Do I need to specify a date of first entry for my DTV visa, and can I leave Thailand for six months after a short stay?

Once you obtain your DTV (Digital Tourist Visa), you will need to specify a date of first entry on the application. However, this date is not strictly binding; you can enter Thailand at any time within the five-year validity of the visa, even years later. Additionally, after entering Thailand, you can stay for a maximum of 180 days before leaving, and there's no restriction on returning after a period of absence, such as six months.