I've seen a few troubling posts about bank issues with the "BB" regarding the 400,000, bank statments, frozen accounts etc for the Non-O marriage extension, so been pondering about the DTV.

 

My question for anyone with experience is: can I obtain a DTV visa based on a 6-month dental program and use that for the next 5 years, instead of jumping through all the hoops now and potentially in the future linked to the Non-O?

 

I just want to stay here with the fam with as little ball ache as possible 

 

What do you think, doiable without more ball ache?

 

The only thing that has changed with Bangkok Bank is that if the money you want for a bank letter has not been in the account for 4 months, they will freeze those funds for 4 months in order to issue you the letter.  Nothing else has changed.  And you can just get an account at a different bank and not have to worry about it.

As far as DTV, each embassy has their own requirements. Some might accept a 6 month dental program, some might issue you a multiple entry tourist visa since you only show you need 6 months in Thailand.  They all do things their own way.

1. Live in Thailand with annual extensions based on marriage. 

Minimal financial requirements. 

True some running around for required docs at extension time. 

 

2. If over 50 obtain annual extensions based on retirement (which means over 50) 

More significant financial requirements however minimal paperwork. 

 

With both options above kick BBL and open bank account with alternative bank. 

3 hours ago, BillyBobzTeeth said:

can I obtain a DTV visa based on a 6-month dental program and use that for the next 5 years

Having 6 months of pre-booked dental would likely work for a DTV - though i would not state you only plan 6 months of dental work.   You would need to inquire at the specific embassy, to determine what they want. 

Marriage-based are the worst extension hassle - so, if under 50, the DTV would be what I would be using.  Retirement is easier when over 50.

DTV (soft power medical) 

 

 

On 8/6/2025 at 9:55 AM, BillyBobzTeeth said:

I've seen a few troubling posts about bank issues with the "BB" regarding the 400,000, bank statments, frozen accounts etc for the Non-O marriage extension, so been pondering about the DTV.

 

My question for anyone with experience is: can I obtain a DTV visa based on a 6-month dental program and use that for the next 5 years, instead of jumping through all the hoops now and potentially in the future linked to the Non-O?

 

I just want to stay here with the fam with as little ball ache as possible 

 

What do you think, doiable without more ball ache?

 

This appeared in the Baan Thai newsletter a few days ago.

 

There’s been many reports and social media chatter about the difficulties in opening a Thai bank account. There’s good reason for this. The Bank of Thailand, the financial institution responsible for banking regulations and compliance, has tightened the rules and increased oversight for expats opening new accounts in an effort to curb illicit banking activity such as money laundering. 

 

To qualify, you’ll need to hold a long-term visa including Non-O, Non-B, LTR or Privilege. The Bank of Thailand does not permit banks to open accounts for DTV visa holders at this time. For Non-O retirement or marriage visas, this will require your e filing for a 90-day visa overseas (best from your home country before arriving) and the using the 90-day visa to open your Thai account into which you can then wire the required funds to obtain a one-year extension. 

 

You’ll also need to establish your residence. This can include your lease or proof of ownership if, for instance, you’ve purchased a condo. Some banks are requiring a residency certificate from Immigration. For this you’ll need to present your lease, lessor’s Thai ID and TM30. It takes about 7 days for Immigration to process these requests, and please note that foreign embassies are no longer offering this service. 

Looks like I'm not the only one thinking about this still - https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thai-banking-issues-leading-to-dtvs-increasing-popularity-514344

 

11 hours ago, BillyBobzTeeth said:

Looks like I'm not the only one thinking about this still - https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thai-banking-issues-leading-to-dtvs-increasing-popularity-514344

 

I find the reasoning in this to be flawed.  Bank accounts are not the reason people are getting the DTV.  The ease of the visa is the reason people are getting it. Causation vs correlation.

A bank account is rarely a huge impediment for people that actually NEED one for their extensions. And it's a one-time effort, as they will then have that bank account moving forward.