To DTV or not to DTV - that is the question.

[factseeker]

Hi All,

For many years wife and I each held Non Immi 'O' Visa 'Retiremnt' - necessary 800k each in a ThaiBank.

We used the 30day/90day/12month 'Retiremnt' Visa route originally @CM - then renewals each year - always very helpful.

Stay of circa 5 months every year - avoiding the summer heat - time then available visiting families UK - Europe.

Along came Covid and other matters and we found ourselves 'stranded' UK.

 

We would now very much like to 'un-strand' and are considering the DTV Visa - which would seem to be ideal.

I worked since 1960s IT - Program/Systems - can't get much more 'Nomadic'.

During the previous period never required or wanted Health Insurance although used Thai Hospital services rarely but as necessary.

Eyesight now back to 20/20 thanks to Sriphat Hospital - brilliant.

 

Any opinions out there ref Non Immi 'O' Visa 'Retirement' versus DTV Visa?

Is  Health Insurance now 'mandatory'for either? - much prefer Pay&Go for Hospital Services.

 

Best Rgds

 

[CMBob]

Health insurance is not required for either.  I stay based on annual extensions based on retirement and maintain 800k+ baht in a bank account.  Have to annually extend (1900 baht), buy a re-entry permit (1000 baht for 1, 3,800 baht for multiple-entry), and report address every period of time I'm here for 90 consecutive days.  I don't consider the requirements oppressive at all....and primarily consider the 800k baht requirement as a safety measure (in case needed for a medical or other emergency).

 

I don't know much about the new DTV visa but understand it's good for 5 years, you can only stay here a maximum of 180 days per entry (you can extend the 180-day period for another 180 days, once per year for an extension fee of unknown amount....maybe 1,900 baht?) and is multi-entry (which I presumes you don't have to pay for re-entry permits).  Cost is 10,000 baht up front.

 

For those who really aren't put out to keep 800k baht in a bank account here, an extension based on retirement (if you're at least 50 years old) seems to be fine.  If one is under 50, I'd think the DTV might be the best way to stay here for most of (or all?) of every year.

[factseeker]

Hi CMBob,

 

Yes that is exactly what we had - worked just fine - funding not problem.

Just as my wife could not take the Summers temperaturewise and also get down to see 'hers' in France - we only ever managed 5 months Thaiside - although original intention was longer.

So then along comes DTV - which seems to indicate less hassle for us - 5 years - easier exits & re-entries - a couple of those and my time this side of the 'great divide' will be done ;o))

So not so much costs just looking for less hassle - so  checking around.

Thnxs for input - best rgds.

[Mike Teavee]

On 8/26/2024 at 9:14 PM, factseeker said:

worked since 1960s IT - Program/Systems - can't get much more 'Nomadic'.

How does working on “1960’s IT” make you Nomadic? I wish it did as I worked on some pretty old tin 40 years ago when I was 18 but it doesn’t. 
 

In fact, if you’ve been working in IT since 1960 You’re probably 80’Ish & not working at all. 
 

It’s what you’re doing now that counts so if you’re working in IT remotely, you’re a digital Nomad, if you’re not then you’re not

 

Stick with the Non-IMM O but you should be able to reduce what you need in the bank by making your wife a dependant of you on your Visa rather than having her own Non-IMM O Visa. 

Edited August 27 by Mike Teavee

[shdmn]

My only hesitation with the DTV is if you use the digital nomad/remote worker category.  Now they have an official admission you are working in Thailand.  If they ever get rid of that visa and you start trying to come in as a tourist then they could give you a real hard time about it.  Also, if you go to another country without a remote worker visa and they see that 180 day stamp in your passport, they could have lots of questions for you too.

Edited August 27 by shdmn

[Chalky0w]

I had a couple of years where used an METV for about 6 months a year and returned to UK to work for the rest but will be applying for a DTV this time.
 

Not sure that I actually will work when in Thailand but applied because it is more flexible with less frequent border bounces than an METV - sometimes I’ll only stay 20 days but others I might want to stay 100 days. Plus cheaper than 5 x METVs and only one application.

 

I’m too young for a retirement visa but think I’d prefer DTV anyway:

- 800k in foreign bank not in Thai bank

- I’ll never stay more than 180 days so that makes no difference

- less interaction with immigration

[factseeker]

On 8/27/2024 at 3:44 PM, Mike Teavee said:

How does working on “1960’s IT” make you Nomadic? I wish it did as I worked on some pretty old tin 40 years ago when I was 18 but it doesn’t. 
 

In fact, if you’ve been working in IT since 1960 You’re probably 80’Ish & not working at all. 
 

It’s what you’re doing now that counts so if you’re working in IT remotely, you’re a digital Nomad, if you’re not then you’re not

 

Stick with the Non-IMM O but you should be able to reduce what you need in the bank by making your wife a dependant of you on your Visa rather than having her own Non-IMM O Visa. 

Hi,

Thnxs reply.

Yup I am  wandering through 83rd year right now - stopped with the IT stuff circa 65.

Then a bit of 'Volunteer' work - for 'free' - life not been bad - try to put something back in.

I emphasised the Nomadic bit too much - by that I simply meant done a fair bit of wandering but always 'attached' to UK.

 

I place a new section / specific question at foot below,

Bets Rgds

[factseeker]

Hi All,

Quite some time ago - maybe 12 years or so - advised by very helpful people on this Forum ( particularly a lady - by name Nancy - my thnxs ) on how to go about obtaining a Retirement Visa via Chiang Mai Immi.

Worked like a charm using the 1 month - 3 month - 12 month route -  available at the time via Chiang Mai Immi - for both myself and wife,  

We renewed each year for next 7/8 years - come Covid all 'down the tubes' .

 

Following a 2 month visit this last New Year - wonderful welcome from all we knew - now looking to possibly try for DTV Visa.

Ideally it would suite if it could be done once more at Chiang Mai Immi as opposed to
in UK - 6 hours travel London etc..

 

Does anyoone know if that route is possible - funds sitting in Thai Bank etc for both of us - since way back then,

 

Best Rgds

[shdmn]

On 8/27/2024 at 8:38 AM, Chalky0w said:

I had a couple of years where used an METV for about 6 months a year and returned to UK to work for the rest but will be applying for a DTV this time.
 

Not sure that I actually will work when in Thailand but applied because it is more flexible with less frequent border bounces than an METV - sometimes I’ll only stay 20 days but others I might want to stay 100 days. Plus cheaper than 5 x METVs and only one application.

 

I’m too young for a retirement visa but think I’d prefer DTV anyway:

- 800k in foreign bank not in Thai bank

- I’ll never stay more than 180 days so that makes no difference

- less interaction with immigration

I am in the same boat.  I was using the METV but I found the extensions and border bounces and worry about travel dates to be a big hassle.  The DTV eliminates all that even if I don't end up staying more than 60 days.

Edited October 7 by shdmn

[factseeker]

On 10/7/2024 at 9:10 PM, shdmn said:

I am in the same boat.  I was using the METV but I found the extensions and border bounces and worry about travel dates to be a big hassle.  The DTV eliminates all that even if I don't end up staying more than 60 days.

Hi shdmn,

 

The points you make absolutely 'spot on'  as I see it for myself also - would not be working  - but can certainly fit the 'nomad' part.  ;o))

 

DTV seems much more flexible  = perfect.

 

At outset I tried for Retirement Visa  from UK way back well over 10 years ago and it was a mess - got all the way across Uk to where directed and they were most unhelpful - then up came the 1 /3/12 month route in Chiang Mai and all went well these last 1o years until the Covid things upset all.

 

Point is can I do DTV when I get to Chiang Mai - as with previous Retirement Visa type 'O'.

Funds will be in Bank etc ready for the 'off'.

 

So thnxs for reply - stay safe and well - Chok Dee.

Edited October 9 by factseeker

[Keeps]

52 minutes ago, factseeker said:

Hi shdmn,

 

The points you make absolutely 'spot on'  as I see it for myself also - would not be working  - but can certainly fit the 'nomad' part.  ;o))

 

DTV seems much more flexible  = perfect.

 

At outset I tried for Retirement Visa  from UK way back well over 10 years ago and it was a mess - got all the way across Uk to where directed and they were most unhelpful - then up came the 1 /3/12 month route in Chiang Mai and all went well these last 1o years until the Covid things upset all.

 

Point is can I do DTV when I get to Chiang Mai - as with previous Retirement Visa type 'O'.

Funds will be in Bank etc ready for the 'off'.

 

So thnxs for reply - stay safe and well - Chok Dee.

I'm not sure if you are aware but any type of Visa obtained in the UK is online only now. There are no visits to the London Thai embassy.

 

All Visas (including the DTV) are applied for via the following:-

http://thaievisa.go.th/

 

 

 

 

[factseeker]

21 hours ago, Keeps said:

I'm not sure if you are aware but any type of Visa obtained in the UK is online only now. There are no visits to the London Thai embassy.

 

All Visas (including the DTV) are applied for via the following:-

http://thaievisa.go.th/

 

 

 

 

Hi,

Was not aware -thnxs.   Last visit start of this year - just breezed in as Tourist and extended plus another 30. Have to say immi were very helpful and welcoming.

Rgds

[Keeps]

One more thing - currently, visa exempt stamp on arrival is 60 days, not 30. How long this will last, nobody knows. However, if you were planning a 2 month (60 days to be precise) trip there would currently be no need to visit CM immigration office for a 30 day extension. 

[factseeker]

Hi Keeps,

 

Thnxs for detail - when I initially tried for Visa via UK - maybe 15 year ago - frankly I gave up and then I discovered the method through CM - when in CM - itwas good in that you could talk with the Officials face to face etc.  I cannot see what I have previously held for 10+ years - as a Non Immi O Visa - purpose Retirement - it was good but same seeking renewal each year.

I like the look of the DTV - I presume I could justify for medical stuff as have had one eye fixed quite brillianlty at Sriphat and would have no trouble obtaining a letter from them for other eye.

[Keeps]

1 hour ago, factseeker said:

Hi Keeps,

 

Thnxs for detail - when I initially tried for Visa via UK - maybe 15 year ago - frankly I gave up and then I discovered the method through CM - when in CM - itwas good in that you could talk with the Officials face to face etc.  I cannot see what I have previously held for 10+ years - as a Non Immi O Visa - purpose Retirement - it was good but same seeking renewal each year.

I like the look of the DTV - I presume I could justify for medical stuff as have had one eye fixed quite brillianlty at Sriphat and would have no trouble obtaining a letter from them for other eye.

I believe that you could obtain a DTV on the basis of medical which is one of the options on the application website I posted the link to in one of my previous posts. You would need to provide appointment evidence from a medical establishment as part of the application process. 

 

I have not looked in to the detail of the DTV in depth as it is not an option suitable for myself at the moment. However, I have read on another thread on this forum that it is possible to apply for the DTV whilst in Thailand. There is a search function at the top of the page which should assist in finding the alternative thread(s). I understand that there are agents who can assist in this regard (for a fee of course). You could arrive in Thailand visa exempt and then start the process whilst there. If this information is incorrect I'm sure someone will be along to correct my error.

 

You could have a play around on the website link I provided just to establish if you are eligible and what is needed by way of documentation without actually submitting an application. 

 

As an aside, I have an appointment at Sriphat in a couple of weeks time for a surgical procedure and my partner recently had 2 wisdom teeth removed in the Sriphat dental centre. A fine establishment and very happy with the services they offer and their pricing. 

 

Best of luck in your endeavours

[Mike Teavee]

On 10/9/2024 at 11:39 PM, factseeker said:

Point is can I do DTV when I get to Chiang Mai - as with previous Retirement Visa type 'O'.

Funds will be in Bank etc ready for the 'off'.

No You cannot apply for a DTV inside of Thailand so you can either get it via the UK... 

[For which you can use money in your Thai Bank account to support your application].

 

OR a local "Friendly" Embassy, best to checkout some of the other DTV thread for up to date reports of which Embassy's are currently "Friendly".... E.G. 

 

 

Edited October 10 by Mike Teavee

[factseeker]

On 10/9/2024 at 6:36 PM, Keeps said:

I'm not sure if you are aware but any type of Visa obtained in the UK is online only now. There are no visits to the London Thai embassy.

 

All Visas (including the DTV) are applied for via the following:-

http://thaievisa.go.th/

 

 

 

 

Hi Keeps,

 

Thnxs for link - good stuff - I see from one or two points that can only apply from 'outside' Thailand.

 

[Keeps]

12 minutes ago, factseeker said:

Hi Keeps,

 

Thnxs for link - good stuff - I see from one or two points that can only apply from 'outside' Thailand.

 

 

On 10/10/2024 at 5:48 PM, Keeps said:

If this information is incorrect I'm sure someone will be along to correct my error.

I was incorrect about applying within Thailand - apologies for this. As I caveated above, someone (Mike Teavee) corrected my error. 

 

Enjoy your weekend. 

[factseeker]

Hi All,

 

After much reading in the Forum  - I will be trying for a DTV /Medical - a follow on from medical stuff earlier this year. 

On reading through all I did see someone state that my wife could 'tag' onto same Visa Application - but I now cannot see where I read that. 

It was an entry from someone who was detailing their own Application.

Can anyone  confirm that is the case or will I also have to apply DTV for my wife seperately - she is Non Thai ( French.)

Bets Rgds