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Answered5 months ago

What are the pros and cons of the DTV visa versus the Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand for expats?

Ser *****
asked May 12, 2026
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Hi, looking at two option visa for Chiangmai :

1) dtv - medical (for glaucoma) or cooking school

2) non-immigrant O

Questions/concerns:

Is it much hassle renewing yearly for non-immigrant O and how many times can it be renew?

DTV - what are the approval rates comparing medical and cooking school?

Please no negative comments. Genuine comments appreciated. Cheers!
Answer summary
The post discusses two visa options for Chiang Mai: the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) which can be for medical reasons (such as treatment for glaucoma) or attending a cooking school, and the Non-Immigrant O visa. The user inquires about the hassle of yearly renewals for the Non-O visa and the approval rates for the DTV visa in both medical and educational scenarios. Comments indicate that the Non-O visa is generally easier to manage, especially for those over 50, who can extend it indefinitely in Thailand, with no significant problems during renewal.
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Steven ***************
Steven ***************
If you qualify the Non-O is easiest. No problems extending annually.
Riz ****
Riz ****
To follow up… I'm in the same dilemma.
John **********
John **********
If you are over 50 and qualify for the 90 day Non-O visa, which you can extend for 12 months inside Thailand that's a far easier option in my view. It can be extended indefinitely

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