Do I need to cancel my Non O visa before applying for the DTV visa after divorce in Thailand?

Non O Visa DTV Visa Visa Transition Thailand Immigration Divorce Impact on Visa Thai Visa Regulations Expat Visa Issues

Jan 17, 2025

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone! I’m on a Non O (married to Thai) visa with the annual extension ending in June. Unfortunately I’m going through a divorce (common farang/thai situation 😒) and will change to the DTV next month.

QUESTION please: Do I need to cancel my Non O visa before leaving the Thailand to apply for the DTV? Or are there any other steps I need to do please?

I was hoping to have the DTV visa lined up before the divorce is final since I have made Thailand my home and plan to return. 

Thanks in advance for all your help! 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user currently holds a Non O visa (due to marriage to a Thai national) and is facing a divorce. They plan to switch to a DTV visa and have questions about whether they need to cancel their Non O visa before leaving Thailand for the DTV application, and what steps to follow. Responses indicate that the Non O visa will be canceled automatically upon exiting Thailand if there's no re-entry permit. Others share personal experiences and advise to clarify intentions with immigration upon return to Thailand.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Greg ********

I am on O for retirement and talked to a few agents about this yesterday. The best info came from a Thai agent who said go out and get the DTV and when come back in state yiu are entering on the DTV. The proviso was go to an Embassy known for issuing DTV to those currently on a visa ie Vientiane.

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

thanks Greg! I am reading and hearing mixed reviews about consulates giving DTV with another visa in place. I wish you all the best and I hope it works for you!

a day ago

Craig ***************

Anonymous participant cheers I’m not in that situation

a day ago

Craig ***************

Anonymous participant what did you apply for under soft power as I’m in same situation

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Craig **************

I would be applying as a freelancer

a day ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Greg ********

Anonymous participant Exactly. I am getting the same mixed reviews too. It is why I have been chatting to agents. A couple taking the pi55 as I said asking for 100k etc. The 2 honest ones were both Thai. One said stay on O but I said I might want to work remotely so need to be 100% legal. The other pointed to Vientiene. Interestingly both of them said they are having their clients questioned at entry more and more. This is when clients have taken full package from them ie soft power and financial aid.

a day ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Gemma ******************

I had a different type of multi entry non-O that I didn't want to lose in case my DTV was rejected and for irredeemable reasons (ie no point reapplying). So I left the country to apply and returned on my non-O once the DTV was approved. The immigration officer noted I had a DTV upon return and asked me to explain, I said I was going to cancel the non-O and then travel to activate the DTV. She stamped me through. I did refer to my non-O status and reasons for switching in my DTV application cover letter, as I felt it was important not to be seen to hide what I was doing. That's my experience.

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gemma *****************

thanks Gemma! I spoke with a consulate recently that told me my non-O visa and reentry permit must be canceled before they would issue a DTV. In reading all the forums I think this is a hit or miss luck of the draw type of situation.

a day ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Wannikea *********

As long as you don't have a re-entry permit the Non O visa extension will be cancelled the moment you stamp out of Thailand

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

thanks, this is very helpful and confirmed in speaking with an IO a few min ago. 🙏

a day ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

James ********

When does the divorce become FINAL?

Has it been filed already with the Court?

What's your current ending date of your Non O extension of stay as Married to Thai?

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

sorry James, i’m sure you’re trying to be helpful, but I do not wish to put the specifics in a Facebook forum. I believe I found out the information that I needed to know from an IO earlier, but I appreciate your help.

a day ago

James ********

Anonymous participant Good Luck 🍀

Obviously you know that until the divorce becomes FINAL you can stay... and that it takes as much as 6 months to get the court decree of divorce.

@ ************

s is expert on the subject of divorce issues for Expats.

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thanks mate!

a day ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Can I switch from a SMART T Visa to a DTV while in Thailand?

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