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What are the best visa options for extending my stay in Thailand and how can I access my funds for visa requirements?
Thai Visa OptionsVisa ExtensionNON-O VisaDTV VisaThai Privilege VisaVisa Application ProceduresThai ImmigrationVisa RequirementsBanking for Visa
Jul 11, 2025
10 months ago
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, I’m getting ready to extend my visa for 30 days. After that, I need to figure out the best visa option.
To be honest, this whole visa situation is a bit of a headache. It feels like there isn’t enough clear or direct information online that outlines the requirements for each visa and where exactly to go.
It’s been frustrating so far.
Can someone tell me more about the visa options and also provide a physical address in Laos where I should go to apply for a visa?
I have money in the bank, but I’ve heard that I might not be able to access some of my own funds for certain visa types. Is that true? Do I just need to show my bank statements, or do I have to open a Thai bank account and go through all of that?
What’s the best option for someone who wants to stay long-term but also needs the fastest/easiest visa solution right now?
To be honest, this whole visa situation is a bit of a headache. It feels like there isn’t enough clear or direct information online that outlines the requirements for each visa and where exactly to go.
It’s been frustrating so far.
Can someone tell me more about the visa options and also provide a physical address in Laos where I should go to apply for a visa?
I have money in the bank, but I’ve heard that I might not be able to access some of my own funds for certain visa types. Is that true? Do I just need to show my bank statements, or do I have to open a Thai bank account and go through all of that?
What’s the best option for someone who wants to stay long-term but also needs the fastest/easiest visa solution right now?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on visa options for extending their stay in Thailand, expressing frustration over the lack of clear information. They have money in the bank and want to know if they need to open a Thai bank account for certain visa types. Commenters suggest researching various visa options including the Thai Privilege visa and the DTV visa, each with specific requirements and benefits. There's also mention of applying for visas in neighboring countries like Laos or Vietnam, with advice on preparing bank statements and the importance of understanding different visa requirements.
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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Jane ***********
*****************
could be helpfulSteven ******
I cant help you with the extension as ive never extended a tourist or a visa exemption if thats what you're in Thailand on. Probably the easiest option is Thailand Privilege if you have the 650k THB to spare. It'll give you a 5 year visa on the Bronze level of visa. Ill post the link below this comment so you can have a look for yourself. Ive also just applied for, been granted my Non O and im now in Thailand organising my extension to my Non O visa. If you decide to go that route and have any questions I may be able to help there.
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Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steven *****
Thanks, love! This is very helpful.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Max *************
You're extending your permission to stay.It's not a visa.
Michael ******
If you have money in the bank and truley plan on staying long term, I reccomend doing an ED visa to start and learning some thai for at least 6 months. Its a gaurentee and you can open your first TH bank account on it. The people at the school facilitate all the paperwork and tell you exactly what you need to do. After that you will have a better understanding of how things work here. I got a great school if you need a reccomendation. Language ED visas are up to a year and can be done in TH for Thai, Japanese, and English.
John **********
For a long term stay you don't have many options at your age. Aside from finding a job that would provide a Non-B visa you are really restricted to either a Thai Privilege visa or a DTV.
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Thanks!Kool *******
@Nikki ******
just remember, with the DTV you can not work inside Thailand. You can only work remotely.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Mike *******
Fastest and easiest. Go home and reconsider and research a little more. Nothing is fast in thailand
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ******
Easiest thing to do, block you.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Kool *******
What do you plan on doing in Thailand? That makes a huge difference on what visa extension you need.
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
I own businesses. I work online and I’ve been also helping other Thai business owners build their businesses.Kool *******
@Nikki ******
working inside Thailand, helping other Thai business owners, means you must have a legal business in Thailand to do that, with a legal work permit. There is no "fast" way to do this.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
David **********
Based on all the comments and your age and desire to stay long-term, I would also recommend the DTV. It requires 500,000 Thai baht in the bank - but NOT in a Thai bank. 500k is currently $15,323. I personally know several people who have recently done this visa by going to Vietnam. Depending on where you stay in Vietnam will dictate if you use Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The DTV allows 180 days at a time and is valid for 5 years. There is also an application fee (I believe it's almost $400) so be cautious when entering your info because that fee is non-refundable. There is a Facebook group that focuses on the DTV which will also be helpful. Good luck 😊
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
Yes, I heard of this too. Thanks!Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Benjamin *********
DTV will get you 5 years. Financial requirement of 500k baht in any bank account. Won't be locked up. If work online do workcation. Otherwise do soft power route.
Can only apply for it outside of Thailand. The Thai embassies in HCMC and Hanoi process quickly and lower requirements length of bank statement to provide. I'm not familiar with Laos embassy.
Can only apply for it outside of Thailand. The Thai embassies in HCMC and Hanoi process quickly and lower requirements length of bank statement to provide. I'm not familiar with Laos embassy.
Chet *******
Download the Thai e-visa app
Paul *******
@Chet ******
please add a link to the appChet *******
@Paul ******
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there is also an app with the sameReply to
Chet *******
Reply
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSince everyone has so much information, why doesn’t someone just give me a link that has all of this information outlined in one place. That way, I wouldn’t have to come to a group and remind grown ups to act accordingly.
Max *************
@Nikki ******
It's easier to help you if you come up with correct information about yourself.That's crucial when it comes to visas.Anna *********
@Nikki ******
try the official Thai visa website Many people would have assumed you had already investigated the official site
Luc ************
****************************
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luc ***********
Thank you! ✨🙏🏽Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
John **********
@Nikki ******
because its not in one place. If you were clearer on what you want to achieve people could give you clearer advice. If all you want to do is obtain a 30 day extension on a tourist stamp then you go to immigration and request one. If your in bangkok which immigration office you go to depends on the way you entered, if you got a tourist visa before arrival you go to immigration at Chaengwattana, if you didn't you go to LaksiNikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I have already addressed the first part of your concern @Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Antionett ***********
@Nikki ******
Look at your DM’s💞Mark *********
@Nikki ******
Nice.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Ian ********
Easiest and fastest solution to long term stay is a 5 year elite visa.
Yes, it may seem expensive at 650k baht however for most other type visas you are required to lock up a larger amount.
The elite has no medical requirements and comes with some privileges too.
Google it to learn more.
Yes, it may seem expensive at 650k baht however for most other type visas you are required to lock up a larger amount.
The elite has no medical requirements and comes with some privileges too.
Google it to learn more.
Max *************
@Ian *******
Is 650k correct? Last time I saw the price online it was 900k.Correct me if I'm wrong and they've adjusted the price.Ian ********
Steven ******
@Max ************
the current bronze level Privilege costs 650,000 thb. Ive heard the bronze level will dissappear soon as it will be reworked due to its drop in popularity since the release of the DTV. No info on what will change with it though.Max *************
@Steven *****
Ok.I'm quite happy with paying 1,900 baht/year as a retiree. Have been doing it for years. Have a nice day. 👍Steven ******
@Max ************
I'm here in my first Non O based around my son, I really considered doing the Thai Privilege as I thought getting the Non O would be a lot of hassle but so far everything has been relatively easy.Max *************
@Steven *****
Why would the Non-O be a hassle as long as you meet the requirements and have been able to open a bank account and transfer the 800k?Steven ******
@Max ************
i thought it may have been with how some people have spoke about it in groups like this.Max *************
@Steven *****
You shouldn't listen to people here on FB. So many clueless people here. Just because they don't know anything about visas and how to open bank accounts, they have to complain about it.Ian ********
Ian ********
@Steven *****
Has been extended from June 30 to December 31 based on popularity, they have said.I applied yesterday application takes 4-8 weeks.
Application costs zero.
Once approved you pay.
Once you receive a welcome letter after that the clock starts.
Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
Peter ****************
Nikki Seven: You really need to tell us y'r age and passport country. Those are essential things to give advice. Conc. 30 days extension, did you buy a visa in y'r home country ? There are even 'visa on arrival' or 'visa waiver' for certain countries which also sometimes cannot be extended with 30 days. So yes, y'r right, it's quite 'a forrest' with possibilities, but that's why you must tell all those data.
Peter ****************
@Nikki ******
Well, e.g. There are different non imm I O visas for which you have to be 50 years-up to get this. So you entered Thailand on a so called 'visa exempt entry' of 60 days (Possible for US citizens/passport holders) not possible for every country ! I would look for DTV Visa or LTR Visa in y'r home country or neighbour countries (e.g. Laos, Vietnam. Cambodia is a bit difficult now) No experience because I am here on retirement extensions. Well, it needs some reading and maybe later ask some questions when you know a bit more cinc. this stuff. Good luck 🙏Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ***************
Thanks, love.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Cedric ******
@Peter ***************
they asking your age because you have to be 50 to retire! I’m 40 and they won’t let me even tho I make the money! So I do runs for my VisaCedric ******
This who I use
Peter ****************
@Cedric *****
Wrong addressee ?Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cedric *****
Did you do a visa run first or did you get an extension?Cedric ******
@Nikki ******
I did a extension first then my run secondNikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cedric *****
Thanks! Do you remember where you went to get your extension.Reply to
Cedric ******
Reply
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cedric *****
Thank you for clarifying.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ***************
I am 38. I’m curious to know why that is relevant. I’m from the U.S. NO, I didn’t get a Visa or I don’t think I would need one right now. Thanks.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
I take it, it’s your first time dealing with Thai visas 🤣🤣
After you learn everything and become an Expert, Thailand will change everything and you will have to start over at Zero
T I T is all I’ll say
Good luck
After you learn everything and become an Expert, Thailand will change everything and you will have to start over at Zero
T I T is all I’ll say
Good luck
Nongnuch ********
you cannot "extend my visa for 30 days" . . your wrong wording shows you haven't even understood the basic Thai entry and visa schemes. Go back to START and throw the dice again 😉
Nongnuch ********
@Nikki ******
it seems you rather believe in barstool experts, than the few real experts of this group. If you had checked a couple of other threads, you might have found the happy thirty people who praise my knowledge and my expertiseJohn *******
@Nikki ******
I think they are trying to say that you currently don’t have a visa, if you entered under “visa exemption” status. You can still extend your stay by 30 days, but just telling you that you are using wrong terminology when you say you want to extend your visa (however, maybe you do have a visa, which you would have had to apply for via an embassy).Max *************
@John ******
No one has a visa when in Thailand. It doesn't matter how you arrived,on a visa exempt or on a visa. You're on a permission to stay. That's the correct terminology. Just saying.John *******
@Max ************
so everyone in Thailand is on a permission to stay, but when I go to immigration, the requirements for extending differ based on what visa I had, so it kind of does matter what visa you arrived on.Max *************
@John ******
The initial visa you arrived on is not the same as being "on a visa" while in Thailand. Get it? You're extending your permission to stay at immigration,nothing else.Have you ever arrived on a visa of any kind? Like for example years ago on a 60 days tourist visa with the sticker in the passport? The first thing that happened at the airport at the passport control,the immigration officer stamped the sticker "USED". Then,same as now,you got the "Admitted until" stamp. That's the permission to stay.John *******
@Max ************
I am on a DTV. When I go to extend, there are specific requirements for those on a DTV. Requirements that differ then one who is extending based on having a tourist visa. Since my DTV is a multi-entry visa, I have never had a used stamp, similar with my previous non-Bs.Nongnuch ********
@John ******
on a DTV, when you enter Thailand you will receive a 180-days stay permit. The DTV itself remains valid for further entries until it will expire 5 years after having been issued. You ENTER using avisa, but once in Thailand, you are in Thailand on a STAY PERMIT, technically spoken not "on a visa". If this is too difficult for Nikki Seven to understand, so be it. I got my very own visa advice group, and I am receiving many thanks for my correct advice every other day, so her rants don't scratch my hideMax *************
@John ******
I've been around in Thailand since 1989,in Pattaya/Jomtien since 1994. You're a newbie and you argue about visas and also don't have a clue about the term permission to stay? I repeat: It doesn't matter how and where you arrived. You're on a permission to stay.Period.Nongnuch ********
@John ******
and Nikki Seven . . . . all single entry visa types will become invalid when you enter! Check your entry stamp, what does it say? It says you are "admitted until" and a date, which makes this stamp a "stay permit". The visa class you used to enter is noted in the upper right corner. . . . . . the only visa types that remain valid for further entries, are those that are issued as "multi re-entry visa types". . . .A person who has entered visa-exempt has not received a visa for 60 days, but just a stamp that says you now are "admitted until" a date which is 60 days later. The entry stamp clearly notes under "visa class" in Thai letters that you entered without a visaReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
I was told by someone in this group that I could extend my visa. If you’re not in this group to be helpful, kindly skip to another post fast. Be respectful, kind, helpful, or get blocked. Negative energy is unnecessary. This group is all about helping one another. If you don’t have anything helpful to say, go redirect that energy elsewhere.Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Benjamin ********
Exactly! Thank you. I hope you have a great day.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Peter ****************
@Nongnuch *******
? She does not tell which visa she has, if any. If she has a real tourist visa (bought from a Thai Embassy/Consulate or came in on 60 days visa exempt, she CAN get a 30 day extension. But...too little info for this so hard to say.Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
I clearly don’t know how this goes so if there is additional information that is needed common sense, any logical adult would simply ask for the information that I didn’t provide. AGAIN, don’t come on my post being rude.Peter ****************
@Nikki ******
Wrong addressee I hope 😉Nikki *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ***************
yes, I apologize about that. Thank you.Reply to
Nikki *******
Reply
Anna *********
Read the detailed explanation of different visas on the Thai visa website It is really pretty clear
Some visa extensions require money in a Thai bank which again is not a huge issue if you have the correct visa
All visa applications are online so there is no physical address to apply for a visa regardless of the country
Good luck
Some visa extensions require money in a Thai bank which again is not a huge issue if you have the correct visa
All visa applications are online so there is no physical address to apply for a visa regardless of the country
Good luck
Doug ********
Anna Brodley actually you are not accurate..again...you gave advice about getting a bank account and it was not accurate. on paper yes,but in working practice it was bad information. You say you been here many years but remain up to date.,but you dont and your advice ,if followed isn't spot on. The OP mentioned Laos and what address and you say is all in line. Yes it's all on line but in Savannakhet and Vientiane, you apply on line BUT..you Have to go physically to The thai consulate to make the payment against an issued QR code before the visa application will be processed. In Vientiane there's are actually two locations the thai government have so obviously have to go to the right one.
Again here You say the bank account opening should not be an issue when it is at the moment. Let your visa expire...start the process again as a new a nd inexperienced person and see how easy it is to get the bank account and let us all know.
You really should be more careful with your advice as people may believe you.
Again here You say the bank account opening should not be an issue when it is at the moment. Let your visa expire...start the process again as a new a nd inexperienced person and see how easy it is to get the bank account and let us all know.
You really should be more careful with your advice as people may believe you.
Anna *********
@Doug *******
thank goodness I have you to correct me all the timeDoug ********
@Anna ********
well get it right and I wouldn't have to...or say on your comment it's maybe out of date information. Some people here,myself included trust this page,maybe more than they should.I double check like most but some just believe
Anna *********
@Doug *******
or I’ll start to qualify by being very clearly that the general rule is just that - general- and there may well be exceptions as there always are (even if it only the odd person)Doug ********
Reply to
Doug ********
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