DTV or retirement visa ?

[DrJack54]

12 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Although I'm British and my contracts are issued out of Australia, it may be possible for the visa support letter to be issued by their UK office. I would apply while I am in the UK, just after my passport renewal.

Thinking your best option is to apply in UK.

Currently seems low threshold of documents re proof of employment working remotely. 

[Nemises]

On 11/10/2024 at 12:45 AM, tgw said:

What would you say are the pros and cons of each ?

Health insurance is needed for DTV. No thanks, prefer to stay Non O

[Everyman]

30 minutes ago, Nemises said:

Health insurance is needed for DTV. No thanks, prefer to stay Non O

 

Health insurance is not required for the DTV.

[Scouse123]

2 hours ago, Nemises said:

Health insurance is needed for DTV. No thanks, prefer to stay Non O

 

 

I have Health insurance but do not believe it is a requirement for DTV.

[itsari]

19 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

 

You seem bitter and very quick to trash ideas when there is an overwhelming amount of information pointing to the opposite of what you are saying.

 

That includes people on retirement extensions who have already switched, so where is your proof that it is wishful thinking?

 

Or is it just sour grapes?

 

Recently, a woman got one for a week-long intensive cookery course!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

I am purely making a comment what the requirements for a DTV  state.

If the Thai authorities choose to ignore the requirements so be it.

[Phillip9]

On 11/11/2024 at 10:42 AM, itsari said:

Ok, interesting hard evidence you have.

Surprising all the same.

 

If you look at the bottom of your screenshot you will see the Thai soft power category of the DTV.  If you select that category you will see there is no requirement for work of any kind.

 

 

[itsari]

I have read the Thai soft power requirements.

It seems the requirements are not being followed as they are written. 

That applies to the first section as well after reading of people making successful applications for the DTV .

[tgw]

On 11/11/2024 at 10:48 AM, Scouse123 said:

A Thai driving license is of no consequence to me either, I've just renewed for five years.

 

 

Yes.

My question is about other potential restrictions a DTV holder could face vs. a Non-Imm visa holder.

 

For example, possibly, opening a bank account ?

 

What important administrative or legal processes require a Non-Imm visa ?

[DrJack54]

37 minutes ago, tgw said:

For example, possibly, opening a bank account ?

Agent will open a bank account.

4.5-5k depending on age (insurance related reason) 

[Scouse123]

4 hours ago, tgw said:

 

Yes.

My question is about other potential restrictions a DTV holder could face vs. a Non-Imm visa holder.

 

For example, possibly, opening a bank account ?

 

What important administrative or legal processes require a Non-Imm visa ?

 

Hi,

 

Yeah, I understand you.

 

Fortunately from my point of view, because I would be moving from Non Imm-O extension, I have all that stuff in place.

 

I've had Non Imm-O for many years, got DL, yellow book, Pink ID, bank account, I can't think of much else it would be required. Even my bank, when doing transactions that require ID, accept pink ID.

[tgw]

5 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Hi,

 

Yeah, I understand you.

 

Fortunately from my point of view, because I would be moving from Non Imm-O extension, I have all that stuff in place.

 

I've had Non Imm-O for many years, got DL, yellow book, Pink ID, bank account, I can't think of much else it would be required. Even my bank, when doing transactions that require ID, accept pink ID.

 

yes, I got everything set up too.

my upcoming DL renewal next year is the only issue I have spotted, I'm on the lookout for more potential issues.

[Caldera]

14 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

I've had Non Imm-O for many years, got DL, yellow book, Pink ID, bank account, I can't think of much else it would be required. Even my bank, when doing transactions that require ID, accept pink ID.

 

Okay, so in your particular situation, the only potential downside of switching to a DTV is that the requirements for marriage and retirement extensions might change for the worse and you won't be grandfathered in. Other than that and assuming that you will still qualify, you could always just switch back when and if you choose to.

 

Many people who have Thai bank accounts and a driving license in place switch to even being just a visitor on visa exempt at some point, which doesn't cause them to lose them - they just wouldn't qualify for a new bank account or for a 5-year driving license renewal for the time being. So even if the DTV will be treated more like a tourist visa by banks and the DLT, that's not really an immediate concern if you're all set up already. 

[Liquorice]

4 hours ago, Caldera said:

Okay, so in your particular situation, the only potential downside of switching to a DTV is that the requirements for marriage and retirement extensions might change for the worse and you won't be grandfathered in. Other than that and assuming that you will still qualify, you could always just switch back when and if you choose to.

Just to add to that good advice, you couldn't apply for an extension based on retirement or Thai spouse from a DTV.
You'd have to start afresh, obtaining the Non Imm O visa first.

[NanLaew]

Since the 5-year Thai DL makes for a very easy UK car rental, having that change to a 2-year license that's NOT acceptable for a car rental, would be challenging on my regular visits back home. I could use my UK DL but you also need a bunch of secondary identify stuff like a PIN from the UK licensing office so the rental company can check your license for points or bans. They will also need a UK utility bill or tax statement if you're using a UK DL to rent a car and some companies want to see a second charge card in the renters name.