What are the best visa options for a German-Suisse national considering a move to Thailand at 48 years old?

Question

Hi everyone, 
Sawadee Krup,

Being both a German and Suisse national, turning 48 very soon, I am currently considering to move to Thailand in the near future. Having done some research regarding visas a, I am still quite uncertain what is the best option for me. 
1. 
I’ve already learnt that I am eligible to apply for Education Visa which is supposed to run one year. For that purpose, I need to find a language school in Thailand where I could either enhance my English skills or learn the Thai language from scratch. 
Can I apply for another type of visa after one year?  Am I eligible to apply for the same visa after one year again? 
Furthermore, could I apply for an Education Visa in Thailand if I entered already on Tourist Visa (60+30 days) 
2. 
In addition to that, the Thai government offers the opportunity to apply for an DTV which is valid for 5 years. Basically, there are three options given for the DTV Visa, two of them include soft options such as Thai Cooking Course and Muay Thai Training. Since it is valid for 5 years do I need to take part in several courses over the duration of 5 years in order to keep the Visa valid? I already know that I have to leave the country after 180 days. 
3. Could you be so kind to give me a recommendation regarding an agency (preferably in the Chiang Mai area), which deals with Visas and relating stuff? 
Thanks for any advice! 
Khop Khun Krup 🇹🇭🫶🇹🇭🫶🇹🇭

Best regards from Germany

Christian

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the visa options available for a German-Suisse national moving to Thailand at 48 years old, focusing on the Education Visa and DTV Visa. The user seeks clarity on the ability to switch or reapply for visas, the necessity of participating in courses for the DTV Visa validity, and requests recommendations for agencies in Chiang Mai to assist with visas and immigration matters. Community responses suggest considering the Non-O visa, especially upon turning 50, for its benefits such as the ability to open a bank account.

Rok ******** · Answer

In my opinion best long term reliable visa is Non-O … wait till you are 50 and get Non-O ( retirement) …. Meanwhile explore thailand on either DTV or visa exempt.

Sanya ********** · Answer

Chiang mai AQI is 200,please re consider

CleverF******* · Answer

The main difference between a ED and a DTV visa is one allows you to open a bank account while the other does not. To me having a Thai bank account is so much more convenient living in Thailand long term.  Since you are approaching 50 years old, you may want to explore non-O visas. Paying for health insurance coverage could be cheaper than enrolling in those soft power DTV courses for non-OA visas. It all depends on what you mean by "the near future" and how much money you have.

Mateus ************ · Answer

Hire agent and get DTV visa , is the best one .

I did the same .

What are the best visa options for a German-Suisse national considering a move to Thailand at 48 years old?

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