thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the pros and cons of the Retirement visa versus the DTV Softpower visa for long-term stay in Thailand?

Retirement Visa (NON-O)DTV Softpower VisaVisa Options ThailandMuay Thai Education VisaUS Expat Visa RulesImmigration in ThailandVisa Extension ProceduresFinancial Requirements for Visa
Oct 15, 2025
2 months ago
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey there! I get that this might seem redundant for a lot of specialists. I'm a retired US military vet over 50, pulling in more than 65,000 baht a month from my pensions, plus I've got a financial portfolio that's over 800,000 baht. After checking out some older posts, it looks like I can qualify for a Retirement visa (without the hassle of depositing 800,000 in a Thai bank), and I'm also interested in the DTV Softcore visa since I want to learn Muay Thai.

So, my main question is: what are the pros and cons of each visa option? If I can qualify for both, which one is easier to deal with in the long run?

I heard that with the DTV soft core visa, you have to leave the country every 180 days, but that's not an issue for me. And most of the gyms offer courses 1 year or less of duration, meaning after that course Legally I would of out of status
3,028
views
9
likes
93
all likes
42
replies
0
images
14
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around two visa options for a retired US military veteran: the Retirement Visa (NON-O) and the DTV Softpower Visa meant for individuals wanting to learn Muay Thai. The Retirement Visa requires either a one-time deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for the first year or a monthly income of 65,000 THB, but it is challenging for Americans due to income verification issues. Alternatively, the DTV Softpower Visa offers flexibility with no need for a Thai bank account. However, it requires exiting the country for renewal every 180 days. Participants in the discussion also noted other considerations like potential hassles with education visas, bank account requirements, and the possibility of a 5-year Elite visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Ric ******
If you don't mind paying for a MuayThai gym, softpower DTV seems your best option. Check with the consulate of choice if your 'portfolio' qualifies BEFORE paying the application fee. Crypto typically does not. Cash is strongly preferred, but some may accept other asset classes. I you continue training there, extension for another 180 days is doable for 1.900 THB.

Every 360 days you will need to leave, but you seem active and curious, so that trip probably won't bother you.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Jack ********
Soft Core? lol where did you come up with that.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jack *******
 lol my Oops. Man these visas are not a simple shit. No wonder people jumps boarders
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kamran *********
Reply
Hans *********
Dtv you can get one extension at immigration stay for one year,not an issue I like to go to other countries. I got mine in Hanoi last year was fairly simple through a certified by govt Muay Thai school. As many entries as you want . Got drivers licenses, and before they stopped it a bank account. Dtv only need to show
*****
dollars or so , but it needs to be in a bank account verifiable for 6 months prior to applying.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Hans *********
Actually it was this year, haha in february
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Hans *********
Reply
Jack ****************
Hey there OP, I'm not familiar with the visa you reference, but because you talk about it in conjunction with learning Muay Thai, this might be relevant:

The immigration departments HATE the education visas. Even if you use it for the intended purpose, if you want to stay after, you will be hassled at every renewal and often on your entries into the country. So, if the visa you are talking about is similar I'd be careful.

Also, while the banks here are maddening, opening an account isn't difficult the way you are probably hearing these days. Follow the process, be polite, be patient, you will be fine.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Thomas ***********
I dont care what you think you gotta show 800,000 thb in a bank for a period of three months and your bank book is worthless to imigration you need printed stamped documents from the approved bank i am very expierianced in this also American
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Thomas **********
 it's 2 months before applying and 3 months after.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert ********
Reply
Gábor **********
NON O-A, you can hold your money back home.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@Gábor *********
 The Non-O/A visa is a beast on its own . . . . . . Funds in your home bank only for the first two years. As soon as you switch to the Extension out of a former Non-O/A Visa, you need 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your sole name, AND a mandatory tgia-listed Thai private health insurance
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Gábor **********
@Greg **********
 I don't make extensions, new visa every second year.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gábor *********
 there are a lot of bureaucratic red tapes.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kamran *********
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gábor *********
 ok. Kindly elaborate. That will solve my issue.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kamran ********
 with the OA you’ll need police background check,medical certificate and you’ll need basically not very good Thai insurance and yes you can use the 800k in your US bank
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Gábor **********
@Bob *********
 for years I used non Thai travel insurance. Now I have Thai insurance... Anyway needed if you long time here.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gábor **********
Reply
Donald **********
@Kamran ********
 There are other requirements too for non-oa, like Thai health insurance from specific providers. Make a list of requirements for all the visas (non-o, non-oa and DTV) and choose the best option for you. Oh and you can study Muay Thai on the non-o and non-oa too, Grasshopper!
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@Donald *********
 "There are other requirements too for non-oa, like Thai health insurance from specific providers. " . . . . . . no "Thai health insurances" required for the first two years. Foreign health insurances will be accepted
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Greg ***********
@Kamran ********
 Non-O/A visa, it needs a police record check, a medical check, a mandatory one or two-years health insurance and a minimum of 25,500 US Dollars (equivalent of 800,000 THB) in your home bank account (it says "bank", not fixed account, or stock market bonds or whatever else!)
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Carla ****
@Greg **********
 is it a medical check OR insurance? I always thought the OA required health insurance?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean **********
@Carla ***
 health certificate and insurance
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@Carla ***
 it is both: for the application to the 365-days Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa, you need proof of a thorough medical checkup, and a one- or two year health insurance
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Gábor **********
@Kamran ********
 you do it back home and you can use it for 2 years.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Kamran ********
 Check with local embassy in States that deals with your area. All requirements will be on there website
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Ian ********
The 800k option is easiest to maintain as is a set and forget.

The 65k/calendar month remittance cannot be missed otherwise it's game over. Further, having immigration identify that the funds were from overseas can be problematic via some routing.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian *******
 something learn new. Funds will be from overseas taxed pension. Will they monitor monthly pensions deposits?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean **********
@Kamran ********
 no, immigration does not monitor your pension. They want to see 12 monthly deposits from a foreign source of
*****
thb or more each.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kamran ********
 your funds must show as an international transfer taxed or not you can start this immediately and use it for your second year extension the 800k has to stay in your account for 5 months then it can drop to 400K then top it up to 800K 2 months before your second extension use your monthly for that once you get the stamp do as you please with the 800K
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian ********
@Kamran ********
No idea however doubt it.

Am not from the US of A so it doesn't affect me.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
Gregory *********
Soft power not soft core. DTV gives you only 180 days per visit while a non o means you dont have to leave.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pe ****
@Gregory ********
DTV. Trying to understand the 180 day rule.

Does it mean:

1. After 180 days you have to leave, cross into Laos and come back the same day? Or:

2. After 180 days you must leave and stay out of Thailand for 185 days before you can return (180 days’ stay in a calendar year)? Or:

3. Something else?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pe ***
 Regarding # 2. Are you sure person must stay out Thailand 185 days before return. I just returned from a DTV helping consult at authorized Mai Thai school, and I was told I can just go to Laos for a day and return to fulfillment of 180 day exit rule.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pe ****
@Kamran ********
If you read carefully, I asked questions. Asking me “Are you sure …?” is very strange.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Gregory *********
@Kamran ********
 one day out can return for another 180 days. Or can extend for a further 180 days from within thailand once and then leave for 1 day and start again
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pe ****
@Gregory ********
Thanks for the information. Appreciate it.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregory ********
 yes that is what i have learned. I got confused after reading above 185 out comments. Thank you.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kamran *********
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregory ********
 oops thanks Soft Power lol
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
@Kamran ********
 its not like everybody didn't know what he meant
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Non-o retirement you can open a Thai bank acct

DTV no bank acct

Non-o The first year you need to deposit the entire ฿800k the second year you can transfer the ฿65k a month

DTV you can come and go as you want

Non-O you need to apply for exit stamps and purchase the multi entry non-o

Non-O extend every year at immigration

DTV 5 years locked in

Also look into the Elite visa 5-20 years and you can have a Thai bank acct

Good luck
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
Because you're American, your income is irrelevant. The US embassy in Thailand does not verify income, so you cannot use that for the first annual extension. That means the only thing you can use for the first one year retirement extension is 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account in your name only. Having a portfolio isn't going to help you unless you're willing to cash it all out and transfer those funds into Thailand and keep them mostly locked up, for at least 1.5 years.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kamran *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks for your quick respond. I am trying to avoid the hassle (as I read) to deal with thai banks and leave 800,000 bhat for years. I watched a video interview of Thai Ministry Official at FitFac site, he said ANY BANK ACCOUNT INCLUDING USA. According to your respond DTV softcore is easier to avoid local banks.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Kamran ********
 I'm referencing the non-O retirement visa. DTV is its own beast.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kim **********
@Kamran ********
 yes any bank account to apply from OUTSIDE Thailand for the initial 90 days. But to get a 1 year extension you need to open a Thai bank account and deposit the 800,000 baht and have it sit for 2 months before you do the extension.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kim **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What visa options should I consider for retirement in Thailand if I can only apply for a DTV in April?
36 comments
2 months ago
What are the requirements and clarifications for the DTV visa and retirement visas in Thailand?
28 comments
2 months ago
What are the requirements and options for obtaining a DTV or ED visa to stay in Thailand?
6 comments
2 months ago
What are the experiences of Digital Nomad Visa holders in Thailand, and is the LTR visa a better option?
32 comments
2 months ago
What are the best long-term visa options for a retired American expat in Thailand?
55 comments
2 months ago
What are the best visa options for retirees over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?
15 comments
3 months ago
Should I choose a DTV visa or a retirement visa in Thailand at 50 years old?
56 comments
3 months ago
What are the best visa options for a retired British-American expat looking to live in Thailand?
20 comments
3 months ago
What is the best visa option for a semi-retired individual considering living in Thailand?
8 comments
3 months ago
Which visa should I choose for living and working online in Thailand for a year: retirement visa or DTV?
19 comments
4 months ago
Which visa should I choose: DTV or Retirement visa for staying in Thailand?
29 comments
5 months ago
What are the differences between the Retirement visa and the DTV visa for moving to Thailand?
15 comments
5 months ago
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand permanently, particularly for Education, Retirement, and DTV visas?
71 comments
8 months ago
What are the best options for a prior military expat to obtain a DTV visa in Thailand with passive income?
31 comments
8 months ago
What are the best visa options for US Veterans considering moving to Thailand?
10 comments
9 months ago
What long-stay visa options are available for a retiree under 50 wishing to live in Thailand?
21 comments
9 months ago
What are the pros and cons of the new Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) versus the Retirement Visa for expats over 50 in Thailand?
20 comments
a year ago
What are the options for applying for a DTV Visa in Thailand, especially when retired and without an income?
4 comments
a year ago
What visa options do veterans have for retiring in Thailand and how can they ensure a stress-free experience?
45 comments
a year ago
Should I choose the DTV visa or a retirement visa for living in Thailand after 50?
201 comments
a year ago
Is the DTV visa a better option than the Non-O retirement visa for expats in Thailand?
110 comments
a year ago
What are the pros and cons of 90-day O vs 1-year OA visa for a US retiree planning to stay in Thailand?
55 comments
2 years ago
What are the pros and cons of processing a retirement visa at the Thai embassy in the USA versus in Thailand for those over 60 with IRAs?
32 comments
2 years ago
Should I choose a Retirement Visa or an ED Visa for my stay in Thailand?
10 comments
2 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.