What are the recent tips and requirements for applying for a Thai visa through the London embassy?

Last Sept my London application took 21 days. The visa arrived the day before my flight. London requires a prebooked flight and asked me for my e-ticket.

Required Documents by Category

DTV1 – Workcation

Required documents:

- Passport or travel document biodata page

- A recent photo taken within the last 6 months

- Proof of current location (e.g., utility bills or driving license)

- Financial evidence of no less than £11,000 (500,000 THB) (e.g., bank statements or sponsorship letter)

- Employment contract, certificate of employment, or professional portfolio showing your status as a digital nomad/remote worker/foreign talent/freelancer

- Flight details (e-ticket issued directly by the airline), showing your name, departure date, and full itinerary from the UK/Ireland to Thailand, including onward travel (if any).

Note:

- Screenshots or tickets issued by travel agents will not be accepted.

- Sponsorship letter is allowed for children under 16 years old only.

Main tip is to include as many documents as you can in your original application, anything that you think might be slightly relevant. Add as much evidence as you can for your reason and also include a letter confirming that you're not going to work with any Thai clients or take any job within the kingdom, like a confirmation letter.

If they ask me for anything else, the London office often asks for separate letters for a few things. In my case they ask for a letter confirming that I understand this is not a marriage visa and that's because I am married to an international but I prefer the DTV visa option. Another letter I had to write confirming that I won't be working with any Thai clients and I won't be taking employment and I understand I'm not allowed to work on this visa.

They wanted my company registration documents even though I included them in the original application. They ask for them again. Don't question it, just send it again. Often after these applications come through they're just clicking on buttons for which documents you should send next. They also asked for a confirmation letter promising that I will remain in the United Kingdom until my application is decided. In addition they wanted me to prove that I'm a resident of the UK and I just sent them another version of my passport, plus my driver's license and a recent bank letter that was sent to my home with the home address on it and my full name.

As you thought, Rules/requirements seem to change rapidly

What is a DTV and is it still available?

Use this printscreen at least you can say you tried

Happy to introduce you to a great local Samui agent who specializes in DTV and also generously donates part of their fees to the Samui Surf Lifesaving club (to help local Kids to learn to swim in the ocean). I can send you their details

Mine was 10 days total with 2 extra doc requests

They want. Proof of money. Up to date. And a flight e number. Doesn’t have to be return.

Sent my initial docs in and 24 hours later (Friday) they requested 3 more things. I don’t think there can be much more outstanding apart from proof of flight, so I’d imagine they’d request this week.

Seems to be moving fast

I applied recently though London, and if took three days start to finish, including two requests for additional documentation. I'm not aware of any rules having changed at all, so I wouldn't worry about that. Follow the process exactly, and it should be just fine.

London has been a ballache from asking to upload documents already uploaded and then to have documents legalised. Had to email a few times to nudge them too half hour after a nudge they then take actions needed on the app

April 6th is a Thai holiday. That means if you apply on the 20th, that's only 14 working days between when you apply and when you're flying.

Recent reports from London indicate extended processing time beyond their normal 15 days as stated on the website. They've been sending emails to people asking them to submit letters saying they will not leave the UK until their visa is issued, and to upload a rebooked flight ticket.

So all I have to say is good luck, especially with Songkran coming up.