Can I switch from a Non-B visa to a DTV Soft Power visa while demonstrating sufficient financial stability?

Question

**Non-B / WorkPass -> DTV Soft Power in Vientiane**

I'm currently on a Non-B visa with a WP. I plan to quit my job to take a career break, cancel my WP/visa, and apply for a DTV (Soft Power - Cooking course) to explore Thailand while recovering from professional burnout.

I have EU passport and plan to apply in Vientiane.

**Financial Situation:**
* Well over 500K THB in a foreign bank account (balance consistently maintained for 6+ months).
* Additionally, significant savings in a trading account to fund my career break.
* Zero remote work planned.

**Questions for those who have been through this:**
1. **Will my Non-B / WP history be a red flag?** (eg are officials going to worry I might continue to work locally?)
2. **Trading account as proof of additional funds**: While proof of income isn't an official Soft Power requirement, I know it is frequently requested. Has anybody had success with showing trading account balance to demonstrate how you plan to sustain yourself in Thailand? (I know 500K should be in a 'proper' bank account, my quesiton is specifically about additional proof of funds in case requrested)
3. **Local earnings:** Standard advice here seems to be "never show local Thai income for a DTV." However, because my foreign account has no recent deposit history, I feel I might need to show my Thai earning history/tax statements to prove I'm a genuine professional taking a break. Is this reasonable in my case?
(I'm also happy to show the history of foreign income from previous employment to prove source of my savings and trading funds.)

Appreciate any real-world experiences!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the process of transitioning from a Non-B visa with a work permit to a DTV Soft Power visa while taking a career break. The author expresses concerns about their financial situation and the implications of their visa history on the application process. They seek advice on whether their prior work and income should be disclosed, and how to effectively demonstrate their ability to sustain themselves financially while in Thailand. Community responses indicate that showing sufficient funds in a foreign bank account is typically enough, and that a clear, simple presentation of financial documents is preferred.

Maxi ******* · Answer

I’m hearing in these groups, on the streets, and even directly from several agents that the DTV soft power visas are being denied at overseas consulates. Any current success stories, and if so, at which consulates and which agents were used?

Ambitiou********* · Answer

For Question 2: Yes you can. I showed my bank account with 500k+ and investment portfolio at brokerage firm as for additional funds. I selected unemployed and no income at the visa application page. You dont need income for DTV.

For Q3: Dont get into Thai Account details if you got enough foreign funds. Financials are better if they are simpler. If they ask you about your thai work history, just say yes i did and now im taking a break. thats it.

Jason ******** · Answer

All my experience in Thailand, make sure you cancel the old visa before you leave and make your new application, just give them what they ask for, you don’t have to over do it. If you’re going for more = more credibility, make it more in the bank they don’t care your net

Wannikea ********* · Answer

Stop with the paranoia. You've been working in Thailand of course you're going to have a Thai bank account and previous income from Thailand with your work permit and visa history. You show the 500K+ requirement, and if you want to show your other account then do it. Include a very brief cover letter with your plans and highlight the means to support yourself.

Trustworth*********** · Answer

You can. My husband worked for 4 years with non b and work permit and then he quit his job. Apply dtv with soft power at laos and taking a break.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Hi, I just finished 4 years with a non-B and work permit. Got my soft power DTV with a 9 month cooking class in Hanoi on Tuesday. No extra forms requested. At immigration i was asked if I was still working, I told them no and was stamped through.

I didn't provide income proof in my application, and selected unemployed. For financial proof I only submitted statements from my foreign account that I've remitted my earnings to over the years. Hope this helps.

DTV_Be******* · Answer

Unfortunately there have been those who have switched from non-b to DTV and continued to work at the same job.

Can I switch from a Non-B visa to a DTV Soft Power visa while demonstrating sufficient financial stability?

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