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How can I change from a DTV to a retirement visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Conversion Immigration Procedures Expat Life in Thailand

Oct 2, 2025

6 days ago

Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi has anyone changed from DTV to retirement visa recently? Looking for some advice to change over. Thanks 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The process to change from a DTV to a retirement visa (Non-O visa) requires converting the DTV into a 90-day Non-O visa at a local immigration office in Thailand, provided the individual is over 50 years old and meets the necessary requirements. It is essential to first ensure that the DTV does not expire before applying for the conversion, as one cannot hold two visas at the same time. Additionally, if lacking a Thai bank account, one might need to leave Thailand to apply for a Non-O visa abroad using their home country bank account information.

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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John **********

As far as I understand it the only way to do this is to convert your DTV into a 90 day Non-O based on being over 50 at an immigration office inside Thailand. You would of course have to meet the requirements for that visa as defined by your local immigration office. You can't apply outside of Thailand until your DTV expires as you can't hold 2 visas simultaneously.

6 days ago

Kim **********

Without a bank account you will have to leave the country and apply for 90 day non o there. Showing your home bank account amounts. Then re enter after approval… open a bank account here with the visa and season the money here, then apply for 1 year extension.

6 days ago

John **********

@Kim *********

I don't think that applying for a 90 day Non-O outside of Thailand will work as he already has a visa and you can't hold 2 visas simultaneously.

6 days ago

Kim **********

@John *********

yeah forgot Dtv doesn’t cancel if you don’t buy re entry.

6 days ago

Reply to

Kim **********

Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kim *********

, Hi.. thanks for your comment. I currently have a frozen bank account. With BBK . I am going to speak to them today about not closing it while I try to apply from within ..

Or I'll need to apply outside using my UK accounts .

6 days ago

Steven ******

@Steven ********

if you can get them to unfreeze your bank account you should be able to go to immigration and change the visa type. If you can't get them to unfreeze it you will have to ask immigration to cancel your DTV and then apply for the Non O from outside of Thailand.

6 days ago

Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steven *****

this is what i was thinking.. currently still sitting in the bank waiting to see what they say .. only been waiting 2h 35mins so far.. give it another 3 hours

6 days ago

Steven ******

@Steven ********

I've been really lucky every time I've been to the banks, I think the longest I've waited has been an hour but I've heard some absolute horror stories of people being in them literally from opening until closing.

6 days ago

Reply to

Steven ******

NeL *****

Do you have information about the DTV visa application, I would like to apply for a DTV visa via a soft power by a Thai cooking class, I read a few cooking class school websites, and they said they can help us to apply for the DTV visa , BUT I do worry if my application not successful, do I get the school frees 100% money back?

6 days ago

Keith ********

@NeL ****

if the DTV visa is tied to the cooking course it most likely will end when the cooking class is over , ie … the date of the last stamp .

4 days ago

Tammy ********

@NeL ****

most will give 80% back just check around

6 days ago

NeL *****

Do you have any Thai cooking class school recommendations for me, they will help foreigners to apply for the DTV visa as well? Many Thanks

6 days ago