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What are the experiences and requirements of obtaining the DTV visa in Thailand?
DTV VisaThai Elite VisaThai Language LearningVisa RequirementsExpat ExperiencesImmigrationLiving in Thailand
Oct 3, 2024
2 years ago
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTEROnce upon a time, I did the right thing by studying Thai for a year before signing up for the Elite visa. It was a tortuous 3 hours a day, five times a week. After completion, I was happy to give them 400k baht. Sadly, I was denied and ridiculed for having a student visa. Later on, I realized that it was just pure greed. They are willing to accept my application at the new price of 900k. There is a happy ending to my story. I just received my DTV for 10k. Muahahahahahahahaha
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their journey of studying Thai for a year while on a student visa, aimed at obtaining the Thai Elite visa. Despite the effort and a willingness to pay 400,000 baht, they were denied, only to find the Elite visa had increased to 900,000 baht. Ultimately, they successfully applied for a more affordable DTV visa at 10,000 baht, highlighting both the challenges and successes experienced in navigating visa options in Thailand. The discussion includes comments on the complexities of Thai visa applications, comparisons between different visa types, and the importance of language skills.
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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John ********
Should have saved the 400k and gotten a back wax instead😂😂
Christopher *******
So I understand you spent 10,000Baht for 6 months. Seems like a lot of Baht. Heard a 10 year DTV cost half million. OuchAs Thailand makes it ever more difficult to reside here it become easier elsewhere. It is all about the money. But it is their country. While I live here I don’t plan to die here.
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher ******
it's 10k baht for 5 years. They stamp you in for 6 months and you have to leave the country. When you re-enter, they give you another 6 months. So you can come and go for 5 years.Christopher *******
@Us ****
okay, thanks.Reply to
Christopher *******
Reply
Stephen *****
🤣 congrats bro
Khan ******
Let them go bankrupt ! But who knows if the DTV still gonna be there in 5 years or if they add more requirements. Way too easy to get 🤣
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Khan *****
I heard each embassy gets a certain amount of DTV approval. Once they are above it then the program is over. I don't think the DTV will be there in 5 years but I am sure I can find a Thai girl to marry in 5 years lol.Khan ******
@Us ****
Ahah. That's a good plan. Or you can start a business and get a working visa :).Reply to
Khan ******
Reply
Chris ****
Happy for you. But don’t ruin your peace by being bitter. It worked out well. Enjoy!
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ***
I was bitter when the Elite visa rejected me. Now I have made my peace and the joke is on them. They lost a tremendous amount of money this year by raising their prices.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Tony ********
But can you only stay in the country for 6 months within a year on the DTV?
Andi ***********
@Tony *******
No, you can extend at immigration for 6 more months without leaving Thailand or fly out and get stamped in for another 180 days,Tony ********
@Andi **********
wow. That’s interesting. I didn’t know that was official.Andi ***********
@Tony *******
You can find lots of posts to confirm it.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Billy *******
Why is studying Thai for a year before buying the EV the right thing to do? There is no Thai language prerequisites for the EV.
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Billy ******
I wasn't going to pay 400k baht before trying to figure out if Thailand was right for me. So, I was on a student visa for a year.Khan ******
@Billy ******
probably because he didn’t want to pay the elite first. Once he knew they were clamping down the ED visa, he wanted to buy the Elite. But couldn’t because ED cannot. It was a blessing in disguise. But again, is that really a blessing ? Thailand being ThailandUs *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Khan *****
Blessing in disguise because I paid 10k instead of 400k.Khan ******
@Us ****
In the short term yes. Who knows in 5 years ? Maybe no more DTV. It's Thailand. Rules changes like I change my underwear every day. Anyway, that's a discussion in 5 years. For the time being, we must enjoy Thailand.Reply to
Khan ******
Reply
Eduardo ***********
Congratulations 🍾
Dennis ************
Same here
Akram ************
Congratulations 🥂
Tai **********
What the issue with trying to learn the language of the country you’re in? It should be encouraged. I never understood that.
Declan **********
@Tai *********
the visa has had too much abuse, many people were able to get the visa and didn't need to attend classes to learn anything, so now everyone is tarred with the same brush, unless you've gone to a very reputable well known school or had a proper ED visa from a university. Even if you can speak, read and write Thai fluently it can and will still cause you many issues.
Bart **************
@Declan *********
you'd say that being able to speak Thai would make all the difference with a student visa history. Really surprised that it doesn't.Declan **********
@Bart *************
last year we didn't get back in time to renew my Non-O extension, had to come in on visa exemption and start the process again when we returned. Upon arrival I got dragged out of line and grilled for a good 15-20 mins, the entire time I spoke only Thai, when I asked why I was 'chosen' to be questioned at the end the supervising IO said 'your study visa', when I double checked and asked if that was the only reason I was told yes.
Logic would make one believe it would help, I certainly thought it would too, but from my direct experience last year, it doesn't make any difference. (I will add though, the conversation went from very serious to quite relaxed and lighthearted when she noticed I could actually speak Thai but I was still being asked about my attendance, the location of the school, my teachers names, how long and how often class was, if immigration showed up, etc etc)
Bart **************
@Declan *********
if you extend a student visa (studying Thai), they'll speak Thai and you're required to answer in Thai. I'm assuming that if you do, they won't be tough and they'll give you the extension. I'm just so surprised that other branches of immigrations do not apply this logic and just keep grilling student, even long after they've switched to other visa types.It's like questioning someone about the theft of an apple back in 1995, despite having been found not guilty by police in the same year, or after being guilty but having been punished accordingly. It should then be done with.
Declan **********
@Bart *************
not everyone has to speak Thai when applying for an extension, my school for example (a well known one too), I would call them when I got there and they would tell me what desk number and IO to go to, didn't need a ticket just went straight to the desk, they took the passport, I went to grab a bite to eat and by the time I was done eating I would get a call to go collect it. I can understand wanting to check, but once it been checked just mark it in the system, or heck, since IOs go around the schools taking pictures regularly (or at least in my experience), once it's been confirmed they attended regularly & can speak, read and write Thai reasonably, just mark it in the system as legitimate and be done with it.
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Declan *********
I swear it is one branch that is not getting paid that is upset with another branch. Listen, every school in Pattaya is a scam school that does not require attendance. Obviously, it is not even a secret. Someone is getting paid and someone is upset they are not getting paid. So when they drag you in for an interview, it is because they are not getting paid and they want to be paid. I go to the biggest gym in Pattaya and all the folks there on a student visa doesn't go to class.Declan **********
@Us ****
wouldn't surprise me, same with people getting rejected from exemption history, I know several with diabolical history (including one that has lived here for 2 years on visa exemption runs by land and air) that just pay a company to get them through the airport. IMO there will be a lot of rejections happening just to encourage use of companies like the above for more kickbacks.Reply to
Declan **********
Reply
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Declan *********
I know many scam universities that give out 1 year visa. 555Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Jack ****************
Yeah I spent my first year on the language visa and have had immigration people all but spit in my face because of it.
Dennis ************
@Jack ***************
same here.... but they still treith me the same with the DTVTai **********
@Jack ***************
really why?Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tai *********
because all the schools in Pattaya are scam schools.Jack ****************
@Tai *********
because the program was abused so badly for so long that they immediately assume anyone who used it is a bad personReply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Pertti *************
Crazy.. I will apply straight citizenship 2569 and hope can forget these visa schemes, wp and company ownership things.. my friends has been thai passport holders decades and lucky I did listen them😅
Lucaca *******
@Pertti ************
I read on the Internet that Thailand is a non-immigrant country and only foreign women who are married to Thais can apply for a Thai passport. Is there any other way to get a Thai passport? Thank you very muchPertti *************
@Lucaca ******
yes 3 years taxes, 3 years married, 3 years WP, 3 years visa with 12 month extension.Mark **********
@Pertti ************
what does that mean?? Like if you stay there for 3 years and pay taxes?Pertti *************
@Mark *********
yes work here and pay taxes and keep your non immigrant visa without breaking it and marry citizen or one year married with child👍Reply to
Pertti *************
Reply
Charles ***********
What does DTV stand for?
John ********
@Charles **********
Destination Thai VisaReply to
John ********
Reply
Jeff *******
Eh? But you learnt another language right?
Jeff *******
@Us ****
more bollocks - any left?Jeff *******
@Us ****
haha bollocks! You don’t need to speak Thai to know when you’re being scammed! Even in Thai they won’t be talking scams in front of you. Which scams are you referring to?Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeff ******
the Thais always test the water on how much they can scam you. I always speak Thai to them first to let them know how much they can get away with it.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeff ******
the bar girls don't like it when I speak Thai to them. They know I know too much.Jeff *******
@Us ****
Another old wives tales, if you're buying their time, they don't give a monkies if you're talking swaheli!Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeff ******
it matters if you speak Thai to them. They know you been here a long time and they can't scam you that much. They know you know the game.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
John ********
Those dates are 180 days inclusive, but according to all the experts you have to do a 90 day report.
Andi ***********
@John *******
if you do not stay 90 days the report is not needed. The 90 day report is decades old and in place for the vast majority of visa holders.John ********
@Andi **********
As I have said in numerous replies, people are assuming without proving it, that this new DTV visa requires a holder to do a 90 day report.Reply to
John ********
Reply
Declan **********
@John *******
yes you do, if you stay within thailand for the full 180 days without leaving you need to file a TM.47 (90 day report)John ********
@Declan *********
Oh! your on a DTV then and that is how you know for sure?Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
they stapled a paper in my passport telling me when my 90 day report is when they locked me in for 180 day stay.John ********
@Us ****
Thanks for confirming this, so you entered with the DTV and they stapled into your passport the date you have to do a 90 day report?Declan **********
@John *******
you've been told ample of times it's a requirement by law but are still wanting confirmation... You were just told by the OP he was given a slip that he must file a 90 days report by x date and you're still asking him for clarification 🤦🤦🤦If you are really this stubborn you should just stop asking for advice here since you clearly know better than the countless people here and the OP who just entered on the DTV telling you that it needs to be filed 🤦
Declan **********
@John *******
🙄🤦 it's a legal requirement for anyone who stays in the kingdom for more than 90 days regardless of visa type. DTV isn't excluded from this requirement.Ruth *******
@Declan *********
not LTRJohn ********
@Declan *********
proof please. I'm not questioning the rule before the new DTV came into being. What I'd like to see is confirmation from immigration that the ninety day reporting also applies to this new visa, that's allReply to
John ********
Reply
Sopan *********
How what!!!
Remi *********
Congratulations ! In how many weeks did you manage to get it ?
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Remi ********
2nweeksReply to
Us *****
Reply
Mark **********
Jacob ********
Ya they have a remote work visa for 5yrs what I'm gonna do, why I'm finishing my BA as a Data Scientist probably focusing in finance.
Neil ******
This visa advice group has become a look at my approved visa group.
Hanzala ***
How?
Neil ********
And you can speak Thai
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Neil *******
the bar girls are always impressed with my ThaiMike *****
@Neil *******
also backwards, iam nep iarReply to
Mike *****
Reply
Per-Olof ************
Congrats to your achivement , however a 1 year O-visa ,if you have the age, will only cost you 1900 baht.
Andi ***********
@Per-Olof ***********
DTV you can work online, can not with the non o retirement visa.Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Per-Olof ***********
I am in my 30sJohn ********
@Per-Olof ***********
Yes, but with the one year 'O', you have to show 800k THB in a Thai bank account in your name, or twelve monthly deposits of at least 65k in a Thai bank account in your name. The DTV visa you only need to show the equivalent of 500k THB and it can be in a bank account in any country, doesn't need to be in a Thai bank account and the DTV costs equivalent of 10,000 THB for five years. There's other caveats to it, like getting a 180 day extension, then having to leave and re-enter to start the 180 days all over again.Per-Olof ************
@John *******
yes but you need to live right ?John ********
@Per-Olof ***********
Yes, I agree, it depends on your priorities. When I was living in Thailand, pre 2009, I was coming and going for 11 years, mostly on 30 day visa exempts. Only ever got three two month tourist visas and one twelve month 'O' multiple entry, so for me doing the protocol requirements of the DTV., would be no problem.Per-Olof ************
@John *******
I see, we all have different circumstances. For me 1 year O-Visa works well. I deposit 800K every mid of sept and then use it up from Jan to sept and then new depo.Marthida **********
@Per-Olof ***********
do you have to show proof equivalent of 800K baht in your bank account first in your home country when you apply for the O-visa?Per-Olof ************
@Marthida *********
I was on a business visa before I retired so for me no need to apply non-immigrant but I had to deposit 800K 3 month prio in my thai bank.John ********
Reply to
John ********
Reply
Bigd **********
What language school? Input on the school?
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bigd *********
Duke in Asoke. I was taught by the cutest teachers so I always paid attention. They are probably the best in bkk.Bigd **********
@Us ****
khxbkhun krup!Reply to
Bigd **********
Reply
Min **********
Where did you apply?
What documents did you use?
Congrats anyway 😊
What documents did you use?
Congrats anyway 😊
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Min *********
500k in bank account and a letter from your work place., it is very easyJohn *******
@Us ****
it seems to depend on which country you apply in. Some are easier than others. Which one did you apply in? :)Min **********
@John ******
What do you think about Vietnam?John *******
@Min *********
Great country. Not sure what your question is aiming at. :)Min **********
@John ******
Which country did you apply?John *******
@Min *********
I haven't applied yet. Hence my question up there. :) I'm still researching to find out where to apply. I'm currently in Mongolia but will be leaving soon. I'm a full-time digital nomad, no country of residency so I have to pick one.
Min **********
@John ******
I’m going to Vietnam to apply from there. Never experienced but will try.Reply to
Min **********
Reply
Shanelle ********
@Us ****
500k baht? Did you provide bank statements?Andi ***********
@Shanelle *******
Yeah, must provide with the 500k THB or equivalent currencyReply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Kate *******
Well played! The Thai Elite really doesn’t make sense for most people, especially at the new price!
Us *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kate ******
like all Thai businesses, they got too greedyKate *******
Us Nek sadly true. They get a lot less friendly very fast if you don’t tip on top of already paying an obviously farang price. All the fake smiles disappear.
Sybren *******
@Kate ******
I've seen fake smiles disappear for less nowadaysReply to
Sybren *******
Reply
Rob *******
i thought if its a 5 year visa it would be
*********
?Jon *****
@Rob ******
Valid for 5 years with multiple entries allowed, where the first entry permits a stay of up to 180 days.Gary ****
@Rob ******
any visa is different to an entry stamp which this shows. I've got a 20 year visa but only get stamped in 12 months at a timeGraham ******
@Rob ******
That is the 180 day entry stamp not the VisaThaimer ******
@Rob ******
this is just a stamp, not visa. Each stamp is 180 daysJohn *******
@Rob ******
that's just the stamp in expirationReply to
John *******
Reply
Bart **************
Congrats!
Reply to
Bart **************
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