Option between DTV or Non-O based on marriage extension

[megapix]

Hi everyone 🙂,

 

Im currently 30 years old and been here on Non-O multiple entry based on marriage from Savannakhet for the last 3 years. It was the best option for me because I travel out of Thailand often (work and holidays). Since they are moving to e-visa system and probably will not offer Non-O multi again Im looking for new options.

 

I was in Europe whole October and November for work and entered Thailand on 2.12.2024 on visa exemption and deciding now what to do. IO upon entering asked why I dont have visa this time so I told him that its expired, got a new passport because I run out of pages in my previous one (which was true) and Im gonna apply for a new one soon.

 

Im married to Thai and travel for work to Europe at least 2 times per year. Usually I stay in Europe for 2-4 months, depends on work. I have my own business that I can manage from abroad so DTV visa based on workcation would probably be a good option.

 

I have more than 500k in my EU account but its not seasoned yet. It has been there only since the beggining of December.

 

What would be the best option for me regarding my situation ?

 

Does the money for DTV visa needs to be seasoned ? If yes, then for how long ? Or every embassy have different rules regarding this ? 

 

If it has to be seasoned lets say for 6 months would it better now to convert my visa exemption to non non-O extension based on marriage ? If I understand correctly, the money needs to be seasoned for 2 months in Thai bank account. 

 

If I move the money to the Thai bank account on 11.12.2024 does it mean I can apply for extension on 11.2.2025 (assuming I would have 3 logs in bank book from each month with balance over 400k). The reason I ask for this is because I fly to Japan for businness trip on 1.3.2025 for 19 days. Then go back to Thailand for about a month and then go to Europe for 3 months (all flights already booked). I would like to sort out this situation before leaving to Europe.

 

If the money for DTV visa does not have to be seasoned I would probably prefer to apply for DTV somewhere nearby Thailand (Taiwan, Laso, Cambodia etc....). Are there any friendly embassies around ? 

 

Thanks for the answers.

 

 

 

 

 

[DrJack54]

33 minutes ago, megapix said:

I have more than 500k in my EU account but its not seasoned yet

Seasoning not required.

Seems at this point you haven't looked into much detail of DTV requirements. 

Here is link

https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/dtv-visa 

The other option ongoing is living in Thailand is to obtain a non O marriage and subsequent 12 month extensions.

The issue for you with this is international travel.

From your current visa exempt entry you can obtain a 30 day extension + a 60 day extension "to visit wife"

That gives flexibility to when you apply for the non O at local immigration office. Keep in mind there is a home visit for some offices and under consideration period.

Of course you can also obtain the non O at Thai embassies/consulates 

 

I mentioned in another thread that a young guy I met obtained his DTV while in UK and obtained it in 3-4 days.

Like you all his work is online, however he is employed by UK company.

As you are positioned for first category DTV and not "soft power" options, seems good fit for you. 

DTV cannot be obtained within Thailand. 

[cdnvic]

Removed an unhelpful post and replies.

[Rob Browder]

If I were under 50, I would get the DTV over dealing with immigration for marriage-based Non-O extensions.  I also used the Non-O-ME Visa from Laos in the past - much better than when Covid forced me to deal with immigration for "extensions." 

 

If you decide to go with the marriage-based extension, consider you need to be in Thailand during much of the process - and as you are now on a visa-exempt, that would include the 90-day Non-O "Visa" from Immigration process (home-visits, etc), then the 12-mo "Extension" with more of the same.  

 

You could inquire with immigration as to whether they are willing to accommodate your travel-schedule during this, for which you already have airfare, etc purchased.