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Should I switch from a Non-O retirement visa to a DTV visa now or wait?

Sep 17, 2025
21 days ago
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi .i am on a non 0 retirement visa ,I’m 64 British .

I’m only 2 months into my 1 year extention but I now want to change to a DTV .

I know I need to leave Thailand ..will probably head to Vietnam .

So I just leave and don’t get a re entry visa ..correct ?

I can show the 500000 THB in my Thai bank ?

It takes about 10-14 business days to get approved from HCM ?

Thanks for any information to settle my mind
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is considering changing from a Non-O retirement visa to a DTV visa, which requires leaving Thailand. They inquire about leaving without a re-entry visa, showing a large bank balance, and application timelines. However, several commenters advise against the change, suggesting to wait until the current visa extension is nearing its end, as the Non-O visa is deemed more beneficial. Factors like bank account requirements and potential visa application denial risks are also mentioned.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Ian **********
For me, the biggest benefit of a DTV is that you do not have to have a large fund in Thailand, as the 500k can be in your home-country personal account. Once the visa is issued, you can transfer the money to a high-interest investment account. I cannot see an advantage to you in converting before your extension runs out.
James ********
Wait until you have your current One year extension of stay nearing its end.

There's NO advantage of change to the DTV visa now... unless you want to spend the 800,000 Thai baht you have placed in a Thai bank account in your name only to obtain the One year extension of stay as retired.

BUT what will you do if your DTV Visa Application is DENIED ?
AshIts **********
Let your 10 months run thru, and then decide at that point mate.
Bob **********
Why would you you already have ten more months wait until then
Henrik *****
Do NOT change.

Non-O is a much better long term visa, not only a Tourist visa like DTV.

And you may have to stay outside Thailand up to 2 weeks to get DTV.
Ray *****
@Henrik ****
that's an opinion. After 8 years on non o retirement I changed to DTV and there are no differences apart from the fact that DTV is multi entry from issue and I now don't have to visit immigration at all. I more than happy I changed to DTV
Luit *****************
@Ray ****
DTV is just a tourist visa, you have to visit immigration at least every 180 days unless you travel every 90 days.

Non-O is a long term visa, you have to visit immigration once a year.

So telling there is no difference is absolutely wrong.

On DTV you get only 2 years drivers license and no Thai bank account.

On DTV you need to have a remote job, or keep doing soft power activities.

On DTV you have to leave the country at least every year.

On DTV you need 500K the whole validity period, no income affidavit possible.

So
@Henrik ****
just is correct non-o is generally a better visa, unless you don't want the things that make it better of course, and maybe like the shortcomings of DTV.
Ray *****
@Luit ****************
nothing, not one thing you have said is any benefit to me. I have multiple bank accounts. I am employed, the DTV allows me to do that job in Thailand. Never ever once have I had an enjoyable trip to immigration - I never have to go whilst I have the DTV . On non o you need 800,000 so what is your point?

So yes I have a much better option, I know it as I have had the other options.

DTV wins every time

One thing you didn't mention was the multiple entry, that alone saves 20,000 BT and no chance of visa getting cancelled because you forgot to get a re entry stamp

It's easier in every way
Luit *****************
@Ray ****
DTV you need to visit immigration at day 90 of each stay, unless you travel every 90 days.

So when you not want to leave the country every 90 days, with DTV you visit immigration more often than with non-o.

With DTV you might keep your current bank accounts, but there is also a risk they have to be closed.

On non-o you don't need 800K when you have income of 65K each month.

The 20,000 for re-entry permits is only when you travel 20 times in and out the country, which is not something the average retiree does, and then you could better buy a mult re entry permit, would cost you 19,000.

And just like I said before, in some cases DTV might have some advantages in mainly edge cases, but generally spoken non-o is the better visa, in fact the only disadvantage is you have to extend it always in country around the same time of year, so when you travel a lot and are longer times away DTV might be better.
Ray *****
@Luit ****************
you have just shown DTV is better, thanks. That's wyi have it
Luit *****************
@Ray ****
For you it might better at the moment, but most people don't leave the country they live in 4 times or more each year.

As long as I still work I also keep DTV as long as it exists and I don't live in Thailand.
Ray *****
@Luit ****************
Definitely works for me
Luit *****************
@Ray ****
That is nice, for me it also works, but both of us have a remote job as it seems, but topic starter is talking about a "soft option" and then DTV might become expensive.
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
a good excuse to get a decent whisky in Singapore or Vietnam to bring back
Greg ********
@Jamie *****
He cannot apply in Singapore :-)
Henrik *****
Off topic
Greg ********
Yes, if you leave on the "O" and do not have a re-entry permit it is basically cancelled. If you are applying for a DTV though I would point this out in a cover letter. The "Local Hire" initially reviewing your application at the Embassy you apply to will not likely know the nuances of all Thai visa types. PS: Why change now though? Can always get DTV towards end of "O"
Tod *********
Just curious seeing as you have a year extension of stay based on retirement why you wouldn't stay here on that stamp until it runs down and then get the DTV?
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
that’s an option
Tod *********
Yep, leave without a re-entry, and you'll be able to buy another visa at a thai consulate without any problem

Just so you know; you need to apply for one of the REASONS they sell a DTV for (work cation, or one of the soft power reasons)

you can't just show the banked money and get the visa 😕
Jamie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
yes I have the soft option covered and legit