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What are the current rumors regarding the Bronze Elite visa and the DTV in Thailand?
Aug 30, 2025
8 months ago
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHere's something interesting, I was asking a lawyer friend in Thailand who is helping me with everything about a DTV benefits against a bronze elite visa, as one comment on here says there are refining the elite because everyone is going for a DTV, anyway to cut a long story short, lol, he reckons and a don't know if it's true but he said the bronze elite was always only going to end on the 31st December and the DTV might be cancelled because it's causing a lot of issues in Thailand, he did not say what issues but found this interesting and thought I would share,
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around potential changes to the Bronze Elite visa and the DTV visa in Thailand. Some rumors suggest that the Bronze Elite visa may end on December 31st and there are concerns about the DTV causing issues. However, many comments stress that these are just rumors without official confirmation. It's noted that changes in visa regulations often lead to confusion and anxiety among expats, with emphasis on verifying information with official sources.
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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Jeremy ********
This is the Thai way
Expect the unexpected
Expect the unexpected
Peter ***********
@Jeremy *******
Especially when "agents" are "helping"! They're very consistent. Always advise on the process which will put the most dirty money into their pockets!Reply to
Peter ***********
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Jim ******
We can only go off the current rules. The various visa options are enough to get to grips with !
Steven ******
While I was talking to the people at Thai Privilege around April time, they told me that the Bronze was looking at being removed around June for it to be reworked. I had read that was delayed until the end of the year.
Max *************
@Steven *****
Why do you think the price for the cheapest Elite visa went down from 900k to 650k and might be even cheaper? Because no one wants it since the DTV was released.Steven ******
@Max ************
its true. The DTV, although technically a tourist visa is just too good to not consider. I imagine now its only people who really wouldn't miss the 650k baht that would even have considered the elite. I looked at it because I wanted the perks that come with a full visa as I have a child in Thailand but even though I didn't get the DTV it still put me off the elite. I ended up going for the Non O.Max *************
@Steven *****
I don't know if any "perks" are worth 650k. Don't forget that the Elite visa was designed for people under 50 and for people coming and going as they please. As a retiree staying in Thailand long term it's imo just a waste of money.Steven ******
@Max ************
its worked for me with my job and age but the existence of the DTV made me question the cost too much. Ultimately the perks weren't enough to justify it, i was pretty close to completing but when I told them it didn't offer enough for the cost, that's when they told me about changes, they just couldn't tell me what the changes would be.Reply to
Steven ******
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Bob **********
If you have the money get the Elite that won’t change but I believe the DTV soft power will have it’s problems shortly
Max *************
@Bob *********
You're forgetting you're paying for the Elite visa, but not for the DTV. Even if the DTV is cancelled, it won't happen before at least 5 years after it was introduced.Jan ******************
@Bob *********
For extension yes, but I’ve heard people have done border bounce for another 180 days without any question.Kevin *********
@Jan *****************
the extension is a one time extension per 180 days. That means after 360 days of stay, you can't extend again. You'll have to leave and return and start a new 180 day visa - that's when problems will arise if you don't have an ongoing course - this is what I've heardBob **********
@Jan *****************
yes right nowReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Jan ******************
@Bob *********
I agree, it's almost crazy that attending a four-five month cooking class in Thailand can get you a five-year multiple entry visa!Bob **********
@Jan *****************
it won’t they’ll require on going classes or cancel itReply to
Bob **********
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Henrik *****
Share a rumor from one man is ridiculous.
Don’t listen to visa rumors, and spread them.
Nothing is decided until Parlament has decided, it is publiced in Royal Gazette, and shown on Embassy websites.
Don’t listen to visa rumors, and spread them.
Nothing is decided until Parlament has decided, it is publiced in Royal Gazette, and shown on Embassy websites.
James *******
@Henrik ****
Like what happened with Jesus?Henrik *****
He wasn’t decided by any Parlament.
James *******
@Henrik ****
exactly! Just rumors about 1 man.Reply to
James *******
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James *******
For God's sake! they're changing the rules again, so I'm going to Vietnam.
J **************
@James ******
Phuket, koh samui , JomteinJames *******
@J *************
I don't believe i've mentioned the Russian mafia at all.Reply to
James *******
Reply
J **************
Bobby *********
@J *************
non existent in Bangkok. Pattaya is no man’s land though likely will find them thereReply to
Bobby *********
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CjandBrigitte **********
@James ******
😜😀 Enjoy the 90 day border bounce 🙃Max *************
@James ******
Can you read? Who said any rules are actually changing?Anna *********
@Max ************
omg 🤣🤣James *******
@Max ************
I've no idea what you just wrote.Jeremy ******
@Max ************
humour is not your strong point then?Reply to
Jeremy ******
Reply
Max *************
Well, find another "lawyer friend". There will always be rumours and gossip about visas among "lawyers" and agents.The Bronze Elite visa might not survive due to the DTV. The cheapest Elite earlier cost 900k, the Bronze at the moment 650k.
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIf I go for a non o retirement visa my biggest fear is not been able to get a bank account and transfer the money in time for the extension, to clear things up I'm 66 yrs old, can't be stressed out about this banking thing so going to apply for an bronze elite visa, so in 5 yrs the bank situation is ok or I'm dead, lol
Kyle *********
@Paul *******
why are you talking to some lawyer who will fleeces you for money? Just get a reputable visa agent. I did the DTV visa for my Lao GF. Easy as pie. Cost 10k baht. She was getting Invisiline braces and that qualified. Way to easy to get DTV.Max *************
@Paul *******
You'll have 30 days to find a place to stay, open a bank account and transfer the money. That's imo enough time (you can do it in less than 10 days). Going for an Elite visa is pure stupidity.Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
thank you for your advice, no need to find a place to stay as my partner and I already have a house there,so at least that's one thing off the list,Thank you again
Reply to
Paul ********
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David *****
@Max ************
if you have enough money for an elite visa, why not just get a wealthy pensioner visa? That’s my plan. WP seems easier and less expensive. Am I missing something? Thx.J **************
Max *************
@David ****
The Elite visa is designed for people younger than 50. Thats why it exists. Now, those people can instead apply for the DTV and not paying for it ,which means much less applications for the Elite visa. Why apply for the LTR as a retiree?David *****
@Max ************
thx. So it’s really an option for people under 50 (retirement age).Max *************
@David ****
Yes,but in my opinion expensive because you're paying for it. Now those people are most likely going for the DTV.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Nick **********
@David ****
may be true in many or most cases, but even if you have enough money you may need meeet the criteria for wealthy pensioner : to be eligible for WP, it depends on the way you have enough money - just having lots of money isn't enough.Reply to
Nick **********
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Mark ********
And now they'll be a volley of expats claiming "They're changing the rules again, so I'm going to Vietnam" 😂😂😂
Elías ********
@Mark *******
the doors are wide open 😂😂 right?Mark ********
@Elías *******
The doors are open but no-one's going through them. It's the usual hot air being produced by bored expatsReply to
Mark ********
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Marty *********
This is how Thai visa controversy starts. Someone heard something, posts it online, then every expats thinks it is passed into law and published in the Royal Gazette.
Reply to
Roberto *********
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Brandon ************
Just BS rumors. Until something is published as law, it means nothing.
The only reason there's even a chance of DTV changing is because the political party that implemented it may lose power soon.
The only reason there's even a chance of DTV changing is because the political party that implemented it may lose power soon.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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