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Do I need to re-enroll in my training for a DTV visa every time I leave and re-enter Thailand?
DTV VisaMuay Thai TrainingRetirement VisaVisa RequirementsVisa RegulationsExpat Life in ThailandBank Account Requirements in ThailandReasons for Choosing DTV VisaPension Requirements for Visa
Dec 24, 2025
4 months ago
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I am currently doing my research on moving to Thailand. I have been to Thailand a few times throughout my life. I have been "retired" since 30 years old. I get a pension from the US Government.
I am exploring 2 visa options.I do understand that rules constantly change.
DTV visa by way of Muay Thai training.
Question is do I need to re enroll every time I leave/re enter Thailand?
Retirement Visa- Currently I am 47 so would have to wait til I turn 50. I have a constant monthly pension since I was 30 years old. Pension is well over the 65k monthly requirement. I do not wish to open a bank account in Thailand put over $25k (which I do have in my US bank now). Mainly because I have heard that Thai banks have been freezing accounts of foreign holders. And that the money has to be in the account for 2 months prior to getting the visa.
Any advise someone can offer would be greatly appreciated.
I am exploring 2 visa options.I do understand that rules constantly change.
DTV visa by way of Muay Thai training.
Question is do I need to re enroll every time I leave/re enter Thailand?
Retirement Visa- Currently I am 47 so would have to wait til I turn 50. I have a constant monthly pension since I was 30 years old. Pension is well over the 65k monthly requirement. I do not wish to open a bank account in Thailand put over $25k (which I do have in my US bank now). Mainly because I have heard that Thai banks have been freezing accounts of foreign holders. And that the money has to be in the account for 2 months prior to getting the visa.
Any advise someone can offer would be greatly appreciated.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is considering moving to Thailand and exploring two visa options: a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) through Muay Thai training and a Retirement Visa, which they are not eligible for until they turn 50. They are concerned about whether they need to re-enroll in the Muay Thai training program each time they leave and re-enter Thailand. Community members suggest that the DTV visa allows flexibility, does not require a Thai bank account, and that pension income may have complications for a Retirement Visa due to US government certification issues. They are further advised to consider different banking options in Thailand based on current practices.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Wannikea *********
DTV in the short term and explore your options after turning 50
Angelo ***********
If you want a "retirement visa", you have to follow the Thai law. And that means 400.
For a DTV visa you do not need a Thai bank account.
You need proof of a bit of a fortune (500,000 THB) and regular income. Does not really matter if you take soft skills or are working.
Unless that showing pension as income might be difficult.
Picking a random soft skill should be flawless. However in principle you have indeed to (be able to) show every time you enter that you are still enrolled in that course.
*******
.000 THB in Thai bank account. And it in fact has indeed to be there over 3 months or live time. That option has nothing to do with actual retirement, but only your age. Which is 50 years, and you are to young.For a DTV visa you do not need a Thai bank account.
You need proof of a bit of a fortune (500,000 THB) and regular income. Does not really matter if you take soft skills or are working.
Unless that showing pension as income might be difficult.
Picking a random soft skill should be flawless. However in principle you have indeed to (be able to) show every time you enter that you are still enrolled in that course.
Steven *******
For a retirement visa, the monthly pension well over 65K won’t help you the first year unless you’re from a country that allows its embassy to certify pension amounts. The US, the UK and others no longer do that. So, you’d have to put 800K baht in a Thai bank account for the first year and also have the monthly deposits made for the first year. After that, you will have established the monthly deposits for subsequent years.
James ******
You could consider the Elite visa if youre willing to shell out the membership fee.
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *****
Not really wanting to shell out that kinda of money.James ******
Daniel Klein I hear ya.
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James ******
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Per *************
Well, good luck to u ! Maybee we see eachother there ?? And then we could have some fun in the ring ??
Robert *********
Come on the multiple entry.tourist visa good for 9 months .
See how you like it .
See how you like it .
Paul **********
Thai banks are going through a governance and due diligence phase and have a ' know your customer' pack when opening a bank account. Just meet the requirements and you will be fine. From experience, dodge Bangkok Bank and go for K Bank which has a relationship with Wise then Krungthai for day to day banking. It might all change in 3 years but just follow the checklist they give you at the time.
Nigel ********
You’ll be lucky to be able to go down the retirement route, without a Thai bank account.
Michael ********
Go for DTV and leaves your options open,and you will be old enough for retirement visa by time its finished yes if you do fitness training probably best bet.
Todd *********
so essentially, you didn't retire. You were unemployable and got govt benefits like many americans. DTV is easy enough if you want. Surprising you can train muay thai, but can't work. You can use agent in thailand if you don't want to deposit the 800k but that is for over 50 only. DTV is only real option
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
ya don't see the benefit in paying agent that really doesn't do anything other then double check the paperwork. Now if the offer additional services maybe. No medical retirement within the US Military is in fact retirement, maybe that not how things are done in your country. I can still work, just choose not to. Retirement is not an age thing, it a financial thing.InspiringA**********
@Daniel ******
but you took monthly VA disability. They usually rate your condition and unless they say you’re 100 % unable to work it’s not a choice. It’s no wonder the US government is broke.Todd *********
@Daniel ******
if you qualify easily for any visa, the agent is pointless. It’s not complicated. And disability payments doesn’t equal ‘retired’ in any country. Just means unemployed
Reply to
Todd *********
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John **********
I'm going to assume you are medically retired so would Muay Thai training be appropriate for you? It might be more appropriate to select a different soft power activity or even the Thai Privilege visa to see you through until you are 50?
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes Medical Retired and 100% VA. I have no plans on competing Muay Thai just doing the training as a cardio workout to compliment my resistance training. Currently doing MMA and Boxing have had no complications.
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Daniel *******
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