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What are my options for staying in Thailand after my ED visa expires if I can't afford the DTV requirements?

ED Visa DTV Visa Visa Requirements Expat Life in Thailand Visa Application Process

Aug 5, 2025

2 days ago

Doëlla *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all!  Sorry if this has been answered repeatedly but couldn't find an answer. 

I'm currently on my 2nd year of ED visa and was planning on getting the DTV next year after the current ED runs out. However I might not have enough saved up to qualify for the DTV (because it needs to be in my account 3 months prior). 

At this moment the plan is to go for a 3rd year ED visa, but I have read that it might reflect negatively and result in a DTV visa rejection. 

We love Thailand, really feel at home and would love to stay longer. However I'm unsure about what's the best course of action at this moment.

Any advice is appreciated, thank you kindly!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently in their second year of an ED visa in Thailand and is considering applying for a DTV visa after it expires. However, they are concerned about not meeting the financial requirements for the DTV. They are contemplating a third year of the ED visa but worry it might negatively affect future DTV visa applications. Community responses suggest that past ED visas typically do not lead to DTV rejections, and it's advisable to apply for the DTV sooner rather than later. Additionally, there are insights on embassy-specific requirements for financial proof.

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Max *************

Have you actually picked up anything during two years on ED? What did you study if I may ask?

a day ago

Doëlla *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Muay Thai, really participating and attending the classes. Even planning on doing at least one fight. But not sure if it's enough.

a day ago

Reply to

Doëlla *******

John **********

Unless you're actively studying at bachelors level at a university I doubt very much you would get a 3rd year, and if you are why would you want a DTV

2 days ago

Doëlla *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Because it's more comfortable and secure to have a DTV visa for the long run. At least we can stay for 5 years and don't have to bother with visas every year. For the 3rd ED visa year, I was informed it's possible.

a day ago

John **********

@Doëlla ******

sounds a bit like an iffy visa. Is it from a legitimate school which you attend daily to learn whatever it is you're studying? And 90 get extensions of stay every 90 days based on that?

a day ago

Doëlla *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

once/twice a week, it's legitimate yes and yes I get 90 day extensions every 90 days including 90 day report.

21 hours ago

Reply to

Doëlla *******

Brandon ************

I haven't heard of anyone being rejected for DTV because of having ED visas in the past. But if you can apply for the DTV, sooner is better as the program could always change or disappear in the future. While many embassies require multiple months of bank statements, they don't all require that every bank statement has the 500,000. Many embassies only require the final bank statement to show the correct balance. Research which embassy you plan to apply at to find out their exact requirement in that regard.

2 days ago

Doëlla *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

I want to apply as soon as this ED visa year is over, and yes you're completely right that it could disappear. I am planning on applying in Japan. The only worry I have is, if I'm rejected, everything is in Thailand. So then I would need to rush into a ED muay thai visa and after that year (3rd year) I highly doubt that there are more years in Thailand for us. (Unless we find actual work here, work visa/permit).

a day ago

Brandon ************

@Doëlla ******

you have to be very careful in Japan. Many people have gotten a multiple entry tourist visa instead of DTV and no refund on payment. Make sure you do your research on other people who have applied from Japan and which consulate is best. I believe Tokyo offers a consultation before you apply to make sure everything is okay, but I've read that Osaka can be a better experience overall.

Suggest you join the DTV Facebook group and search for posts about Japan.

a day ago

Doëlla *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Thank you kindly, yes that was my next step, to research if Japan is feasible. This was very useful information!

21 hours ago

Reply to

Doëlla *******

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