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What are the requirements and options for obtaining a DTV or ED visa to stay in Thailand?

DTV Visa ED Visa Visa Requirements Thai Citizenship Expat Life in Thailand Bank Account Requirements Muay Thai Training Language Learning Permanent Residency in Thailand

Oct 4, 2025

7 months ago

Sledge *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sawasdee Krub,

Anyone familiar with this coming from the Us should be able to help. 

I’ve been told the move to stay in Thailand is to apply for the DTV visa, full stop. The issue of course is that you need 500,000 baht average in a bank account (checking /savings) for 90 + days.

I have a brokerage account with the amount but from what I understand, that doesn’t work because it has to be currency, not stocks, crypto, etc. 

My back up is an ED visa, but I’m concerned because the fees aren’t refundable for either option, and I’m flying on 31st Oct.

If I’m being honest, I’m planning to train Muay Thai, and learn the language (probably seek citizenship eventually) 

I get checks for life, and plan on working digitally on top of that, but they want 3 months of the money in my account to recieve DTV. 

Can I come in with ED and and apply after the expiration from another SE country? 

Is there any tips on how I still may be able to get the DTV? I really really want that one!

Khop Khun Krub!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks guidance on obtaining a DTV visa to stay in Thailand, mentioning the need for 500,000 baht in a bank account for 90 days. They express concern over their funds being in a brokerage account, questions about using an ED visa initially, and their ambitions to train in Muay Thai and learn Thai. Comments provide insights that banks accounts must hold cash, elaborate on hurdles for citizenship, the need for work permits, and potential challenges with renewing the DTV visa. Recommendations include ensuring proper documentation and thoughtful consideration of visa options.

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Gerg **********

The DTV is proving to be problematic for some people. It’s not everything they promised. You should research it well before settling on it, unless that’s your only option of course.

7 months ago

Sasi ************

Thai citizenship is very difficult to get, much harder than The US. Almost impossible, if you followed the news of the taekwondo . coach you’d not even mentioned it.

7 months ago

Anna *********

Best thing is to save ( or transfer) the 500k thb and then apply for DTV

Citizenship will never happen

7 months ago

Mark **********

If you’re trying to get citizenship, better be able to pony up 500,000 baht no problem. For that you’ll need a non immigrant business visa, maintain a job and work permit + visa for 3 years to get permanent residence. Then it’s 5 years further to get citizenship and you usually make a donation of 500k to 1 million baht. You need to maintain income and post taxes. Citizenship here is not easy.

The DTV is ok but won’t help you on any type of eventual permanent residence and you’ll have trouble renewing it in country, needing to do a border bounce every 180 days. Not awful but just something to know.

ED visa have been scrutinized as well so I’ve avoided them. I live here in a privilege visa, it was honestly the cleanest and easiest option for me. Dtv will work for fine for 5 years but don’t count in it to be there when you’re done and don’t count on being treated like a resident on one, your can not open a bank account and aren’t seen as living here on a long term visa. 👍

7 months ago

Robert **********

If you are looking at citizenship you would need three years of work permits amongst other requirements. If you are not married to a Thai you would also need to get Permanent Residency first.

This link gives you lots of information on the topic

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7 months ago

Brandon ************

Most of the consulates in the US want 3 months of statements but only care what the balance is in the most recent month for the DTV. You'll need the money in an actual bank account though.

Also, forget about Thai citizenship or even permanent residence. Not going to happen.

7 months ago

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Brandon ************

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What are the requirements for obtaining a DTV visa for U.S. citizens in Thailand regarding proof of income?

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