Answered6 months ago

Which is better for expats: DTV or ED visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa ED Visa Visa Regulations Bank Accounts in Thailand Immigration Chiang Mai

LoyalTu*******

asked Apr 16, 2026

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Hello dear friends.

I'm choosing between a DTV (Culture/ Soft Power) and ED visa. I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone recently received a DTV at the TSL in Chiang Mai? How easy is it?

2. How realistic is it to open a bank account with a ED visa in 2026? For example, in Chiang Mai? Has anyone recently managed to open a bank account with a ED visa?

3. What are the pitfalls when choosing between these two visas? How important/desirable is it to have a bank account in Thailand? Does it make life easier? Especially if there is the potential to get a retirement visa later?

4. How time-consuming is it to update/prolong at the immigration office if I have a ED visa? Is it difficult? Is it easy? Does the school help with this?

5. How much does it cost (given the same course price) - 10,000  for DTV visa (as far as I understand, it's for 5 years). With a single visa, it's 2,000 THB the first time and 1,900 THB every three months. For example, with two trips per year, that's another 2,000 THB. On the other hand, with a foreign visa, you'll need to leave and return twice a year.

So, for two years (let's assume):

In terms of cost, it's 10,000 THB for a foreign visa, and 16,000 THB + 4,000 THB= 20,000 THB (roughly) for ED visa.

In terms of convenience, with ED visa, there's no requirement to leave, but you do need to report every three months. With a foreign visa, it's the opposite. Furthermore, when renewing, there's a chance of being denied entry (is this true?),  if you can't prove you still meet the criteria.

What are the other pros and cons? Is there anything I didn't consider?

Thanks for your opinions and answers.

Answer summary

The post discusses the pros and cons of choosing between a DTV (Culture/Soft Power) and ED (Education) visa for living in Thailand, specifically regarding logistics in Chiang Mai. Users contribute information about the application process, banking issues with each visa type, costs, and the convenience of remaining in Thailand without frequent exits. Important considerations include the ability to open a bank account, extension procedures, and overall cost over two years.

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Wannikea *********

Why do I get the feeling you're going to have a hard time showing 500,000 baht in a bank account for the last three months.

6 months ago

LoyalTu*******

Wannikea Wanblee it is your feeling only. Now i have some add info about bank account (there is no bank account for ED), so DTV more prefer option. 500k is not part of the game.

6 months ago

John **********

This is pretty incomprehensible.

For an ED visa you sign up with a school that can provide the paperwork for you to apply for the visa. You pay their fees, whatever they may be, and on top of that you pay 2000 baht for a 3 months visa and 1900 baht to extend it every 3 months.

For a DTV based on soft power you sign up with a provider that can provide the paperwork for an absolute minimum of 6 months, you apply outside of Thailand and pay the appropriate fee required by whatever consulate you use, prove your finances and apply for the visa

6 months ago

Gian *******

Uff too many things to consider. The first question would be what your goal is. For example, I'd rather be one full year in Thailand without the obligation to leave the country (Student visa wins for this one, you need to extend but dont have to fly out. DTV no matter what, you will have to fly out at least once a year).

Most schools will have staff members going with you to immigration, so the chance of having a problem is 0.01% and depending on the school you go every 2 or 3 months. Note: if you get a course that is over 12 months, you have to leave Thailand during the 8th or 9th month and that is an extra cost for flying and booking hotel and other expenses while you are outside. On the other hand, courses up to 12 months don't require you to fly out.

Banks: student visa is considered a temporary residence status so you will have no issues getting a bank account. DTV is an extended tourist visa, so there's more difficulty to get a bank account unless you pay an agent to do it for you.

Overall: student visa is way more expensive (visa + the full course + extensions) but has less hassles when it comes to banking and staying without leaving for 1 year.

It comes down to how you want to play it though, eventually you could still continue 12 months of different language courses for some years. Long term goals has to be strongly considered.

6 months ago

LoyalTu*******

Gian Rossa thank you, Gian, for detailed answer. 5000-

*****

tbh not a key factor.. but bank account may become one.. on the other hand it is some 1 year obligation. Now i don't know whether i want to exit for couple of days/weeks during this year. The question is how to make it easier, if i want to do it.

6 months ago

Gian *******

LoyalTulip9203 with the student visa you just pay for a multiple re-entry permit (dont remember the price now) but it allows you to come and go as you please as long as you meet the attendance requirements for your school.

And yes, bank account it is an important factor for sure, you use it daily through your applications for paying bills, or anything anywhere.

6 months ago

Gian *******

@John *********

yes you are right, but I'm thinking as a normal student who has classes 3 days a week it shouldn't be a problem to travel lets say Friday to Sunday overseas near here. Officers know that there are no classes on weekends. On the other hand, if you fly for 3 weeks during your studying time, yes they definitely can deny you. I have heard of people getting denied for this very same reason (not going to class for 2 or 3 weeks straight because of travelling overseas).

6 months ago

John **********

@Gian ******

with an ED visa you can't come and go as you want. You are meant to be studying and if you leave, even with a re-entry permit, your chances of being denied entry by immigration are high.

6 months ago