Answereda year ago
What are the benefits and pitfalls of the DTV visa for expats in Thailand?
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.
Answer summary
The DTV visa, which allows for a 5-year duration with multiple entries, is seen as a less complicated option for expats compared to traditional visas. However, there are concerns regarding its potential changes due to misuse and the banking complications faced by holders. Users have shared experiences and offered advice on money transfer options like Wise and Revolut, while some suggest considering alternatives like the Education or Elite visa for long-term stays.
41 repliesnewest first
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Brian *********
OPThank you Aoy
Aoy *************
Wise bank for transfer . The boxing camp is near my house. I can take you there.
Drew *****
If you are coming to do Muay Thai you can simply get an Education Visa.
Alan *****
If you already have a Thai bank account. Can you still get the DTV visa
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
Benjamin *********
@Munly ******
could you expand on how DTV may make you a target for crooked immigration officers? I've arrived twice now with it and there was absolutely no problem or even discussion, just a stamp in and khap Khun khrapAndi ***********
@Benjamin ********
There is no major issue with entry, so do not worry about it. There are instances of questionable behaviour by IOs but your experience of entry matches mine and 99.5% of DTVERS.Munly *******
@Benjamin ********
there have been horror stories in these groups and elsewhere for being targeted to pay tax, asking to see money specifically on a Thai Bank acct for renewal knowing full well it's impossible but they have discretion to do this for anyone they just don't like etc etcAndi ***********
@Munly ******
The right to stay for 5 years with 6mths stays is why the DTV is popular. DTVERS know the limitations and are fine with it. I could buy an Elite visa but I think it is terrible value for money so I chose the DTV. Any visa holder could be targeted by a crooked immigration officer, not just DTVERS.Munly *******
@Andi **********
no the APEC /smart visa line is as much for the immigration officers as it is for us. It also denotes "don't fuck with them, they are not regular tourists, these are guys we want to court and keep happy"Andi ***********
@Munly ******
Crooked IOs do not follow orders hence the term crooked.Munly *******
@Andi **********
they are specifically instructed not to and know that they will catch hell from on high if they do whereas messing with standard tourists comes with the territoryAndi ***********
@Munly ******
If a crooked immigration officer wanted to mess with any visa holder it will. APEC/ SMART Visa holders are not exempt from such an officer.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.
Brian *********
OP@Andi **********
Thanks Andi this is such a good route to go downAndi ***********
@Brian ********
Yes it is and amazing value too for a multiple entry visa.
Grant *******
I would advise you not to get the DTV as there are now many reported issues with it
TaShuna ****
@Grant ******
issues such as?Andi ***********
@Grant ******
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?
Steven *********
Ok
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?
Has there been any suggestion of it being revoked for current holders or just greater difficulty for new applicants?
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.
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.
Norbert **********
@Michael *******
kasikorn is also international,i been told.Stephen ********
You look more suited to pad Thai than Muay Thai if you don’t mind me saying
Tony ********
@Stephen *******
Classic 😀Brian *********
OP@Stephen *******
Ha Ha brilliant Steven love that never judge a book by its cover.Stephen ********
@Brian ********
no malice meant, hope you get sorted 👍
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
Keith *******
@Jamie *****
People have been spreading this BS since day one "expect a clamp down". Nothing's happening and nothing will happen. The government is very happy with this visaBrian *********
OP@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.
Brian *********
OP@Jamie *****
cheers JamieJamie ******
@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
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.
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 ?
Greta *****
There are like 50 post about exactly what your post is about every day here. Just browse around
Gustavo *********
@Greta ****
If you don't like his question ⁉️ why you bother in reply ??
Ting **************
@Greta ****
was there any point in you commenting, you moron
Todd *********
@Ting *************
fair point. Greta already has 17 friends. Doubt it knows any of themGreta *****
@Ting *************
Right. Your name is Ting Tong and I AM the moron, you monkey! 🐒
David ******
Wise bank for trănsfer .
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