Anyone done a successful DTV visa extension in Chiang Mai?

If so, I'd appreciate any advice!

Getting all my docs ready to apply in Vietnam. Would love to stay with friends in Hoi An while we're waiting for our approval.

I don't physically need to be in Hanoi or HCM, right?

I just need proof that I'm in Vietnam - boarding pass, stamped passport, receipts...

Kind advice only. 🙏

Hello …I’m on my 2 nd year of my retirement visa here which gets renewed once a year …is there any way to change it into a yearly visa …the goal is to not have to keep 800 k in an account … I know that 400k can be withdrawn from that account and put back in 2 months prior to renewal and then take it back out 3 months after renewal but that system is getting old and worn … don’t ask why not just leave 800 k in it year round ..I have better things to do with it …thanks for any potential solid advice on options …

Hi anyone had a letter from bank regarding CRS self certification form ?

So here's my situation regarding my Non O Retirement visa: I arrived a few days ago to Bangkok on my 90 day Non O.

I tried going to several banks to open up a bank account, the language barrier was a factor but I dealt with it the best I could. Bangkok Bank and UOB said they don't do this anymore and Krungsri said I need some form from Immigration. Kasikorn said they needed a rental agreement but that my TM30 form for the Airbnb I'm currently staying for a month wasn't good enough and that I need an actual rental agreement.

From what I read here, reddit, etc, I thought I'd be able to open up the bank account first and then find a permanent place once I had that done. So now I need to find a condo and sign a year lease in order to open the bank account and then after the two month waiting period apply for the one year extension. What scares me is that when I sign the lease for whatever reason if I'm unable to open the bank account I'll be in this weird limbo of having signed the lease but not being able to stay and having to do the whole process over again or be forced to do visa runs for a year.

Anyone else in a similar situation or have any advice? Thanks!

EDIT: I'm also considering trying to get a "Residence Certificate" (which is what I think Krungthai was asking for when they said they needed an "Immigration Form") at Chaeng Wattana Immigration (Government Complex, Building B, Floor 2, Section 2) on Monday and if I get this then trying the banks again.

If i come over with a 60 day tourist visa can i get a Years visa when im there? I cant get one online from the Embassy because its impossible to get travel insurance for that length of time here in the UK as im over 60, my mate has just paid £990 for 3 weeks. Hes 71 with ZERO past ailments

Hello 👋

I have a couple of questions if you could answer please.

My husband and I will be looking to retire to Thailand early next year and have a few questions regarding a retirement visa, we currently reside in New Zealand.

1: With the requirement of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account, is this amount for each person or is this amount for both of us?

Question 2: Do we have to purchase medical insurance for our Retirement Visa? Is this compulsory?

Question 3: With the changes in Thai banking, will it be difficult to open a Thai bank account for our Retirement visa, and when will this need to be done? (and how will it be done) because we will need to transfer the THB 800,000 into a Thai bank account as required for the visa.

Question 4: When we arrive we will be on a tourist visa (currently 30 day stay?) which we would need to extend for a further 60 days (total of 90 days) which will allow time needed to organise the bank account, visa etc.... is this the best option for us to do, or is there an easier or better way?

Thanks in advance

Michelle 🙏

It’s already been over 2 weeks since my Bangkok Bank account has been blocked, and I still have no access to my money.

Even though I own a condo, I’ve been told that the *head office* has to approve it, and the process is taking so long. I also met someone with a retirement visa who is stuck in the same situation.

I tried opening an account at SCB.

One staff member told me I cannot open an account with a DTV visa, even if I own a condo. But another staff member in the same branch said I can, took my documents, scanned them, and sent them to the head office.

Now I’m waiting for their reply.

Is anyone else going through the same thing? Honestly, I’m exhausted. I’m down to my last cash and just using TrueMoney to buy basics from 7/11.

Really frustrating... I’m starting to consider what to do next.🤷

DTV Extension in Chiang Mai – my experience 🫤

I recently tried to extend my Destination Thailand Visa in Chiang Mai instead of doing a border run – and here’s what happened:

🕰️ 6 weeks before my end of stay – gathering information



Immigration told me:

* There is exactly one officer responsible for the DTV.

* He checks documents at 3 pm daily and, if all is fine, gives you an appointment for the actual extension.

* Nobody else can process DTVs.

🕰️ 3 weeks before – first attempt

I showed up at 3 pm with all documents. The officer asked for passport, 90-day report, rental contract, company docs, CV, savings of 500,000 THB at a traditional bank (not a Fintech) … I had everything! Then he came up with something new: an official bank letter confirming:

1. The account is in my name.

2. The 500,000 THB have been there for at least 1 month.

My bank statements for the past 3 months were not accepted.

I was told to come back with this letter.

🕰️ 2 weeks before – second attempt

Monday, 3 pm: I returned with the bank letter. The officer didn’t show up. Staff told me he was “too busy” and asked me to come back again on Thursday.

🕰️ 1.5 weeks before – third attempt

Thursday, 3 pm: Same story. After waiting an hour, I was told I could leave my documents, but there was no guarantee they would ever be checked – or that I’d get an extension.

👉 At that point, I gave up and planned a border run instead.

💡 Takeaway:

* In Chiang Mai, extending the DTV seems almost impossible.

* Even with full documents, it's a hit and miss.

* My advice: If you live here, plan for a border run to save time and nerves.

Btw, if you’re German-speaking and want more detailed insights in German, feel free to check out my page.

Has everyone had to do an interview? Interested about Soft power?