Hi Guys. Sharing updates about the rules for DTV extension for your info with some questions to consider together.
Context: I got my DTV – Digital Nomad in Oct 2024, live in Bkk and am in the processing of extending it for the first time. I meet all requirements for the extension – $ in bank, work, everything.
The agent in Cheangwattana didn’t accept my application for extension because my bank statements don’t cover the current month. In case you don’t know, most banks around the world don’t provide bank statements for the current month. Statements are automated and are provided only for previous months.
I showed the officer my banking app, where they saw that I have the required funds. They confirmed that they understand that I have the funds and that the rest of my paperwork is fine too. However, they said that they can’t process the application because of this requirement.
Instead, they gave me the below options, which I’m sharing with the group, as I’m sure that others will be in the same position:
1/ Wait for 1st April, get the statement for March, and apply again. They said that if 1 day is missing from the statement, it wouldn’t be an issue. My current visa expires on 10th April but they said there would be enough time to process this.
2/ Leave Thailand anytime before 10th April, stay out of the country for a day, and come back. They said that if I do this, the immigration officer at the boarders will extend my visa for another 180 days without requiring any documentation and without any processing fees.
3/ I have an acquaintance at the Bkk immigration who said that I can pay 10k THB and get the extension without any paperwork but I don’t want to do this, especially since I meet all requirements.
Based on these options, I have some questions and would appreciate your advice:
-Timelines for extension at the immigration: The officer said that 10 days are more than enough but I see online that they advise to start the extension process several weeks before the current visa expires. What’s your personal experience?
-Extension via boarder run: The agent told me that this is the easiest way to extend – no questions asked by officials. When I asked about the success rate, they said it’ll work 100%. Can anyone who did this from the group confirm their experience and if they have any issues?
-Future extensions: My understanding is that DTV is a multiple entry Visa, however, we can only have 1 extension every 365 days. If I leave the country, come back, and extend for another 180 days, can I leave the country again within the same rolling year and come back? If I do so, will the visa be extended further or not?
-90-day reporting scenarios: Normally, we have to report twice every 6 months, so my reporting is due till 10th April. If I stay and extend at the Bkk immigration, I also have to do the 90-day reporting process. If I leave the country for a day for the visa extension, do I still have to do the 90-day reporting or not?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) holder in Thailand attempting to extend their visa. It highlights key issues with bank statement requirements, provides options for extension including waiting for a new bank statement, leaving Thailand for a day to reset the visa, or paying for an informal extension. The author seeks advice on processing times for extensions, the effectiveness of border runs for visa renewal, and the rules surrounding 90-day reporting. Commenters share their experiences and clarify the extension and reporting process, affirming that leaving and returning to Thailand is a common and effective strategy for obtaining a new 180-day stamp.
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