Can't apply for DTV yet, what are my best options to stay here?

[printingwithdm0n]

Hey everyone! 👋

I’ve been in Thailand for 4 months now (with one border run to Phu Quoc), and honestly this has been the best time of my life. I’ve completely fallen in love with the place, the lifestyle, and the people.

 

My business just started gaining real traction (digital nomad), and I’d love to stay here for at least another year to focus on growing it and keep enjoying what Thailand has to offer (I already have a routine here)

 

I wanted to ask for some advice about visa options, and hopefully, someone here can point me in the right direction 🙏

 

Here’s my current situation:

• I did one border run, which gave me another 60 days.

• I now have 45 days left on my current stay.

• I was considering applying for the new DTV visa (Digital Nomad), and I technically qualify:

  • I run two eCommerce brands based in Europe

  • I have enough income/funds

• BUT  the problem is that my funds are in business bank accounts (US LLC + HK company). I don’t have a personal bank account showing those funds, and from what I understand, the DTV requires personal banking statements. I might be able to get a letter from the bank confirming that I’m the sole owner and signatory of the business accounts (with my personal name on it). But I’m not sure if that would satisfy the DTV visa requirements, since the funds aren’t in a traditional personal account

 

I’ve started the process of opening a personal account in the US, but realistically:

• It’ll take 1–2 months to open

• Then 3–6 months to accumulate 6 months of statements
  So DTV is off the table for the next 6–7 months.

 

So my question is: What are my best options to stay in Thailand until I’m eligible for DTV?

I’ve heard:

• You can get a visa by enrolling in Muay Thai training (i'm ok with that)

• Some people use agencies/services to handle visa runs or deal with immigration, how reliable is that and can it be used for 3-4 times?

• Maybe there’s a better visa route I haven’t heard of?

 

Any advice, experiences, or recommendations would really help! 🙏

Thanks in advance

[BrandonJT]

It's never taken me more than 15 minutes to open a US Bank account online.  1-2 months? How?

 

If you are willing to accept long van rides depending on where you are located, you can just use land border bounce agencies until you're ready to apply for DTV.  Else you can do air bounces and pay for a safe entry service to guarantee your entry at the airport. 

[printingwithdm0n]

«//Edit by moderator: Deleted reply to removed troll post»

 

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

It's never taken me more than 15 minutes to open a US Bank account online.  1-2 months? How?

 

If you are willing to accept long van rides depending on where you are located, you can just use land border bounce agencies until you're ready to apply for DTV.  Else you can do air bounces and pay for a safe entry service to guarantee your entry at the airport. 

Yeah sadly I am not a US citizen so can't really open a personal one that fast. I'm supposed to get my ITIN in a week and only then I will be able to apply for a personal one but I would have to wait 3-6 months anyway for the statements. 

 

I could use my Wise account, but a friend got declined trying to apply with it.

I don't mind paying more to enter, I'm fine with doing air runs every 2 months and then paying an agency to get me into here, just not sure how reliable it is and what to do in case I get rejected

[Mark1969]

Just border bounce. If they decline you move to Siem Reap and work there until you get the DTV from the embassy in Cambodia. It took almost 2 months to get the DTV there anyway.

[Caldera]

47 minutes ago, printingwithdm0n said:

I don't mind paying more to enter, I'm fine with doing air runs every 2 months and then paying an agency to get me into here, just not sure how reliable it is and what to do in case I get rejected

 

It's reliable, you don't need to worry about getting rejected. But you could consider spending some time in nearby countries as well to mix things up.

 

You definitely need proper bank statements in your name to apply for a DTV, not just a letter from a bank explaining that you're the beneficiary of your business bank accounts.

[Rob Browder]

In addition to agent-assisted visa runs ...

 

You can get an "ED" Visa and extension via many schools / agents.   Maybe (before was easy) can still get a bank-account opened with this, which you could use for the DTV next year.

 

You can also get a DTV via-agent.  They set up the trip, etc.

[BrandonJT]

3 hours ago, printingwithdm0n said:

I don't mind paying more to enter, I'm fine with doing air runs every 2 months and then paying an agency to get me into here, just not sure how reliable it is and what to do in case I get rejected

100% reliable.  They will not accept your case if they cannot get you in. You contact them, they ask for every page of your passport.  They send that to their contacts at the airport who will then review and give a price.  They will tell you the price and if you accept there will be an immigration officer that will meet you (you even send a photo of the clothes you are wearing when you board the plane) and they will walk you to a counter and open it just to stamp you in.

You can either contact Thai Visa Centre (click "Apply for TDAC", fill out the first page, then select the VIP/Fast Track entry on the 2nd page) https://tdac.agents.co.th/

 

Or you can get in touch with the agency in this thread: 

 

[Maestro]

Removed a troll post and the reply to it.

[Knight Rider]

Why do you need a US bank account? Can't you do it with your personal account in your name in your home country? You should always have a personal account in your home country. Why close all your accounts in your home country when you move to another country. 

[DrJack54]

6 hours ago, printingwithdm0n said:

I’ve started the process of opening a personal account in the US, but realistically:

 

6 hours ago, printingwithdm0n said:

Yeah sadly I am not a US citizen so can't really open a personal one that fast

Why are you bothering with US bank account. 

What is passport country. 

 

Re safe entry services (air) works fine no issue

 

Threads positive re this company 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552069237778 

 

OP, seems you are newish to Thailand. 

You can work online without issues. 

Never understand the fixation on staying in Thailand ongoing. 

Mixing up nearby countries would make longer stay in SEA possible. 

Post above mentions Siem Reap. 

I'd throw Saigon in that suggestion box also. 

Without ties in Thailand you could easily spend months in Thailand and months elsewhere. 

PP country? Age? 

Wash and repeat. 

 

[KhaoHom]

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

100% reliable.  They will not accept your case if they cannot get you in. You contact them, they ask for every page of your passport.  They send that to their contacts at the airport who will then review and give a price.  They will tell you the price and if you accept there will be an immigration officer that will meet you (you even send a photo of the clothes you are wearing when you board the plane) and they will walk you to a counter and open it just to stamp you in.

You can either contact Thai Visa Centre (click "Apply for TDAC", fill out the first page, then select the VIP/Fast Track entry on the 2nd page) https://tdac.agents.co.th/

 

Or you can get in touch with the agency in this thread: 

 

 

This sounds sketchy af

 

Just saying

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

This sounds sketchy af

That sounds naive. 

There are recent/current threads outlining process. 

The price depends on history.. 

Bullet proof. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364034-has-anyone-used-friendly-thai-visa’s-airport-safe-entry-service-only-real-experiences-plz/

 

[DrJack54]

Trolling post removed. 

[KhaoHom]

47 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

That sounds naive. 

There are recent/current threads outlining process. 

The price depends on history.. 

Bullet proof. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364034-has-anyone-used-friendly-thai-visa’s-airport-safe-entry-service-only-real-experiences-plz/

 

 

Right.

 

Just strikes me something that shouldn't be legal assuming it is

[KhaoHom]

6 hours ago, Mark1969 said:

Just border bounce. If they decline you move to Siem Reap and work there until you get the DTV from the embassy in Cambodia. It took almost 2 months to get the DTV there anyway.

 

Apparently, he's one of those nomads that are glued to Thailand.

 

I think I spent more than a decade traveling about the region before semi settling in Thailand

 

Travelers these days are so lazy despite transport options being 1000% better than pre 2000.

 

They even need special services to extend their stays as they are not apparently unwanted by Thailand.

 

I've visited 40 countries, lived in more than half dozen, years in others. Five 48pp + passports,  one 96pp. Never used an agent. I don't even use agents to middle man transport.

 

This guy has a feeling he's worn out his welcome in Thailand. I would urge him to simply move on. He is after all a "global nomad" 😂

 

Thailand is so overrun by this type of visitor it's no wonder he's feeling pushback.

[KhaoHom]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Never understand the fixation on staying in Thailand

 

Neither have I

 

It's the comfort level, ease of everything, infrastructure.

 

They're really not nomads, they're not even placebaggers. Deathly afraid of the unknown and also not being on Internet 5g drip feed.

 

Going to Thailand is no longer as *adventurous* as going to the mall in your home country.

 

It's still a decent place to continue in retirement, I wouldn't recommend coming here in 2025 and planning to die here. Much changed and much more will change

[Caldera]

18 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 

Apparently, he's one of those nomads that are glued to Thailand.

 

I think I spent more than a decade traveling about the region before semi settling in Thailand

 

Travelers these days are so lazy despite transport options being 1000% better than pre 2000.

 

They even need special services to extend their stays as they are not apparently unwanted by Thailand.

 

I've visited 40 countries, lived in more than half dozen, years in others. Five 48pp + passports,  one 96pp. Never used an agent. I don't even use agents to middle man transport.

 

This guy has a feeling he's worn out his welcome in Thailand. I would urge him to simply move on. He is after all a "global nomad" 😂

 

Thailand is so overrun by this type of visitor it's no wonder he's feeling pushback.

 

Suggesting to the OP that he may want to explore other countries in the region is one thing. I also did that.

 

Pontificating about the right and wrong ways to be a digital nomad isn't helping anyone. You do you, let the OP decide what he does. Wake up to the fact that Thailand has created the DTV, EXACTLY for people like the OP who asked legitimate questions.

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, Caldera said:

.....Thailand has created the DTV, EXACTLY for people like the OP who asked legitimate questions.

The DTV would be a perfect fit for the OP as  seems he would be applying in the "digital nomad" Category. 

That visa is a multi entry. Great option for some. 

Some current threads pointing out some hassles such as, opening a bank account, only 2 yr TDL etc

However the upside is a winner

 

[printingwithdm0n]

3 hours ago, KhaoHom said:

 

Apparently, he's one of those nomads that are glued to Thailand.

 

I think I spent more than a decade traveling about the region before semi settling in Thailand

 

Travelers these days are so lazy despite transport options being 1000% better than pre 2000.

 

They even need special services to extend their stays as they are not apparently unwanted by Thailand.

 

I've visited 40 countries, lived in more than half dozen, years in others. Five 48pp + passports,  one 96pp. Never used an agent. I don't even use agents to middle man transport.

 

This guy has a feeling he's worn out his welcome in Thailand. I would urge him to simply move on. He is after all a "global nomad" 😂

 

Thailand is so overrun by this type of visitor it's no wonder he's feeling pushback.

Classic veteran traveler energy , love that

but sure  to an extent, I actually agree. Everyone should go out, explore new cultures, meet local people, build friendships, and make memories by stepping into the unknown.
I’ve been to 4 countries this past year (sure, nothing compared to your five 48-page passports), and had an amazing time doing just that - and I’ll definitely continue.

But right now, i got different priorities 
I’m in the middle of growing my ecom biz, and I can’t do that from a 14-inch screen in a random café (even though I’ll admit it’s fun at times). I need routine, a proper workstation, and a stable setup for the next 3-4 months.

but the The truth? Thailand just makes everything easy.
Infrastructure, food, gyms, delivery, transportation, friendly people (well, most) it’s all here. You’ve got everything you need to live well and get stuff done. That’s why I’m here, and why I want to stay for the upcoming months.

Also, I’m sure Thailand has come a long way since the early 2000s  so it makes total sense why more people want to stay here now. Also means rules are more strict than before. 
Times change, and so do people’s priorities. Honestly, I’m glad. I’ve met more people because of that, and everything keeps improving.

And I genuinely have no idea where you got the impression that I’m “feeling pushback" lmao, ive made friends, built a routine. if things were perfect i would qualify for a DTV visa and then maybe your response would be different, but that doesn't really matter because it's only a matter of time for now. 

But don’t worry about me, friend  I’ve still got decades ahead of me to explore and “move on”, theres no rush
Still, I appreciate your input,  it helped me reflect on a few things. So thanks for that.

 

Also thanks everyone for recommending the agency, will give them a try when the time comes. 

[DrJack54]

54 minutes ago, printingwithdm0n said:

Also thanks everyone for recommending the agency, will give them a try when the time comes.

You also have the option of land borders (depending in your location in Thailand) 

You can obtain a 30 day extension to each visa exempt entry. 

The safe entry service is fine and with your his history that should be ~ 4-5k 

Several months should be enough to establish a bank account and consider DTV

[Mark1969]

6 hours ago, KhaoHom said:

This sounds sketchy af

Just saying

In Cambodia there has been a problem with "fake" stamps from agents. One guy I follow had this happen in Siem Reap. The stamp was actually genuine, but issued by a corrupt officer at Siem Reap airport several weeks after he landed.

 

Apparently the officer was stamping (or issuing stickers) for long term visas for the agent, when they need to be done in PP. Nobody realized it until he tried to exit the country. He was detained for a "fake" stamp and spent time in jail (more then a few days). Was released eventually. It's better to not use agents and do things yourself imo, just for piece of mind imo (because you are actually walking into the official office, there is no middleman).

[DrJack54]

42 minutes ago, Mark1969 said:

In Cambodia there has been a problem with "fake" stamps from agents.

The "safe entry service" being discussed in this thread is for visa exempt entry into  Thailand via airport. 

Nothing to do with other countries. 

[Rob Browder]

On 7/24/2025 at 7:20 AM, KhaoHom said:

Right.

 

Just strikes me something that shouldn't be legal assuming it is

Welcome to Thailand.  Many govt-offices have some sort of racket going on - can verify with the locals about this.  Immigration is no exception.  What is "legal" here, is what the "official" over their domain makes "legal." 

[RAZZELL]

On 7/24/2025 at 5:19 AM, printingwithdm0n said:

Classic veteran traveler energy , love that

but sure  to an extent, I actually agree. Everyone should go out, explore new cultures, meet local people, build friendships, and make memories by stepping into the unknown.
I’ve been to 4 countries this past year (sure, nothing compared to your five 48-page passports), and had an amazing time doing just that - and I’ll definitely continue.

But right now, i got different priorities 
I’m in the middle of growing my ecom biz, and I can’t do that from a 14-inch screen in a random café (even though I’ll admit it’s fun at times). I need routine, a proper workstation, and a stable setup for the next 3-4 months.

but the The truth? Thailand just makes everything easy.
Infrastructure, food, gyms, delivery, transportation, friendly people (well, most) it’s all here. You’ve got everything you need to live well and get stuff done. That’s why I’m here, and why I want to stay for the upcoming months.

Also, I’m sure Thailand has come a long way since the early 2000s  so it makes total sense why more people want to stay here now. Also means rules are more strict than before. 
Times change, and so do people’s priorities. Honestly, I’m glad. I’ve met more people because of that, and everything keeps improving.

And I genuinely have no idea where you got the impression that I’m “feeling pushback" lmao, ive made friends, built a routine. if things were perfect i would qualify for a DTV visa and then maybe your response would be different, but that doesn't really matter because it's only a matter of time for now. 

But don’t worry about me, friend  I’ve still got decades ahead of me to explore and “move on”, theres no rush
Still, I appreciate your input,  it helped me reflect on a few things. So thanks for that.

 

Also thanks everyone for recommending the agency, will give them a try when the time comes. 

 

OP has not answered any questions about Nationality, why USA Bank account etc.

 

You can always apply for a DVT under soft power. It really makes not difference when you get it.

 

 

 

 

[RAZZELL]

23 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

The "safe entry service" being discussed in this thread is for visa exempt entry into  Thailand via airport. 

Nothing to do with other countries. 

I used a "safe entry" service a few months ago. Perfect. And probably saved me 30-45 mins queueing.

[Scouse123]

On 7/24/2025 at 12:49 AM, Mark1969 said:

Just border bounce. If they decline you move to Siem Reap and work there until you get the DTV from the embassy in Cambodia. It took almost 2 months to get the DTV there anyway.

 

It took me 11 days.

 

There is no land border bounce to Cambodia at the moment as borders are shut, I believe.

 

So, Laos would seem to be the best option. It can be a long trek depending on where you are staying.

[Mark1969]

2 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

It took me 11 days.

 

On 7/24/2025 at 7:31 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

Apparently, he's one of those nomads that are glued to Thailand.

 

I think I spent more than a decade traveling about the region before semi settling in Thailand

 

Travelers these days are so lazy despite transport options being 1000% better than pre 2000.

 

They even need special services to extend their stays as they are not apparently unwanted by Thailand.

 

I've visited 40 countries, lived in more than half dozen, years in others. Five 48pp + passports,  one 96pp. Never used an agent. I don't even use agents to middle man transport.

 

This guy has a feeling he's worn out his welcome in Thailand. I would urge him to simply move on. He is after all a "global nomad" 😂

 

Thailand is so overrun by this type of visitor it's no wonder he's feeling pushback.

 

I think you're right. Probably because Thailand feels much safer and people don't like to leave that comfort zone.

 

Others seem to have an obsession with exactly how many days they need to be out of Thailand which is pretty strange. 

[Caldera]

6 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

There is no land border bounce to Cambodia at the moment as borders are shut, I believe.

 

Correct. 

[FritsSikkink]

On 7/24/2025 at 4:00 AM, Knight Rider said:

You should always have a personal account in your home country. Why close all your accounts in your home country when you move to another country. 

Don't need anything in my home country, have everything here.