What visa options should I consider for remote work and dental treatment in Thailand?

DTV Visa Retirement Visa Health Insurance Remote Work Muay Thai Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Policy Dental Treatment in Thailand

Nov 8, 2024

13 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Need some DTV advice, I apologize beforehand if this may be a long post.

My details:

1. I’m looking to become a remote worker (video editor) but I don’t have any freelance work coming in currently. I have an online portfolio which shows my work but that’s about it right now. My last paying job was one that I had in the US (not remote) last year before I got laid off.

2. I have enough in savings for the minimum 500K Baht.

3. I’m interested in Muay Thai but haven’t trained anywhere yet.

4. I also have a dental implant I need to get done.

5. I’m currently in Thailand but will be going to Vietnam in a few months for a few months.

6. I will be turning 50 next April.

So my main questions are as follows:

Which category should I apply with? Can I apply for several i.e Remote worker and need a dental implant?

Should I apply from Vietnam or when I return to the US? Does online or embassy applying make it easier?

Should I just get the retirement O-A Visa when I turn 50 next year over the DTV? 

Thanks in advance for all advice!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on visa options for living in Thailand as a remote worker and managing dental treatment. Key considerations include whether to apply for a DTV visa, given their intention to work online, or to wait until turning 50 to apply for a retirement O-A visa. Comments suggest the DTV visa for its multi-entry benefits and advice against applying from the USA, recommending applications from Vietnam instead. The choice between categories like remote work or health reasons, such as dental needs, is also discussed, with insights into processing requirements and potential challenges.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Thuy ******

DTV visa expires in 5 years with stay up to 180 days per visit. Retirement visa expires in 1 year with stay up to 1 year. DTV is less paperwork over 5 years IMO if you leave/re-enter every 180 days (non-extension route). DTV extension route will require same paperwork process as original DTV application (less desirable route)

8 days ago

Kevin ********

Go the simple route. Do retirement visa. It’s an understood system that is simple to do yourself. And you can do in country.

9 days ago

Paul *******

If you can qualify for the LTR, absolutely go for that one rather than the DTV. It's much better in every respect. You can essentially stay 5 years before being reviewed for another 5 years. Reporting is only once every 12 months. You get a special immigration lane at the airport. It's reportedly easier to apply for bank accounts too and has several other perks.

9 days ago

Somari *********

Don't apply in USA. I applied both in New York and Los Angeles and both places jerked me around and denied me. Wait and apply in Vietnam for a DTV dental appointment. I need a crown so in December I'll be doing that. I'll be in Bangkok in two days. Yep if you are self employed getting paid thru cashapp they don't understand that and just ignore you.

11 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Somari Thunder I was thinking of applying online when I got back to the US next May/June. I'll be in Vietnam for a few months on this trip so maybe I'll apply there. So you think it'll be better to apply in person at a Vietnamese embassy vs applying online?

10 days ago

Paul *******

Anonymous participant It's online in Vietnam now, but just apply there. Otherwise, if you qualify for it, go for the LTR, but you need to have a substantial amount of savings (check the BOI website for details).

9 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

It's actually the retirement O-A Visa not the LTR I would go for. Fixed my post.

9 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Somari *********

Anonymous participant I don't think anybody can apply in person. It's all online.

10 days ago

Reply to

Somari *********

Derry *********

Muay thai is the easier option to prove. Just find a gym with experience in providing the right documents

12 days ago

Luit *****************

I think it is also important to know for yourself what your plans are for the coming years.

If you want to live in Thailand and not want to leave the country at least every year at the moment the extension end, the non-o might be the better option.

If you plan not to live in Thailand but will be there only for longer periods and don't want to be at the right moment in Thailand to get the 1 year extension and buy re-entry permits, the DTV might be the better option.

And also you can use DTV for the next years to get prepared for the non-o.

13 days ago

Andi ***********

Go for the DTV as you looking to work online and it is multi entry. Can not work officially online with a retirement visa although many do on the DL.

13 days ago

Werner ************

Do you qualify for an LTR? It doesn’t appear to be the case

13 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry I got the LTR and retirement visa mixed up. It would be the retirement O-A Visa for sure.

13 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Wannikea *********

Pick one category, medical route looks legitimate according to your age. Check posts for successful approvals in your chosen category at the embassy you're considering to get an idea of what they find acceptable. Get a letterhead document from the clinic outlining your diagnoses, treatment plan and follow-up with appointments set up.

13 days ago

Paul *******

@Wannikea ********

Plus the appropriate signatures and stamps. No stamp from the hospital = no visa.

9 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Matthew *******

Watching

13 days ago

Reply to

Matthew *******