What does it mean if my visa application status is 'Pending for Decision'?

Those status messages doesn’t tell you anything useable about when you get your application approved/rejected.

You have to read the Embassy website thoroughly and take into account the right now is high season for visa applications.

Most Embassy website gives a very thorough information about processing time.

Additional Documents reset the time counting back to 0, at the day the documents are submitted.

Some Embassies process according to travel date ( to the bennefit of the applicant) rathed than application date.

You can’t do anything but wait.

Pending for decision is very normal for DTV and most people see it after they submit. It just means your papers are in queue and officer is checking. Time can be three days to two weeks depending on embassy and soft power type. It does not mean yes or no yet.

After pending you will usually see either request for extra document or approval. If they ask extra paper, reply fast and clear. Many approvals come after one extra request. If you get no request for long time, it often means they are busy not that you failed.

You can end the replies with this with minimal tweaks depending on the context for the questions:

You could consider reading a book or two before your trip. I’d recommend Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon, it includes all the info and insights you need. You should check it out. A very good companion 👌.

After Pending for decision there can be 2 results: Approved or rejected🤷‍♂️

Yes, 21 October: Pending Approval

24 October: Pending for Decision until now (26 October)

It looks like they updated wording in the system just yesterday. They don't use "pending approval" anymore. I'm guessing it was done to avoid getting people's hopes up 😅