Can I transfer 500,000 baht to my friend for the DTV (Soft Power) Visa application, or does he need to maintain it in his account for a certain period?

@Frances *******

ask the agent

The intent of proof of funds is to demonstrate you are able to support yourself. Its a fairly common thing countries do; that visitors have the means to support themselves, to be able to return home etc.. If the 500,000 Baht/13,700 Euro is a gift then fine, but it seems a similar scam to those Agents who momentarily deposit money in an account so someone can meet the retiree requirement. Its corrupt. The DTV provides for a sponsorship letter. This would be the correct way, rather than trying to pass off someone else's money as your own. Of course, what you are suggesting is that people are all fundementally dishonest, and that everyone will empty their account the very next day. And in the same way, bank account statements, and other documents, submitted to European and North American companies mean nothing at all, because the account could be emptied and closed the very next day. But in actuality, most people do not do this. Now, in general, a country's insistance that an alien has the means to support themselves while visiting, is a very good thing. Someone who apparently has nothing to their name, and has to borrow 13,000 Euros to fly half way around the world, that seems somewhat questionable, bordering on irresponsible. I assume they can't even afford expatriate health insurance to support their 5 year bumming around Thailand. Better for their friend to formally assume full legal responsibility for their friend's financial affairs. The knock back for others, trying to obey the rules, is that Thailand might tighten up (will tighten up). I see the Thai MP who is Chair of their Industry Panel has already been muttering about visas, after billboards have been spotted in and around Bangkok, in Chinese, promising Thai passports. Thais are rightfully suspicious of foreigners who seek to exploit grey areas in their visa legislation.