Answereda year ago
What are the experiences of Digital Nomad Visa holders in Thailand, and is the LTR visa a better option?
I'm seeing a few posts recently where people are saying that immigration do not like in country extensions on the DTV and prefer you to do a border bounce. And also that Bangkok Bank (and perhaps soon others) are shutting down accounts for DTV holders.
We have Bangkok Bank accounts, opened years ago when we lived there. Also a Krung Thai bank account. No issues so far. Currently we are off shore.
We qualify for DTV, LTR or retirement. We have an online business that produces passive income and have savings.
I'd like to hear from holders of each to see which is better and if you've had any trouble before with extensions. Thanks.
We have Bangkok Bank accounts, opened years ago when we lived there. Also a Krung Thai bank account. No issues so far. Currently we are off shore.
We qualify for DTV, LTR or retirement. We have an online business that produces passive income and have savings.
I'd like to hear from holders of each to see which is better and if you've had any trouble before with extensions. Thanks.
Answer summary
The conversation discusses the pros and cons of various visa options for expats in Thailand, specifically the DTV, LTR, and retirement visas. Several commenters strongly recommend the LTR visa for its advantages, such as lower costs and tax benefits. Concerns are raised about the difficulties with DTV extensions and banking issues, as instances have been reported where banks, like Bangkok Bank, have closed accounts for DTV holders. Overall, there is a clear recommendation towards pursuing the LTR visa for those eligible.
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Pertti *************
Are you going to live here rest of your life? If so I would go non b route trough own company and there's steps so you can apply permanent recidency and citizenship later life. Otherwise you're eternal tourist here..
Greg ***********
just don't let your bank know on which visa type you are currently on, and keep fingers crossed you can keep your account open and active
Colleen *******
OP@Greg **********
it's looking unlikely that it will be the DTV and will probably be the LTR. That should settle any potential banking issues. Last time I was on a non B and there was no problem opening the accounts.
Gerg **********
I’m going to get the LTR as soon as I get a year of qualifying income behind me, probably around May next year. I think it’s the best visa. I’m currently a non-OA on first extension.
Gerg **********
I hear ya, none of them are perfect. Hope it all works out for you.
Colleen *******
OP@Gerg *********
thank you - yes indeed. Best of luck to you too. Actually luck will have nothing to do with it. When you have the paperwork, you'll get it. Enjoy 🥰.Colleen *******
OP@Gerg *********
thanks for confirming. Yes, I think it's the best option. We were looking at the non-oa as well for my partner (not married). And LTR for me and my daughter - she is 16. We also have a son 22 - he's got to get his own, so it's painful. He loved Muay Thai last time so that's a no brainer for him. The good thing is, we have choices. An alternative is putting the money into a boat and sailing around the world instead and not have to deal with all this immigration BS. We know Thai immigration. It's not consistent. Grateful to have choices. 🙏
You'll probably feel more secure on the LTR when you're ready. It does look like a great option. I just hate all the insurance. We always pay cash wherever we go. We know it's not an option for everyone but being forced into unwanted insurance feels really annoying!
Chris ********
I can confirm that Bangkok Bank told me that my account needed to be closed because my DTV was insufficient. Frozen on Friday. Closed on Monday. They advised me to come back when I had an OA visa. Pattaya branch.
Colleen *******
OP@Chris *******
Oh wow, ok, that sucks. Sorry that happened. Did they return the cash? We have Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai - opened over 2 years ago now. Still looking ok, but who knows? I had non-B then.Chris ********
No new account as yet. I got the same answer from Kasikorn when I asked if I could open an account. The asked me what visa I had. When I said DTV, they just said "nope". I'll see about an LTR whan I'm in the states. I qualifyand the paperwork is only a little more than the DTV that I got a year ago.
Chris ********
@Col****
, I thought I was safe because I had no issues over the year. I made regular transfers from my US account and made lots of small PromptPay payments to local food vendors and shops. Not exactly money laundering for a criminal enterprise. Nope. I am glad I was here when it happened.Colleen *******
OP@Chris *******
Yep, if they decide they're not going to support it, they just won't. The Thais don't muck around. They're very clear about these things once a decision has been made. It's a pain not having a Thai bank account though - with cash withdrawals and prompt pay. Did you get another account somewhere else? Or have another back up? We're accumulating bank accounts in various countries around the world now (we travel full time). It's certainly handy !!Chris ********
@Col****
, they paid me the full account balance in cash.
Colin **********
@Chris *******
how old was the account?Chris ********
@Co***
, a little over a year old.Todd *********
Not sure why this is a question tbh. If you qualify for LTR, there is absolutely no doubt. Best visa Thailand has ever offered. And second place isn’t close. Absolute no brainer.
Colleen *******
OP@Todd ********
well my partner and I are not married, so we're questioning multiple visas. And we have a 22 year old son who also needs a visa. LTR won't help there either. There's your answer. Not everything is as clear as you think.Todd *********
@Colleen ******
it’s abundantly clear. And not just what I think. You stated ‘we qualify for LTR’. So that’s all I had to work with isn’t it? As you don’t actually qualify it’s a different story and obviously different answers
Perhaps fix your post to be accurate and there are many here you can offer more precise advice. If we don’t have accurate info, nobody can help you.
Colleen *******
OP@Todd ********
Communication is clearly not your thing. You didn't read. My comms are fine. I never asked you to qualify me. Glad you won't be popping up on my feed again. People like you are not helpful at all and make others worry about asking questions. Why do you even bother? And you're wrong. I fully qualify for LTR, DTV and Retirement.Todd *********
@Colleen ******
until you sort yourself out and put accurate info you are spinning in circles. You clearly don’t have any idea what you are doing here, which is why you are spinning in circles. As you don’t qualify for LTR (as you wrongly stated) you need to refocus and clarify. And your son won’t qualify as a dependent, so you need to find alternative answers for him. If you actually qualify for retirement, get it. If you don’t, get DTV which has a very low threshold. If you are not clear in question, you won’t get the right answers. But you seem determined to crash into walls. Good luck.
Robbie *******
@Todd ********
, ok thanksTodd *********
@Robbie ******
you can apply from anywhere. Including Thailand.Colleen *******
OP@Todd ********
What's abundantly clear is that you didn't read my request and jumped straight to an assumption. In my original post I was very clear. I wasn’t asking anyone to assess whether I qualify. I already know that my daughter and I do so you are in fact - WRONG. What I didn’t go into was the full detail of qualifications, because that wasn’t the question. Where did I ask for you to qualify me?
You misread the post and jumped straight to assumptions instead of asking clarifying questions.
Comments like that aren’t helpful, so it’s worth asking why bother asserting authority if it doesn’t actually add value?
Robbie *******
@Todd ********
, do you apply for the LTR from your home country ?Jim *******
When I applied for my Yellow Book, at Samut Prakhan City Council, there was a 3 pages questionare. One of the questions was : "How many extensions of stay have you had over last 25 years"?
Zero.
The officer nodded, did not say a word but I took it as his affirmative. And it was.
Zero.
The officer nodded, did not say a word but I took it as his affirmative. And it was.
Colleen *******
OP@Jim ******
ahhhh interesting. Yep, they don't like it. That's the thing I find with Thai immigration. Every office is different and even within that some are just nicer, more lenient. But others... Steer clear. In fact drive 50 km out of your way to the next one has been the advise I have been given previously because some are just downright mean! 🙈We started on tourist visas then moved to more long term. They just don't like tourists circumventing the system.
Donald **********
@Colleen ******
The Yellow Book is obtained from your local Amphoe (District) office and not from Immigration. I received mine a few days ago and as far as I’m aware it has to be obtained from the Amphoe your residence is situated in.Jim *******
Well, Thailand is my second home (other than Japan) , almost like my destiny. I will comply with whatever Thai rules are.
Jim *******
@Colleen ******
You would hardly beleive this. My daughter (22) a student in Australia, born in Bangkok (Samitivej hospital), raised in Japan. She has a resort like home in Bangkok and in Nagoya. Speaks Thai, native English and Japanese. Thai, Australia, Japan passports.She is telling me she would never again set her foot into the place with stray dogs, Bangkok. The place I love so much. A cold shower on me.
Colleen *******
OP@Jim ******
yes and it's smarter and safer to stay within the rules.
Brandon ************
It's not even a question.
LTR is the best visa available if you qualify for it. Its cheaper than the other options long-term and offers much better benefits, including tax free status on foreign income.
LTR is the best visa available if you qualify for it. Its cheaper than the other options long-term and offers much better benefits, including tax free status on foreign income.
Colleen *******
OP@Brandon ***********
thank you for the speedy advice. You always give such great answers. LTR it is then. 🙏🙏Just wish I could get my 22 year old son on it. I have a 16 year old daughter too. She's fine but will get my boy a Muay Thai one instead. Ahhh Thai immigration. It's never boring 😅🙈. Thanks again.
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