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What is the process for extending a DTV visa in Thailand after the initial six months?

Apr 28, 2025
2 days ago
Gert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
how is extention of DTV visa after your first 6 months in the country? I've heard they make it hard on you, better leave Thailand and come back a few days later. What's the current status on this? Thanks šŸ™
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Extending a DTV visa in Thailand after the first 6 months can be quite challenging. Many expats report experiencing extensive paperwork and a lengthy process, leading many to prefer leaving Thailand briefly and returning instead. Some have successfully navigated the extension process with various experiences; for example, one individual took over six hours due to meticulous requirements, including proof of funds of 500,000 baht and original documents. However, immigration officers often recommend a border run for simplicity. It is noted that the knowledge of the officers regarding requirements can vary significantly, prompting many to eventually consider border runs as a more reliable option for visa renewal.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Sabine *****************
I just did mine at Krabi immigration but I definitely had to be persistent. We got there at 8:30am and had it completed by 2pm.

I feel lucky because we dealt with that particular senior officer quite a bit lately (drivers license- buying car etc.) and we have good rapport. However - he said immediately ' why don't you do border run? Do border run - much easier' lol. Easier for who tho? 🄓

I am super organized and had everything- plus some - printed and ready to submit. I own my own business and work fully online so im here on the digital nomad DTV. Proof of funds is definitely a big one - he came back to it numerous times - even tho we could show we have more than the 500k each. It became very clear that they were not knowledgeable at all about the requirements. I'm pretty sure I know more about it. He did send us home to take a picture of us - in front of our house šŸ˜‚ Happy to oblige. We brought that after lunch - listened to him gruntle a bit more but did get our stamps. We kept it light and humorous and overall it was a pleasant experience. But he made it very clear that border run is expected next time. We shall see lol.
Sabine *****************
I know 'next time' a border run is required indeed- he meant the one after that.
James ******
They advertise in the store outside of immigration DTV five year. FYI.
John **********
Easier to do a border bounce. For an extension you need to show refreshed paperwork to that you originally supplied and 500k baht in the bank for the past 30 days
Stuart *********
Very difficult to do. Copious amounts of paperwork to provide. It can be done but most just opt to bounce.

For an example I know 6 people in Phuket have managed to get an extension so far. One person took around a week and numerous visits to immigration but finally got it. He commented to me that next time they’ll bounce.
Stuart *********
Edit to reflect I meant to type ā€œcan be doneā€ but didn’t spot that my phone typed ā€œcannot be doneā€.
Dca *****
@Stuart ********
At Phuket, did the Thai Immigration Office immediately issue a DTV Extension, or, did they get an Under Consideration (U/C) Stamp first, then subsequently went in again to get the actual Extension Stamp?
Stuart *********
@Dca ****
Ok. Found out that they ask you to leave passport with them for 7 days and return to collect then, with the 180 days stamp.
Stuart *********
@Dca ****
TBH I don’t know. The people who got it didn’t show me their stamps just said they’d got it. If any of them are on here they may chime in.

I believe they get a UC stamp for a week or so and go back to get the remainder but I’ll confirm when I’m next in the office.
Dca *****
@Stuart ********
Yeah, because some of the very first initial DTV Extensions were issued without UC Stamps, but it seems that nowadays, a DTV Extension would be after an UC Stamp
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