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What are the benefits and pitfalls of the DTV visa for expats in Thailand?

DTV Visa Visa Regulations Thailand Immigration Expat Life Banking in Thailand Money Transfer in Thailand Muay Thai Training Visa Misuse Visa Types Online Work Visa

Jul 20, 2025

a day ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys l am seriously thinking of getting the DTV visa a lot less hassle than normal and has 5 years to run. I will probably do the Muay Thai course in Hua Hin. Has anyone on here done this visa and if so what are the benefits and pitfalls of the DTV. I already know about the bank problem. But don’t know how people transfer money. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV visa provides a 5-year status primarily aimed at digital nomads and those wanting flexibility in Thailand. Key benefits include long-term entry and the ability to work online without needing a Thai bank account. However, users have reported concerns about potential rule changes, issues with getting a bank account, and the risk of increased scrutiny due to reported misuse of the visa. Discussions suggest current holders are safe, but new applicants may face stricter approval processes. Alternatives like BOI or smart visas are also recommended for long-term stays.

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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Munly *******

The DTV is not a real visa. It's a "status", essentially it gives you the right to apply for 6 month visas only for upt to 5 years. If you plan to stay in Thailand long term, BOI / smart visa or elite are better to aim for. DTV is also like having a target on your back for being extorted by crooked immigration officers as well

17 hours ago

Andi ***********

I have the DTV - Workcation option. The benefits are the multiple entry for 5 years and ability to work online in Thailand. For me there is no major pitfal to it, I fully understand its limits. The benefit of being able to come n go as I please for 5 years is what I wanted. No Thai bank account is not a problem with online multi currency accounts such as WISE, Revolut.

19 hours ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

Thanks Andi this is such a good route to go down

19 hours ago

Andi ***********

@Brian ********

Yes it is and amazing value too for a multiple entry visa.

19 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Grant *******

I would advise you not to get the DTV as there are now many reported issues with it

TaShuna ****

issues such as?

Andi ***********

The DTV like all visas has been abused but measures have been taking to stop them. There are many reported issues with the retirement visa, Elite visa, Education visa but are you advising no one takes them?

20 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Steven *********

a day ago

George *******

What are the issues surrounding the DTV?

Has there been any suggestion of it being revoked for current holders or just greater difficulty for new applicants?

a day ago

Andi ***********

George Zwier . The DTV will not be revoked for current holders. Like other visas, the DTV has been targeted by "agents" for misuse. New applicants face stricter approvals.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Michael ********

I think the DTV will change very soon, this visa is the reason its so much a pain in the arse now to get a bank account, especially with Bangkok Bank which is the only International bank in Thailand.

a day ago

Norbert **********

@Michael *******

kasikorn is also international,i been told.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Norbert **********

Stephen ********

You look more suited to pad Thai than Muay Thai if you don’t mind me saying

a day ago

Tony ********

@Stephen *******

Classic 😀

18 hours ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stephen *******

Ha Ha brilliant Steven love that never judge a book by its cover.

a day ago

Stephen ********

@Brian ********

no malice meant, hope you get sorted 👍

17 hours ago

Reply to

Stephen ********

Jamie ******

Like any visa ,it’s likely to change I the 5 years and a lot of people seem to be abusing the DTV already so expect the authorities to clamp down harder ,with regards attendance and having the

*****

0…good luck

a day ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jamie *****

Thanks Jamie l will probably go this route as it’s just so easy also l don’t have to tie £20.000 up for over a year and meet a million regulations.

For a fee l can get a bank account set up so later on l might be able to change course.

a day ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jamie *****

cheers Jamie

19 hours ago

Jamie ******

@Brian ********

I can totally see where you’re coming from ..I had actually started the non 0 process when I got wind of a genuine DTV so yes the 5 year is appealing as such l.but with the online talk about some peoole having difficulties innthe sense of getting asked more questions after 6 months be it innthe country or getting back in ,I just decided to stick with the non 0 for meantime ..I will see how the DTV is in a year and might change to that ,as 5 years is certainly more appealing than 1 and of course not having to have the

*****

0 stuck in a Thai bank doing nothing ..good luck

a day ago

Von ***********

@Brian ********

I wouldn’t count on getting a Bank Account opened for you on DTV.

Mate of mine a few months back got his DTV and paid an agent to get it all sorted and a bank account opened.

Within 6 weeks his newly opened Bank account was frozen by the bank with 250,000 Thb in it.

He had to go into the Branch it was opened at and showed his Visa and given the opportunity to close it. DTV does not fit the criteria for Thai Bank account, many agents were able to grease the wheels to open accounts last year and early this year on the DTV front but that has been cracked down on now by Authorities.

a day ago

J **************

@Brian ********

you can get a bank account set up ? Who told you that? And will they keep it open once they find out you don’t have the right visa ?

a day ago

Reply to

J **************

Greta *****

There are like 50 post about exactly what your post is about every day here. Just browse around

a day ago

Gustavo *********

@Greta ****