What are the best options and tips for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?

Question

Need some information regarding DTV.
Planning to move from a Non-B visa to a DTV (Remote Work) visa. I've been in Thailand since 2022. I'm going to cancel my Non-B visa and work permit next month. I already have a KBank account, but as I'm planning to switch to a DTV, and there might be a risk of the bank account being closed, therefore, I've opened two more accounts (UOB & Krungsri) as backups. I also have got a Thai driving license. I've had 500k THB since December 2025. My overseas company will provide all necessary documents/certificates, and my salary is being deposited into the same bank account from which I'll show the 500k THB.

I was thinking of applying from Laos. Or would it be better to apply from Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, or the Philippines? I don't want to apply from my own country as the application process is more complicated and they want to see a 6-month 500k balance. By the end of March, I'll have the 500k for 3 months, so I was hoping to apply in early April.

I don't want to apply by myself and want to get the help of an agency. I was considering Issa Compass, but I hear they are very slow in communications. However, they do guarantee that if a visa is not approved, they would refund money (not sure if it's the full amount, including the visa fee, or just the agency fee) or apply a second time without a fee.

Now I want your valuable suggestions regarding the following matter:

1. Which embassy would be better? I cannot get a Vietnamese visa right now as it's difficult for people from my country to obtain one. However, I can go to Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Sri Lanka. I just returned from a holiday in the Philippines in November 2025, so I'm not sure if I can get another visa to go there again within such a short period.

2. Any recommendations for a reliable agency that you have had personal experience dealing with?

Please feel free to share any other suggestions or tips that you think might be helpful in getting a positive visa outcome. TIA 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is transitioning from a Non-B visa to a DTV (Remote Work) visa while managing their banking situation in Thailand. They have been in Thailand since 2022 and plan to cancel their current visa and work permit, with a goal to apply for the DTV visa in early April after maintaining a bank balance of 500k THB for three months. Suggestions from comments advise against applying from Malaysia and Sri Lanka due to lengthy processes, favoring Laos or Vietnam as better options. The user is also considering hiring an agency for assistance with the application and seeks feedback on reliable agencies and tips for a successful visa outcome.

Brandon ************ · Answer

Do not apply in Malaysia or Sri Lanka. The first on is not friendly and takes a long time, and I believe the 2nd one takes a long time as well.

Most people are applying in Laos or Vietnam.  I've seen a couple of reports from Philippines.

Jan ****************** · Answer

Feedback on the quite straightforward visa process in Laos. Bank account regulations are quite strict now. I personally opened accounts with both Bangkok Bank and Krungthai Bank on a visa exemption about 12 years ago without any issues, and I still hold those accounts today, so it clearly varies between banks and even between branches. Krungthai did not allow me to open a second savings account, but they confirmed that I could keep my existing debit account since it had already been approved.

Kurt ************* · Answer

if you dont own property there is a big chance they will close the account yes

What are the best options and tips for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?

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