What are the eligibility requirements and considerations for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand given my situation?

Question

Would like you guys' advice on my situation:
I would like to get the DTV, but having some doubts.

Context:
I have been in-and-out of Thailand trying to maximize my stay for about 5 years, always on a TR visa. This is because my boyfriend moved to Bangkok in 2019, and he was able to get a Thai passport because he was born in Thailand.
I always brought supporting documents like our appartment lease and his invitation letter + his ID card copy to help me pass immigration. During my last stay this started becoming harder. Despite having a multiple entry TR visa, the immigration officers started grilling me extensively on every entry, and despite being understanding of my situation, they insisted every time I had to get a different visa and I might be refused entry next time.

At this point I am not comfortable anymore going back on a TR visa and facing this same scenario again (being grilled, facing the risk of being rejected at immigration, doing visa runs every 2 months...)

Since I am a freelance web developer, the DTV seems ideal for me.

However:
- With the TR visa, immigration makes issues if they suspect you of trying to stay in Thailand year-round. I wonder if this also applies to the DTV. Because technically I would like to be able to stay year-round, aside from the occasional trip.
- I do not have a bank account with 500k THB or equivalent. I can loan this from my parents and put it on an account, but this won't make for a 6-month statement of 500k+.

This makes me worry I will face an issue getting it.

Alternatively, we could look into a spouse visa. But this might require me to wait for a while. Thailand is due to allow same-sex marriage this year, which will be a matter of months now. It is not clear yet how this will play into our ability to get married in Thailand (as a Thai national and a foreign national), or the ability to have a foreign marriage recognized. We aren't married yet but we've been together for 11 years now and we are engaged. That being said, the DTV seems like a better solution while we wait this out.

Any advice or insights much appreciated :)

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is considering applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) after experiencing difficulties entering Thailand on a Tourist Visa (TR). They have been frequently entering Thailand for five years to spend time with their boyfriend, a Thai national, but face scrutiny from immigration. They are concerned about proving financial stability, as they lack the required 500,000 THB in a bank account for six months, but could potentially arrange a loan from parents. The user also considers the option of a spouse visa, especially with impending changes to same-sex marriage laws, though this may involve waiting. Feedback from community members suggests exploring consulates with flexible requirements for bank statements while also highlighting the personal success of others in similar situations.

Jay ***** · Answer

I saw one post.

Savannakhet - Only one-month bank statement for 500k

Alan ******* · Answer

The consulates in Laos have said 3-6 months of bank statements but some people reporting using just 1.

The consulate in Vientiane told me 3-6 and some have said they provided 3 and one said 5.

So 3 sounds like a safe bet if you can swing that.

However, I would email the consulate and tell them exactly what your situation is,

I suspect if you work for a company and have an employment letter, it’s 3 months, if you work for yourself they may want 6, plus company registration, possibly even a tax return.

John ******* · Answer

Hi Bert, I kind of was in the same situation as you.  Been waiting forever for this change to the marriage code (been with same Thai guy for 9 years).  Decided to go for DTV and it worked.

Brandon ************ · Answer

No one knows if or when the marriage visa options will change once the law changes, so that's not a reliable option.

Look for an embassy that only requires proof of the 500,000 baht, rather than 6 months of statements.  There have been multiple reports from multiple embassies in the group already, and you can check the embassy websites for the requirements as well.

What are the eligibility requirements and considerations for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand given my situation?

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