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Are there issues switching from a DTV Visa to an Elite Visa in Thailand?

DTV VisaElite VisaThailand Visa RegulationsVisa TransitionPrivilege VisaLTR VisaExpat Immigration Issues
Jul 25, 2024
4 months ago
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is there any issues with getting a Elite Visa (or Privilege Visa or whatever they want to call it this week) after having held and used a DTV Visa? I ask because I read people were refused Elite Visas after having Education Visas and some other types of Visas, and you never know if or when they might flip-flop on the DTV visa.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the potential complications of obtaining an Elite Visa after holding a DTV Visa. Concerns were raised regarding the DTV being labeled as a less reputable visa in the future, similar to the Education Visa, which has seen issues due to fraudulent applications. Participants expressed uncertainty about the future of DTV and its acceptance as a precursor to Elite Visa applications. Comparisons were made to other visas like LTR, highlighting the pros and cons of each visa type as the immigration landscape in Thailand evolves.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Jim ********
DTV is obtained overseas so they're out of reach of scamming visa agents. Just make sure you get your DTV from your home embassy with zero "assistance" from a agent
4 months ago
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Robert *****
ASEAN NOW DAILY NEWS , that I subscribe too, says Elite Visa holders are pissed off.
4 months ago
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Jo **********
@Robert ****
 yes,,,what’s the advantage of an Elite visa over DTV not many. and what’s the advantage of the Elite over LTR almost none.
4 months ago
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Jim ********
@Jo *********
 Exactly! The LTR is now a dead duck
4 months ago
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Jo **********
@Jim *******
 no you did not read, or can’t read, or your old grouchy cheap charlie Expat.LTR is the visa which is at the top of
4 months ago
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Jim ********
@Jo *********
 Why would anyone pay 50,000 baht when they can get one for 10,000 baht? The LTR actually failed, so the Thai government is now issuing a diluted version..
4 months ago
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Jo **********
@Jim *******
 ridiculous comment and clearly you don’t understand the different visas. The LTR costs 50,000 for 10 years, you are stamped in for 5 years, as opposed to 180 days. No 90 day reporting better than the elite visa. The elite visa for 10 years would cost 1.5 million baht. I guess if you can’t figure that out you have some comprehension issues
4 months ago
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Jim ********
@Jo *********
 Depends on individual circumstances. A frequent traveller would benefit from the DTV, as the 180 day stamp would suit. I know in my case I never have to file a 90-day report. To be able to travel unhindered for five years for a paltry 10,000 baht, with no financial requirement in Thailand, no compulsory insurance and no re-entry permit required, the visa actually pays for itself. I agree that those choosing to remain in the country the LTR visa is the better option. As a retiree I'll be switching to DTV, and I know five other friends also thinking of doing the same. I've never spoken in favour of the elite visa so I'm not sure where you're going with that!
4 months ago
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Jo **********
@Jim *******
 the DTV does make good sense for you
4 months ago
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Jim ********
@Jo *********
 Exactly. It all depends on individual circumstances. If I never left Thailand I would also seek the LTR, but I'm in and out probably 4-5 times each year.
4 months ago
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Jim ********
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Bob **********
DTV isn’t a shoddy visa they’ll gladly take your money for a privilege visa ,just drove to Bangkok today many huge billboards promoting the privilege visa
4 months ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
Nobody can know at this point. There is hardly anyone who even entered once with the DTV at this point in time, let alone somebody already trying to switch from DTV to another visa. And on a separate note: I hardly see any reason to get the Elite visa anymore - especially with both the LTR and the DTV in place now.
4 months ago
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Jo **********
@Frank-Steven **********
 Especially since they nearly doubled the price of the Elite visa.
4 months ago
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Jo **********
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Brandon ************
The problem with the ED visa is that it's highly abused and offered by many agents through less than legit means.

Right now that's not the case with the DTV. It's more of a glorified tourist visa. BUT could that change? Of course it could change. On our moderator group chat earlier today, someone shared a tiktok of what looks to be an agency selling a "5 year language study visa" to Thailand. Which sounds like they are offering the DTV. So it's possible if the DTV becomes abused, it could also look like a red mark on your record. But only time will tell.
4 months ago
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Bastien ********
@Brandon ***********
 wait so even if I did a legit ED visa where I actually learned something privilege visa is (or could) be not possible ever for me ? Glad they made the DTV then ahah
4 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Bastien *******
 yes it's possible. The fine print of the Elite visa says if you previously had an ED visa that wasn't with an approved institution then you could be denied for the elite visa.

But to be honest, having an ED visa stamp in your passport at all is going to have immigration looking at you suspiciously for years afterwards even if it was a legit visa. Believe me, I know from experience.
4 months ago
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Bastien ********
@Brandon ***********
 well good thing I did it all by the book for my ED (currently have it) I’ll impress the immigration officer with my fabulous accent and my shiny DTV visa when the time comes

Got questioned one time at immigration went well I think I can survive
4 months ago
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Bastien ********
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