What does it mean to extend the DTV visa once a year in Thailand, and how does it work with re-entries?

Extension costs 10,000 baht so can't you just leave and come back?

initial multi-entry visa is granted for 180 days stay then can be extended for a further 180 days stay which is 360 days stay . This applies to the length of time you can be in Thailand without having to leave the country. After the 360 days you have to leave the country and then re-enter gaining a further 180 days stay. This is clear on Thai embassy websites which is where we should be looking for information 'VISA validity : 5 years Multiple entries'

'Period of Stay : 180 days per entry of Stay : for another 180 days is possible at the Thai Immigration Bureau. After the maximum stay of 180+ 180 days, DTV holders are required to depart from Thailand and re-enter Thailand again' You have a maximum of 360 days once you enter the country. There is zero confusion on this, it has nothing to do with calendar years. Your date of arrival is only pertinent to setting the clock ticking on your initial 180 days. You need to get the extension before the 180 days expires. Then you have another 180 days after need to leave the country and come back, which re-sets the clock again. (No more extensions even if you changed calendar year). 'Internet' content can be wrong. Always look on the government websites for information. Embassies will have the correct information on visas. In your case, as others have indicated, you will have to leave in October 2025 when your extension expires and then re-enter

Never heard of anyone applying for extension so far. Requirement for extension might be same as initial application.

Probably better to understand that every entry gives you 180 days in Thailand. Each entry can be extended once for 180 days. Maximum time in country per entry is 360 days after which you must leave. Re-entry gives another 180 days again extendable.

Each entry can be extended once, so in October if you extended you have to run at the border and come back and boom 180 days and possibly an extension again

Then you repeat the process

You can extend only one time each entry. The reason they say once per year is because there are only 365 days in a year. How would you apply twice after 180+180 days?