Unanswered5 months ago
Can I apply for a Non-O visa while holding a DTV without affecting my existing visa?
I have had a soft power DTV for around 20 months which has been fine for coming into Thailand. However, I've found some issues staying in Thailand with it - I can't reliably open a bank account, get a Thai driving licence or own a car in my name.
I'm outside Thailand for a few weeks. I meet the requirements for an over 50s 90 day Non O.
Can I apply for a non O and use it for my next entry (so I can get a bank account and driving licence) without affecting my DTV for future trips?
I'm outside Thailand for a few weeks. I meet the requirements for an over 50s 90 day Non O.
Can I apply for a non O and use it for my next entry (so I can get a bank account and driving licence) without affecting my DTV for future trips?
Summary so far
The post discusses the complexities related to holding a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for 20 months while seeking to apply for a Non-O visa to facilitate obtaining a Thai bank account and driving license. The main concern is whether applying for the Non-O would invalidate the current DTV. Several comments offer conflicting advice: some state that you cannot apply for a new visa while holding a valid one, while others suggest it's possible to convert the DTV to a Non-O within Thailand. The discussion reveals a lack of clear regulations, especially concerning banking and driving license eligibility with a DTV.
29 repliesnewest first
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Dennis *********
There's no restrictions on vehicle ownership, or drivers license. Suggest you contact an agent who does this type of thing. Bank accounts, you those are forbidden for DTV, for sure.
Dave *******
Why would you need two
LovelyW*******
Because the definition of of your visa is for tourist activities
Bob **********
No you cannot and you can get a driver license and buy a car on a DTV
John **********
You can theoretically convert your DTV to a Non-O inside Thailand at an immigration office just like any other tourist visa but immigration offices aren't keen on dealing with the DTV so you might find it difficult. If you do manage to convert your DTV goes away. Even if you somehow managed to obtain a Non-O without cancelling your DTV which visa would immigration stamp you in on? The choice is unlikely to be yours. Decide which visa you want and live with the consequences, trying to game the system is not a good idea.
Doug ******
Doesn’t converting to non-o in country require having a bank account which he can’t open with the current DTV visa?
Lindsay ******
Doug Mann
John **********
@Doug *****
yep you do also have to be able to meet the requirementsKevin ************
Normally a driver’s license requires a resident certificate, passport, international license, foreign license, a short practical test in the office and proof that you have watched the DLT video. I would go to your local DLT office and ask them what evidence and photo copies they need.
Iain *********
OPKevin Ganzevoort none of the Immigration Offices I have stayed near and tried will give me a certificate of residence with a DTV.
Siggi *******
Iain MacCall of course you get one, you get a residence certificate even without any visa
Kevin ************
Iain MacCall I got one last year in Buriram on a tourist visa. We have a house there in my wife’s name. No questions asked.
Ant ***********
Kevin Ganzevoort
correct
correct
Julian *******
Kevin Ganzevoort you forgot medical certificate
Kevin ************
Julian Lewis yes I did. Available at any local clinic or hospital. Thanks.
Duncan *******
You can own a car and get a driver's licence in a DTV.
Frank-Steven ***********
I would give up the DTV just for a Thai bank account. It is not that necessary to have one. As for driving license it owning a vehicle, that is unrelated to your visa type - as Brandon mentioned.
However, unlike what people claim, I don’t agree that there is a rule that you cannot apply for a different visa while you current visa is still running. Nor do I believe it would be your responsibility to cancel the old one before. I believe they would just apply your most recent visa on a future entry. As per this article:
However, unlike what people claim, I don’t agree that there is a rule that you cannot apply for a different visa while you current visa is still running. Nor do I believe it would be your responsibility to cancel the old one before. I believe they would just apply your most recent visa on a future entry. As per this article:
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John **********
@Frank-Steven **********
that article isn't exactly definitive on the subject. You can always apply, but that doesn't mean you will get. The most likely scenario is that your application will be refused, in fact should be refused.Frank-Steven ***********
@John *********
You are right in stating that this matter is not very definite. But I am surprised people always saying with confidence that you cannot apply for a new visa while still holding a current one / or that you would have to cancel the old one yourself. I could not find any legal text or official information confirming this. Do you know of any?John **********
@Frank-Steven **********
I'm not aware of any legal text but that's not to say it doesn't exist. People say it from experience using Thai consulates which normally refuse a visa if you already hold one, an extension of stay is treated differently
Paddy *****
Frank-Steven Eichholtz but Non O is simple for over 50 good citizen with savings.
Frank-Steven ***********
Paddy Kan Maybe. But OP already has a DTV. And the DTV is in some ways more painless than Non-O with its yearly bureaucratic extensions. Depends on individual circumstances. If you plan to leave Thailand once or twice per year anyways, nothing easier than the DTV - with exception of the LTR maybe.
Brandon ************
You cannot apply for a visa when you already have a valid visa. So you cannot get a non-O visa unless you cancel your DTV, which wouldn't be an easy thing to do because only the embassy that issued it can do so.
You should not have any issue getting a license or owning a car with DTV. Visa type doesn't matter for those things, except in a very few DLT offices. If yours doesn't allow it, go to a different one.
You should not have any issue getting a license or owning a car with DTV. Visa type doesn't matter for those things, except in a very few DLT offices. If yours doesn't allow it, go to a different one.
Andrew *******
@Brandon ***********
Is this the case for transition from DTV to LTR? My plan is to come on DTV then convert to LTR wealthy pensioner once my transition to retirement is complete. I want stability as my daughter will need to settle in at school so wary of short term visas. The advice below is from an AI search (which I know can be wrong) so your comments here have thrown me:Question:
Can you apply for a LTR wealthy pensioner visa while holding a DTV?
Answer: Yes, you can apply for a Long-Term Resident (LTR) Wealthy Pensioner visa while holding a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). You do not need to leave the country; you can transition directly from your DTV to your approved LTR status within Thailand through the Board of Investment (BOI) LTR visa unit.Key Details for the TransitionWhere to Apply: Applications are processed digitally through the official Thailand BOI LTR Visa portal.In-Country Processing: Many successful applicants transition straight from a tourist or short-term status (including the DTV) to an LTR without issue. Once your LTR is approved, your DTV will be canceled, and the new visa will be issued.
Marty *********
Andrew Davey I applied for and got an LTR while I was inside Thailand on an OA visa extension. I did not have to cancel the extension. It was handled by Immigration the day I got the LTR.
Andrew *******
Marty Pollard thank you for the confirmation. Trying to keep things as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Brandon ************
@Andrew ******
the BOI will handle all of that for you. You can email them to double check, but it shouldn't be an issue as long as you pickup the visa in Bangkok.Andrew *******
@Brandon ***********
thank you
Darren *********
@Bra****
when I got my DTV they told me applying for any othe bisa would cancel it immediately. Even if the new visa was refused.Activity
19 joined19
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