What are the best visa options for moving to Koh Samui, Thailand if I want to stay for an extended period?

Question

Hey everyone 😊

I’m from Switzerland and planning to move to Thailand, specifically Koh Samui, for a longer period of time, maybe even permanently if I end up loving life there long term. For now, I’d first like to stay for about a year and see how it feels in everyday life.

I recently saw that the visa exemption period seems to have been reduced to 30 days, so now I’m trying to figure out which visa would make the most sense for my situation.

I actually had a job opportunity in Chiang Mai and would have received a work visa through that, but unfortunately it didn’t work out in the end because of issues with employment references/work certificates.

The 5-year DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) sounds very attractive to me, but I don’t currently have the required 500,000 THB sitting in my bank account for several months, even though I do have a monthly income. So I was wondering if the “soft power” route could still work?

I honestly wouldn’t mind:
* attending a language school
* learning Thai
* or doing Muay Thai

But from what I understand, those options are also only valid for a limited period of time. What do people usually do afterwards? Do most people eventually switch to another visa?

I’d really appreciate hearing real experiences and recommendations from people who have been in a similar situation 😊

Also, if anyone has recommendations for good visa agencies, language schools, or Muay Thai schools on Koh Samui, I’d really appreciate it 🙏

Thank you!

Ask Thailand · Answer

An expat from Switzerland seeks advice on visa options for long-term stay in Koh Samui, Thailand, amidst new restrictions on tourist visas. The user considers the 5-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) but lacks the necessary funds. Suggestions include applying for an Education Visa (ED) for language or Muay Thai training, as well as looking into visa agencies for assistance. The conversation emphasizes the need for 500,000 THB in liquid assets for the DTV and discusses the pros and cons of various visa types.

Wannikea ********* · Answer

Suggest you let your 500k season in the bank for a few months and then apply.

Knowledgeabl************ · Answer

Do ED visa is you want to study Thai that will get you your “year to test” then move to another long term visa later ?

Also what’s your age , you might be able to join the pensioners in the group on the retirement visa !

Robert ******* · Answer

If you manage to stay under the rader, there is a job opening on Koh Samui.

As all explain abuse another type of visa, this job offer fits their ideas of living in Thailand short time

[url redacted]

GrayWal******** · Answer

Soft power or not, you still need the 500k sitting in your bank account for at least 3 months🤷‍♂️

Dany ******** · Answer

no money no honey. no dtv for you.

get an ED for a year and get four finances into shape

PinkPa******* · Answer

ED Visa can be possible for attending Language course, Muay Thai but it is more complex and more stric now. Contact [mention redacted] tell them that “Ant” recommend to you. They can assist you in various options.

Greg ****** · Answer

They do not consider income, but rather require 500k in liquid assets in a bank account under your name, whether it’s for the DTV Soft Power or DTV Workation visa. Income may sometimes be reviewed to ensure you can afford living here but it is not a minimum requirement. Good luck.

Peter ********* · Answer

There is only one Destination Thailand Visa and it's valid for 5 years. Regardless how you apply for it.

A. ************ · Answer

No matter what, you do not qualify for the DTV if you don't have the 500k baht in your account for the amount of time required by the embassy you plan to apply through. Do a search in the group for the embassy you plan to apply through to see what has been said about this facet of applying because different embassies have different requirements.

Muay Thai courses (9+ months is recommended now) through approved gyms qualify for DTV, Thai language courses do not. If you want to learn Thai then you need to apply for an education visa.

Where did you hear that soft power course are only valid for a limited amount of time? If you are given a DTV for your soft power course, even though your classes are over in 9-12 months, it is valid for 5 years. Just because you complete your course/class doesn't mean the DTV becomes defunct. The change that has been happening is some embassies are issuing 6 month tourist visas instead of DTVs to people taking muay thai and cooking classes that are of that duration. That is why I said that 9+ months is now recommended. It isn't across the board and you MIGHT get by with just 6 months of classes, but go for the extra 3 months if at all possible.

As for suggestions re: schools and agents, the search function is your friend. A search for "Koh Samui" will surely provide a much information.

What are the best visa options for moving to Koh Samui, Thailand if I want to stay for an extended period?

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