Is the DTV Visa a better alternative to the retirement visa for long-term stays in Thailand?

No one knows how it will pan out in the long run. Maybe can only extend it once and then have to exit six months. Maybe they will let you do a border run after the first renewal and stamp you back in immediately. Maybe they will ask to see your show money again when it comes time to extend.

Lot of unknowns. Its Thailand so just have to wait and see how things work out.

Well as with anything there are pros and cons. Unlike other visa types, this TOURIST visa doesn’t count towards permanent residence. However, many remote workers and self employed internet freelancers/entrepreneurs struggle to qualify for those other kinds of visas.

Education type visas have a limit, and you should actually study what you claim to (Muay Thai, Thai language, etc.). However, those visas can restrict your freedom to travel abroad because you need a re entry permit and extended time out of Thailand can open you up to questioning.

Normal tourist visas don’t work longer term safely. Then business visas are too difficult and complicated to get for your typical remote worker making under $10k usd a month- I’d even say under $15k usd a month. Starting a whole new business I’m Thailand and hiring employees is a whole new endeavor, or seeking employment…

So while I would generally prefer some kind of business visa that opens up a path to longer term living, I’m also quite satisfied with the DTV. I did spend 3.5 years straight in Thailand but moving forward I think I’ll be out of Thailand once per year anyways. The fee is super cheap, the visa was relatively easy to obtain, and extensions if necessary (180+ days after entry) aren’t too difficult or time consuming either.

And of course it’s nice to finally have a visa where it’s publicly known you’re working online… in my opinion they didn’t care too much about working online before (see: punspace raid, no one got fined or punished except one guy that overstayed), but still that extra openness is a relief.

I think it’s a great visa so far and we will see how it goes moving forward. I’m happy that it lets me come and go as I please without worrying about re entry permits and so effectively gives 5 years! At the same time, it would be great to have residence on the tables after getting fluent in Thai, but for now that path still requires employment or business in Thailand.

Long story short I’m satisfied. It’s got pros and a few minor cons, but ultimately it’s the best visa for where I’m at in life right now: making some money online but not enough to want to start a business or hire 4 Thai employees just yet. I think they did a great job of learning the trends in the world and creating this to catch it.

After innitial set up of the retirement visa and once you switch to 65,000 baht per month transfers (and probably spend in baht in Thailand anyway) for year 2 extension the retirement visa is probably better due to its almost permanent feature. Other visas are prone to drastic changes or withdrawal all together.

It depends on your purpose and intent for being in Thailand. You should be on a visa that reflects your intent and reason for being here not which one is “easier”. If you’re retiring here the. The retirement visa is for you. If you are working remotely than the dtv is for you.

I applied for a visa to Thailand for five years, called a DTV visa for freelancers and remote workers, I applied to the Thai consulate in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, when filling out the form I made a mistake and along with my last name and first name I also wrote my patronymic, which was not allowed, I received a refusal, Please find out in this situation how soon I can re-submit an electronic application to the Thai consulate in Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City for consideration so that I do not have problems and I do not receive a refusal again and I do not lose another $ 350

Hello, please help me, maybe someone has encountered this, I submitted documents electronically through the website to obtain a DTV Visa at the Thai Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, but I made a mistake when filling out the form and I received a refusal, tell me when I can re-apply?

Yep. It’s easy to apply for and a great visa.( I applied for mine quickly and easily in the uk, evisa online)

5 years.

Multi entry.

180 days per time which automatically starts again when you reenter the country, or extend another 180 days at immigration for 1900bht.

I agree. I've also had confirmed that the DTV still requires 90 day reporting.

“Do I think so?” No, I don’t think so for me or I’d switch. It’s sure easy enough to claim remote work or a dental appointment. The initial process for the over 50 is a bit laborious as is the DTV and most all VISA’s and We renew once a year in a very simple process l. We Never have to leave country and if you have the required monthly amount you don’t even need to leave any cash rotting in the bank forever. Or 5 years in your case and then start that complicated process all over again (if it’s still available). But If it’s good for you, do it. It’s all about what’s easier for each individual.

Absolutely. No ongoing financial criteria, no visits to immigration required, so don't have to deal with the idiosyncrasies of immigration offices, cheaper in the long term that retirement visa for regular travellers.