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What are the latest updates on Thailand visas, specifically regarding DTV and retirement options?
Thailand visasDTV visaRetirement visaLong-term stayNon-O visaVisa application processExpat life in ThailandBank account requirementsThai visa agenciesLTR visa
Aug 11, 2025
9 months ago
Arline ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone,
I’ve been digging into the latest updates on visas for Thailand, especially around DTV and retirement options. Some of the changes seem small on paper but could make a big difference for those of us planning longer stays. Curious if anyone here has gone through the process recently and noticed anything new or unexpected?
On a side note, while sorting out my long-term plans here, I’ve also been keeping an eye on the US stock market. With all the swings lately, it’s been tricky deciding whether to hold or move things around. Feels like the same kind of patience and timing we need for visa applications.
Would love to hear your experiences
I’ve been digging into the latest updates on visas for Thailand, especially around DTV and retirement options. Some of the changes seem small on paper but could make a big difference for those of us planning longer stays. Curious if anyone here has gone through the process recently and noticed anything new or unexpected?
On a side note, while sorting out my long-term plans here, I’ve also been keeping an eye on the US stock market. With all the swings lately, it’s been tricky deciding whether to hold or move things around. Feels like the same kind of patience and timing we need for visa applications.
Would love to hear your experiences
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around recent updates and experiences related to Thailand's visa options, particularly the DTV and retirement visas. Users share their processes for obtaining these visas, noting the effectiveness of using agents in simplifying the application. Concerns regarding bank account requirements linked to long-term visas are discussed, with some members confirming the ease of application with prior 90-day Non-O visas. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as patience in both visa applications and managing investments like the US stock market.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Henrik *****
Focus your attention to that / those Embassies in consideration, and ignore information from other embassies.
There is no noteworthy changes, there are only different workflows on different embassies.
There is no noteworthy changes, there are only different workflows on different embassies.
Dave **********
Buy Bitcoin.
Max *************
Do you really need inputs from people on FB to decide how to retire in Thailand and if the US stock market do/did affect other people's decisions?
Bob **********
Non-o extensions for 15 years haven’t seen any changes
Wannikea *********
Where doth thou diggist?
Wannikea *********
There are no real changes, and the few changes there have been, have eased the requirements, such as LTR income level.
Colin ********
LTR or citizenship
Hilary **********
My broker is an angel and watches it for me.
Kevin ********
Did my visa application the other day very easy only took 2 visits to imigration first find out what they needed went back with the required paper work payed 2,000 baht got my visa but I did already have a Thai bank account.
Jesper *******
If you are over 50 get a nonO retirement 90days in your home country come to thailand and extend it for a year....how much time u want to spend in thailand is up to u....make sure u plan ahead to get your extensions every year
Trav **********
Changes???? You have been listening too much to the scaremongers 🤔
Stephen ********
Before I left Perth Australia, I applied for a non-o 90 day visa with a single entry, because I had this, when I got to Thailand Hua Hin, it made it very easy to get my retirement visa as well as multiple entry, Anna’s visa is a one stop shop, got me a Thai sim, retirement visa, multi entry, bank account and changed my drivers licence over to a Thai drivers licence, both car and motorcycle
Ľubica **********
@Stephen *******
thajský vodičský preukaz je náročné získať? ĎakujemStephen ********
@Ľubica *********
no, I went through Anna’s visa in Hua Hin, 3 physical reaction tests, paid 7500 baht for a car and motor bike licenseJim *******
@Stephen *******
A huge amount of money for a driver's license. (Even 2) How much do Thai people pay?Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
Martin ********
@Stephen *******
apart from the visa of course, everything else is pretty straight forward. Depends on what the total price was as to how much value you get. I never knock anyone for using agents because in most cases it just makes sense.Stephen ********
@Martin *******
I paid an agent Anna’s visa because I’ve heard of too many people having to go back 2-3 times because of not having the right documentsMax *************
@Stephen *******
Wow, you basically couldn't manage one thing on your own. Not even a sim-card. 🤔Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Vicky *****************
I just got the DTV visa. It wasn't that hard but I used an agent. Thai Visa Solutions.
Eamonn *******
@Vicky ****************
and Don't be shy,tell us what the visa cost, and what the agent cost, that would be helpful, as you said you recently did itMax *************
@Vicky ****************
You mean,it wasn't that hard because you used an agent. 🤔Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Maitin *******
The only real issue for a retirement visa is that without a long term visa, it's quite difficult to open a bank account. So currently many people do an Non OA at their local embassy in their home country. Only issue is that you need to get health insurance.
Honestly if you qualify, LTR is the way to go. But I would not stretch myself financially to get one. .
Honestly if you qualify, LTR is the way to go. But I would not stretch myself financially to get one. .
Pertti *************
@Maitin ******
it's hassle even if you have initial visa. Just pay to agent👍Max *************
@Maitin ******
You can open a bank account on a 90 days Non-O based on retirement and from there extend the stay for another year as long as you meet the financial requirements. This is by far the most popular method for retirees.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Robert ********
Expect the US economy to continue to slow down and become more expensive. The stock market is on its own time and really doesn't reflect the state of the economy any more because a few huge IT stocks dominate the formula. It's a shitshow.
Mark *******
I’m doing the same
Looking at best way to stay 1 to 3 months at a time
Looking at best way to stay 1 to 3 months at a time
Jordan ********************
@Mark ******
you get 60 days at entry and can extend for an extra 30 to make 3 monthsReply to
Jordan ********************
Reply
Michael ********
What changes ?
Roberto *********
Elite Privilege Visa is absolutely the best
Pertti *************
@Roberto ********
best visa for me is what gives possibility to citizenship. Initial cost is 2000baht.Roberto *********
@Pertti ************
Why would you want Thai citizenship? 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Pete *******
@Roberto ********
Elite Privilege Visa is completely worthless now with the arrival of the DTV.Jo **********
@Roberto ********
no LTR is ! no 90day reportingRoberto *********
@Jo *********
That's IT? 90-day reporting bothers you?Jo **********
@Roberto ********
it consumes time and is nonsenseRoberto *********
@Jo *********
So you pay 50,000 baht to avoid a simple 90-day report? 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Max *************
@Roberto ********
It has never been the best option and not priceworthy.Roberto *********
@Max ************
The OP didn't indicate he has cost restrictions. I thought he was seeking optionsMartin ********
@Max ************
at current price levels I agreeReply to
Martin ********
Reply
Martin ********
@Roberto ********
I don’t entirely agree, there are other ways at much lower cost. Of course the fast track immigration and the chauffeur services are great but beyond that’s about it for me.Roberto *********
@Martin *******
The OP didn't mention cost restrictions?Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
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