What is the process and experience of switching from a Long-Term Non-O Visa to a DTV at the Thai Embassy in Laos?

Sep 13, 2024
2 months ago
Jeff **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone switched from a type O long-term visa to a DTV Thai Embassy in Laos? How was your experience? I'm wondering if they would give a person a hard time because they already have a long-term visa.
594
views
0
likes
22
all likes
15
replies
0
images
5
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around experiences switching from a Non-O long-term visa to a DTV visa at a Thai Embassy in Laos. Key points include that one individual successfully made the switch while having a valid Non-O visa, and that the consulate informed them the Non-O would be canceled upon issuance of the DTV. Others shared their experiences, noting different circumstances under which switching is possible, including employment opportunities and valid reasons for the change.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Greg ********
Dunno if you saw it but a guy just posted he got the DTV in Vientiane with a still valid ED Visa.
Helen ********
We had a valid Non O, but hadn't entered Thailand yet, when we applied for the DTV. The consulate, Vancouver, said if we got the DTV they'd cancel the Non O. We told them there was an opportunity for a contract that a DTV would allow us to accept and had no issues.

You can leave without getting the re-entry stamp and that will invalidate the Non O. No idea what questions neighboring embassies will ask for to justify the switch.
Ray *****
There could be many valid reasons to change.

I'm on a non O for retirement, a company has asked me to consult for them so the workcation option is my reason for changing
Gerry ********
@Ray ****
What's stopping you from staying with the non-o retirement visa?

You can't 'work in Thailand' with either non-o or DTV, so what's the difference?

There are plenty of non-o retirees conducting offshore business, such as property/investment.

If it is a Thai company that asked you to consult for them, then you can't do that on the DTV. If it is offshore, then I see nothing at all preventing you from doing so on the non-o, like many others.

If I'm wrong, I'd love to be pointed to a source, because I can't find anything.

I was considering a non-o (retirement) myself, until the DTV was announced. I don't live in Thailand (yet), so DTV is more suitable for me at this time.
Ray *****
@Gerry *******
workcation is allowed under DTV. And you can work online with the DTV
Gerry ********
@Ray ****
Working for an offshore company whilst in Thailand is a grey area with non-o visa, but if you satisfy the requirements of the workcation DTV (proof of offshore employer/clients), you're not actually doing anything wrong.

DTV is possibly cheaper in the long run, but you can't live full time in Thailand on DTV. Extensions and/or border runs are necessary.
Greg ********
@Ray ****
I may be in your position. Old boss who is now a COO asked me to do some work and have interview with her CEO on the 23rd. DTV would be best option as a Global company HQ Singapore and CEO UK.