at 2:44 AM, shdmn said:

99% of people doing 'border bounces' do not do that.  There are van/bus services all over Thailand that specialize in same day round trip service.  The nearest border to Pattaya (Ban Pakkad) has almost nothing around there besides casinos, which I have no interest in.

 Speak for yourself. Most border runners probably do spend a couple of days in the neighboring country. And who said anything about spending time in Prum? Go to Siem Reap! 

[shdmn]

6 hours ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 Speak for yourself. Most border runners probably do spend a couple of days in the neighboring country. And who said anything about spending time in Prum? Go to Siem Reap! 

Whatever you say anonymous internet border expert who has probably never done it themselves.  Of the hundreds of people in line when I did my bounces, every last one of them turned right around and came back.  The same thing plays out day after day at Ban Pakkad, Aranyaprathet, and elsewhere. 

Edited August 22 by shdmn

[Rob Browder]

9 hours ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 Speak for yourself. Most border runners probably do spend a couple of days in the neighboring country. And who said anything about spending time in Prum? Go to Siem Reap! 

In general, there is public-transport and often cars for hire, out of any of border crossing - so, yes, no need to stay at the border-town.

[MisterGreen]

On 8/21/2024 at 2:42 PM, Seppius said:

If your application fits the bill, should be no problem. Good luck

 

Yeah was super easy.

Had a nice call with a friendly cute woman from the Embassy. Friendliest Embassy worker I ever experienced, usually they are old/evil/bitter, she was the opposite.

She just said the information about my work and my company would be a bit vague, so I sent a few more docs via E-Mail and voila, 60 mins later I had my visa in my E-Mail. Great experience, happy man.

 

[sikishrory]

On 8/19/2024 at 4:20 PM, Leeaam said:

Just got my DTV from Laos. Over all was very easy, took two days, no request for additional documents. 

Ill try an be as detailed as possible to help others!

I am a British citizen. Ive been in Thailand for about 2 years now previously to this, first border runs and then ED visa. This caused me no issue, my passport is literally just thai entry stamps. 

I provided;

Passport scan. Was no need to scan my laos visa or provide proof of location. He did ask where i was staying and i verbally told him.

Proof of work
Letter from a director of a studio i work with, not for just with. I am not an employee and the letter was just detailing that we have worked together for 4 years, continue to want to work together and remote is fine.
My companies house registration of my own company. Im not the sole owner, so i highlighted my name and explained why the address is not the same as my permanent address.
I provided my two most recent invoices with screenshots showing it going into my account.
My tax return for 22/23.
Screenshots of my personal portfolio, my website and even my Linkedin.

Proof of financials.

I provided bank statements for 3 months from my Revolut account. I in no way had 500,000 THB in my account for that enitre period just for about one month, so i think they just cared about the closing balance, which i highlighted. This was my main concern as i didnt have 500k up until about June. I also provided the statements of my savings account, as i transfered money from this account into my current to show one account with 500k. These documents where not stamped or verified they where simply the invoices the app produces.

So ye going into it i was a bit stressed but honestly its a very quick, easy procedure. The embassy in Vientiane isn't particularly fancy. You book an appointment online, go to the location and literally stand in a que. When its your turn, you talk to the immigration officer through a small window, i felt like he was a bit rushed but over all polite. The whole thing lasted 5 mins max if that.

At first he asked what Visa, he then methodically went through my documents taking only the necessary documents. So first he found my passport scans, and then the proof of employment and then financials. For employment and financials he asked me to explain to him what they where and how they met the requirements.  I had provided cover letters to explain what my documents where but he gave those back to me without even reading them, just taking the necessary documents. 

The questions he asked were basic, like what do you do? oh is that remote. how do you find work etc. and for the financials he asked me how much bhat that was and where on the statement does it show the dates. At first he thought i provided only one month and was going to ask me to print out more but he let me show him where it shows May, June, July etc.

He then asked if i have a Laos number incase they needed to contact me. I said my Thai number works here.

If you want to get it done in Laos i don't think its overly strict. Maybe i got lucky with the immigration officer but over all i think they are there to help you so try not to stress. Make sure to book the appointment weeks in advance, on Fridays they show extended slots for the following week i got my appointment that way luckily. I would recommend doing it on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday as it takes 2 days and honestly theres not a lot to do in Vientaine, its okay for a few days.

 

Great post.

How interested do you think they were to see an income or specific deposits from your work?

I have a portfolio website that looks great but am just getting started and have no income, employer, or jobs to show from it but my bank statements are well beyond the 500k the are wanting to see.

[Seppius]

10 hours ago, MisterGreen said:

 

Yeah was super easy.

Had a nice call with a friendly cute woman from the Embassy. Friendliest Embassy worker I ever experienced, usually they are old/evil/bitter, she was the opposite.

She just said the information about my work and my company would be a bit vague, so I sent a few more docs via E-Mail and voila, 60 mins later I had my visa in my E-Mail. Great experience, happy man.

 

Thanks for the update and well done

[Leeaam]

2 hours ago, sikishrory said:

 

Great post.

How interested do you think they were to see an income or specific deposits from your work?

I have a portfolio website that looks great but am just getting started and have no income, employer, or jobs to show from it but my bank statements are well beyond the 500k the are wanting to see.

So I don't know if they checked the documents again in the 2 days it took to process so I can't speak for that. While I was talking to the immigration officer again this was very rushed and brief I got the impression he didn't quite understand what I was showing and simply asked me where the 500k thb was. The bank statement I provided was probably close to 50 pages long with all my transactions from that account. I only had 500k for about a month, in that account as well.

As I said in my post he was quite methodical - Where is your passport scan, where is proof of employment, proof of 500k Thb. I wasn't directly asked to show these deposits. I even had little sticky notes throughout explaining what was shown on said page, things like explaining why I can only show tax return from 22/23 (I haven't submitted tax for 23/24). I just wanted to get approved first try so went a bit overkill with what I provided, and stabled it all together in sections. If it helped I don't know! 

I also had some other documents like my Girlfriends house book and a letter from her saying I would be living there and he wouldn't accept it so i think in Laos they just want to see, passport, work proof, financial proof. Nothing extra.

I did also see a few others get their DTVs approved, they used agents. It just seemed like everyone who applied for any Visa was accepted.

[sikishrory]

3 minutes ago, Leeaam said:

So I don't know if they checked the documents again in the 2 days it took to process so I can't speak for that. While I was talking to the immigration officer again this was very rushed and brief I got the impression he didn't quite understand what I was showing and simply asked me where the 500k thb was. The bank statement I provided was probably close to 50 pages long with all my transactions from that account. I only had 500k for about a month, in that account as well.

As I said in my post he was quite methodical - Where is your passport scan, where is proof of employment, proof of 500k Thb. I wasn't directly asked to show these deposits. I even had little sticky notes throughout explaining what was shown on said page, things like explaining why I can only show tax return from 22/23 (I haven't submitted tax for 23/24). I just wanted to get approved first try so went a bit overkill with what I provided, and stabled it all together in sections. If it helped I don't know! 

I also had some other documents like my Girlfriends house book and a letter from her saying I would be living there and he wouldn't accept it so i think in Laos they just want to see, passport, work proof, financial proof. Nothing extra.

I did also see a few others get their DTVs approved, they used agents. It just seemed like everyone who applied for any Visa was accepted.

 

Thanks for the info. Really handy.

Seems like havign 500k is the main thing. More so than showing indivdual transactions.

The proof of employment one is the only grey area left for me. 

Not that important anyway I guess as anyone can get one on the basis of muay Thai anyway

[tgeezer]

There are many people who don't understand that the DTV is a new visa for new visitors. It appears to be taken as a relaxation of the rules for people who have managed to live in Thailand by using various visas and Visa Runs.   
 180 days is the maximum stay in Thailand without paying tax, so keeping things simple. Thai Boxing and Martial Arts, Cookery courses, Seminars, Conventions, Digital Nomads, Sportsmen, who currently visit and those who may become visitors are the target of this visa. 

 

  
The rules for interpretation and implementation of the policy is up to individual Immigration Divisions. Presumably the Immigration Act must be followed regarding accommodation, staying longer than 90 day etc.historically they  have been honoured in the breach and may be again. 
 

My interpretation of the policy is that one extension of a maximum of 180 days may be applied for in country during the first 180 days for a fee of 10,000Bt. If that is done the DTV expires. That gives me the impression that the DTV is not intended for people to "visa run" for five years.    
 

[Caldera]

9 minutes ago, tgeezer said:

My interpretation of the policy is that one extension of a maximum of 180 days may be applied for in country during the first 180 days for a fee of 10,000Bt. If that is done the DTV expires.

 

The DTV doesn't expire when you extend your stay at immigration. You just cannot extend the same entry more than once, which means you'll have to leave Thailand when your once-extended time is up. But you can reenter using the same visa, as long as it's within its five years validity period. 

 

Not sure about the cost of an extension. Initially, that 10,000 baht fee was indeed communicated, but more recently, it looks as if the standard fee for any extension (1,900 baht) will be charged. We might need to wait for the first actual reports to know for sure.

Edited August 23 by Caldera

[tgeezer]

2 hours ago, Caldera said:

 

The DTV doesn't expire when you extend your stay at immigration. You just cannot extend the same entry more than once, which means you'll have to leave Thailand when your once-extended time is up. But you can reenter using the same visa, as long as it's within its five years validity period. 

 

Not sure about the cost of an extension. Initially, that 10,000 baht fee was indeed communicated, but more recently, it looks as if the standard fee for any extension (1,900 baht) will be charged. We might need to wait for the first actual reports to know for sure.

As I have said individual Immigration Divisions will make the rules but they have to follow the announcement. I have only read the announcement once and I have posted my impression of it. It may be that the cabinet relaxes the rules with the aim of encouraging people who are doing Visa Runs at the moment to change to a DTV.; o pay total fees of 20,000Bt. and prove that they have 500,000 Bt in reserve for 360 days then do a Visa Run and to do it for five years, I doubt it but one never knows! 
 

[Master_Pho]

On 8/19/2024 at 4:20 PM, Leeaam said:

“Just got my DTV from Laos. 

I am a British citizen. Ive been in Thailand for about 2 years now previously to this, first border runs and then ED visa. 

My tax return for 22/23”

You provided them with info that you worked while being on ED visa and they just brushed it off?

[Jmacs]

To anyone who applied Online ....

Did you have to submit fee with your application or do you pay the fee when the visa has been approved and then pay to get the visa ?

 

Did anyone who applied online pay the fee ,,,, then get rejected . Did you get the fee back or not pay it if rejected ?

[farang51]

11 minutes ago, Jmacs said:

To anyone who applied Online ....

Did you have to submit fee with your application or do you pay the fee when the visa has been approved and then pay to get the visa ?

 

Did anyone who applied online pay the fee ,,,, then get rejected . Did you get the fee back or not pay it if rejected ?

You pay the fee online, they will not look at the application before you have paid.

 

The website says that you will not get your money back if not approved. I haven't been rejected; however, I have a hard time imagining they will pay you back. Best case scenario, they will accept to use the same payment for another application, but I wouldn't count on it.

[MisterGreen]

1 hour ago, Jmacs said:

To anyone who applied Online ....

Did you have to submit fee with your application or do you pay the fee when the visa has been approved and then pay to get the visa ?

 

Did anyone who applied online pay the fee ,,,, then get rejected . Did you get the fee back or not pay it if rejected ?

 

You enter the information, upload the documents. And then PAY.

If they refuse you, you wont get the money back.

 

[Jmacs]

3 minutes ago, MisterGreen said:

 

You enter the information, upload the documents. And then PAY.

If they refuse you, you wont get the money back.

 

Wow thats a rip inst it .

Says VISA fee ----  NOT appliacation fee . Pay for a visa and get nothing .   AWESOME !!

 

But if you apply in person at a Consulate and get rejected you dont get shafted ya money ?  Might have to do that overseas somewhere rather than applying in my backward country of Australia that doesnt process visas at the consulates.

[Tim K]

2 hours ago, Jmacs said:

But if you apply in person at a Consulate and get rejected you dont get shafted ya money ?

You will lose the money too, it is stated so on every embassy's website.

But at least there they will look at your documents first, and if they accept them you have 99.9% chance of approval.

Edited August 23 by Tim K

[DonniePeverley]

Just realised my passport is running out of pages, but my DTV is registered to this passport.

 

Is it a case of just bringing my old passport with me everytime i travel, or will it be automatically transferred to the new passport? Or do i have to contact the embassy again?

[Caldera]

7 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Just realised my passport is running out of pages, but my DTV is registered to this passport.

 

Is it a case of just bringing my old passport with me everytime i travel, or will it be automatically transferred to the new passport? Or do i have to contact the embassy again?

 

Visas aren't transferred to new passports, you'll have to carry both and show the visa in your old passport. If you contact the embassy, they would probably suggest that you apply for a new visa, I don't think there's anything else they can do. But it wouldn't hurt asking them.

[treetops]

On 8/23/2024 at 8:54 AM, tgeezer said:

180 days is the maximum stay in Thailand without paying tax . . . .

Nonsense if you're referring to Personal Income Tax.

 

You only pay this on remitted, assessable earnings and even then there are allowances, a 0% band and Dual Tax Agreements.  No PIT to pay if you plan well.

[Rob Browder]

On 8/23/2024 at 5:25 PM, tgeezer said:

As I have said individual Immigration Divisions will make the rules but they have to follow the announcement. I have only read the announcement once and I have posted my impression of it. It may be that the cabinet relaxes the rules with the aim of encouraging people who are doing Visa Runs at the moment to change to a DTV.; o pay total fees of 20,000Bt. and prove that they have 500,000 Bt in reserve for 360 days then do a Visa Run and to do it for five years, I doubt it but one never knows! 
 

The way it works, once you have the DTV, you can leave the country for 1-day every 180 days, and return.

 

The only question is whether some entry-points will start pushing people to pay through their "agents" to re-enter without problems. 

[Master_Pho]

On 8/23/2024 at 5:49 PM, Master_Pho said:

You provided them with info that you worked while being on ED visa and they just brushed it off?

I’m sorry, Leeaam, can you elaborate please? No questions asked even if you worked on ed visa?

[Mike Teavee]

On 8/23/2024 at 5:49 PM, Master_Pho said:

You provided them with info that you worked while being on ED visa and they just brushed it off?

 

49 minutes ago, Master_Pho said:

I’m sorry, Leeaam, can you elaborate please? No questions asked even if you worked on ed visa?

 

I'm pretty sure he was referring to his UK Tax Returns but there are valid reasons why people who are not working in Thailand might file a Tax Return here.  E.g. I filed one in 2022 to reclaim withheld tax on interest from my Bank Accounts & I'm on a Non-IMM O "Retirement" visa (also filed a return in the UK but I don't do any work there either). 

 

Guys who are Tax Resident & renting out Condos in Thailand should be filing a return if they're renting them out for >5,000pm & should be filing 2 1/2 year returns if they're renting them out for >10,000pm

Edited August 26 by Mike Teavee

[Tomtomtom69]

On 8/22/2024 at 11:50 PM, Rob Browder said:

In general, there is public-transport and often cars for hire, out of any of border crossing - so, yes, no need to stay at the border-town.

 

Indeed. While I generally cross in my own car, I have made use of long distance taxis at various borders in the past. System works very well.

[Tomtomtom69]

On 8/25/2024 at 2:47 AM, Rob Browder said:

The way it works, once you have the DTV, you can leave the country for 1-day every 180 days, and return.

 

The only question is whether some entry-points will start pushing people to pay through their "agents" to re-enter without problems. 

 

Unlikely if you come and go more regularly than only when you're required to.

 

If you're constantly coming and going every 90 days or so, spending several days or weeks outside the country on each trip, very unlikely to be any issue.

[Leeaam]

6 hours ago, Master_Pho said:

I’m sorry, Leeaam, can you elaborate please? No questions asked even if you worked on ed visa?

Hey, 

So no mention of it at all. Wasn't asked to speak Thai at any point even at immigration when entering Thai they just stamped me in. 

In my documents I provided my tax return for 22/23, technically wasn't on ED visa then but i also provided my invoices for June and July this year, along with my bank statements which show me being paid multiple times, while being on an ED visa. I even had a letter from a director of a company i work with stating we have been working remotely together with each other for 4 plus years. To anyone who checked my documents it was very clear i've been working while on the ED visa. Honestly i don't think they really care if its remote work and nothing to do with Thailand. 

Im heading to America in a couple weeks so will update if i run into any problems re entering upon my return.