How did I get approved for a DTV while having an active METV and other visas?

Approved!

My case is a bit unusual, as I had an active METV issued by the Chicago embassy in early November (valid until early May). I was a bit worried after reading some posts here that stated I couldn't have two visas active at the same time, but in November had entered Thailand with both a single entry and multiple entry tourist visa. Upon arrival at BKK, the immigration officer simply asked which one I wanted to use. I'm assuming he canceled the single entry visa after I told him I wanted to use the METV. Because of this and reports from others that their applications were not denied, but basically postponed due to existing METVs, I decided to give the DTV application a shot.

I still have no idea why I was approved despite others with active METVs being told they have to wait for theirs to expire.

Details:

Applied 6/1/25 from Da Nang via HCMC Embassy. Soft Power route with Botany/Cooking seminars from Discover Thai Nature. 5 years of monthly seminars for $9999 baht.

In addition to filling out a flight date/number and my Da Nang hotel address on the short-form page, I submitted the following documents with my application:

* Passport data/photo page

* Photo taken in Da Nang 5 months ago (used on previous visa applications)

* Current checking account statement (dated 2/1/25) from US-based bank showing around $19,000.

* Documents sent to me by Discover Thai Nature - letter of invitation, confirmation of enrollment, payment and participation, business registration documents

* Photo of my Vietnam entry stamp

On Thurs, 9/1, I received a request for extra documents (see photo).

This time I submitted:

* Merged PDFs of one of my brokerage accounts and two checking accounts, all of which showed 6 months of financial activity. I used [members only] to merge documents on PC.

* A new photo taken 10/1 in Da Nang (total cost was 40,000 VND or around US$2 for picture and JPEG sent to my email).

* Merged PDFs of my hotel confirmations in Da Nang, matching the address I submitted on the short form page.

* The same documents submitted initially from Discover Thai Nature, but this time with a cover letter stating my intent to attend seminars and a description/explanation of the other documents I was submitting. I also stated that I intend to participate in professional cooking classes with Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy later this year, but hadn't yet enrolled (I fully plan on taking their four-week course).

I received my approval e-mail at around 1:30 PM today. I plan on staying in Vietnam until mid-February but will update on whether or not there are issues with immigration and my two active visas (I don't expect there will be) when I fly back to Bangkok.