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What are the chances of successfully applying for a DTV Visa in Thailand as a retired expat needing medical procedures?

Dec 24, 2025
3 days ago
Hello everyone looking for some advice on DTV Visa and thoughts from people that have applied in the past and been successful !

A little about me I'm a retired guy from UK and have been travelling around South east Asia for over 25 years to Thailand , Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines etc !

I'm thinking of applying for the DTV Visa as I would like to spend longer periods in Thailand in between going to other countries every now and then !

I have a couple of health problems that I need a couple of minor operations operations and there are long waiting lists of between a year and 18months on the NHS in UK and to go for private treatment here is very expensive !

I understand that what I need done would be a hell of a lot cheaper in hospital in Thailand !

I certainly can prove I have the 500.000 Thai Baht is savings and I can also produce proof of substantial savings and details of my full State Pension !

My State Pension and private pension and monthly interest from my substantial savings comes to over £2600 a month which equates to around 110 thousand Thai baht a month so I can clearly prove that I can support myself without working !

if I was able to get appointment letters from Thai Hospitals etc and proof of the 500.000 Thai baht and income !

what are your thoughts on my success at getting this DTV if I was to apply ?

please don't suggest I get a retirement visa as I don't want to live in Thailand permanently I just want to be able to spend more time and only have to leave the the country every 180 days or sooner if I desired !

Look forward to any help and advice and actual experiences from successful applicants that have gone down the same route that I am thinking of !

Many Thanks in advance !
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A retired expat from the UK is seeking advice about applying for the DTV Visa in Thailand to spend extended time in the country while undergoing medical treatment. He has substantial financial resources and is interested in firsthand experiences from others who have successfully navigated the DTV Visa process, particularly regarding the medical documentation required and tips for successful approval.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
IndigoG********
I got it. Used Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai.
Anonymous ******************
Sounds like a plan
John **********
Rather than appointment letters you need a treatment plan of at least 6 months duration signed off by a recognised doctor at the facility you will undergo treatment at
Alma ***************
How about proof that such treatments can be financially supported? Will his 110k baht pension monthly enough to cover that?
Carrie ****
While my husband can qualify for retirement visa, he went the medical DTV route and got approved.

Some tips for you to get an easier approval:

-Choose a hospital doctor that has heard of the DTV so that when you ask them for the required paperwork, they won't give you a blank stare.

-You'll need to have a few in person consultations before most doctors are willing to cough up the paperwork to submit with your application.

-You'll need a long term treatment plan and evidence of future appointments.

-You'll need your doctor's license/ID registration showing he is registered as a doctor at that hospital.

Those are all the proof my husband submitted to the Hanoi embassy for approval.
Andi ***********
You will be fine via the Medical option of the DTV. Submit 6 -12 months treatment plan from your hospital/clinic. Check the threads for posts of similar applicants for tips.