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Which visa is better for staying in Thailand: DTV or ED?
DTV visaED visaVisa comparisonLong-term stayThai language studyVisa application processVisa requirementsVisa extensions
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the comparison between DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) and ED (Education Visa) regarding their pros and cons. The DTV visa is favored for its longer duration and less frequent renewals, allowing stays of up to 5 years without the need for regular attendance at classes. In contrast, the ED visa is better suited for those who wish to study, allows easier access to open a bank account in Thailand, but requires more frequent extensions and engagement in educational courses. Opinions vary based on personal needs, goals, and experiences in Thailand.
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.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Luit *****************
The Thai visa system has a lot of different visa.
They are categorized based on the purpose of your visit.
So the purpose of your visit decides which visa is best for you.
If there is no visa with a purpose of visit that means simply they don't want you in the country.
They are categorized based on the purpose of your visit.
So the purpose of your visit decides which visa is best for you.
If there is no visa with a purpose of visit that means simply they don't want you in the country.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
Maybe in a perfect world. This is Thailand … I know at least 5 people on that have the ED visa and don’t attend classes at all. Cash is King in Thailand.Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer I know a lot of visa are abused, and ED might be one of the most abused, but reading here shows DTV is clearly a runner up in that contest.
Just up to MFA and Immigration how long they will tolerate that.
Just up to MFA and Immigration how long they will tolerate that.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
True, thanks for sharing 👍Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Zdenek *********
Sure DTV becouse with ED i prayed every time when itravel back to Thailand for they allow me jump in
Robert *******
Durian and strawberry, both fruits but different smell.
How can you even think to compare a visa which allows a almost 6 year stay with a visa that gives once a 90 day stay but these 90 dayx can be extended to keep following the initial course.
Get the correct visa, stop playing stupid games, you might win stupid prices.
How can you even think to compare a visa which allows a almost 6 year stay with a visa that gives once a 90 day stay but these 90 dayx can be extended to keep following the initial course.
Get the correct visa, stop playing stupid games, you might win stupid prices.
Bao***
DTV is better if you want flexibility and longer-term stays (up to 5 years) without being tied to frequent classes, and you can meet the financial requirements.
ED is better if your main goal is studying (language or school), costs less upfront, but comes with stricter attendance rules and more frequent renewals.
Neither is “better” for everyone — it’s about what fits your plans and budget.
ED is better if your main goal is studying (language or school), costs less upfront, but comes with stricter attendance rules and more frequent renewals.
Neither is “better” for everyone — it’s about what fits your plans and budget.
Tod *********
If you're thinking of traveling in/out of the country at all the DTV is better because you WILL be questioned comin' in and out on an ED visa/extension and they'll wanna know why you're not in class
Nick *********
DTV is the golden grail but if your looking to study and learn Thai the ed visa is a good start. Also depending on where you are now. The ed visa any visa agent in Thailand can sort for you while your here provided you have a few weeks left on your entry stamp whereas the Dtv visa you will need to apply for outside of Thailand. DTV is cheaper however, like $300 /10k baht and an ed visa with course usually costs like 40-60k baht.
For me I'm glad I took ed first and got to learn Thai for a few hours a week and my visa agent was able to set everything up for me while I was here. Nowadays I'm glad I moved to Dtv as it's less hassle every year and I've done the courses I wanted to do.
Each to their own I guess but best of luck with whatever you decide to do. 🙏
For me I'm glad I took ed first and got to learn Thai for a few hours a week and my visa agent was able to set everything up for me while I was here. Nowadays I'm glad I moved to Dtv as it's less hassle every year and I've done the courses I wanted to do.
Each to their own I guess but best of luck with whatever you decide to do. 🙏
Nomin ********
@Nick ********
hi which language course did u attend and is school do ur Ed visa?Nick *********
@Nomin *******
I just went to TMT Visa Service Thailand in Phuket and they sorted it for me. I can't remember the school name think it was BKK language school in Patong. Very friendly teacher, learned loads of Thai. Ps, I've lived with my Thai gf for 4 years now and she doesn't speak any English so it was totally worth doing the ed visa as I can now speak Thai. Recommend if your looking to stay long term as it opens up so many more doors and locations for you when you can communicate with locals
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Nick *********
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Chagal *************
Immigration stopped me on my 2nd year border bounce on ED visa. Told me to switch to DTV so I did. Haven’t faced any issues since.
I did ED for 2 years. You have to do an extension every 3 months (if you’re in Bangkok you’ll have to go to immigration early morning and spend the whole day there) it did however allow me to open a bank account.
I did ED for 2 years. You have to do an extension every 3 months (if you’re in Bangkok you’ll have to go to immigration early morning and spend the whole day there) it did however allow me to open a bank account.
Luit *****************
@Chagal ************
Why did they stop you? Did you abuse the visa rules?Reply to
Luit *****************
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GreenGol*********
The only real advantage a ED visa has is the ease of being allowed to open a Thai bank account.
Except that it’s DTV all the way
Except that it’s DTV all the way
Jen ********
GreenGoldfish3270 I’m currently studying Thai and there’s a lot of people on ED visas on my course who have been to several banks who say they’re only issuing account to university level education now
ดาร่า ********
GreenGoldfish3270 Not to mention TrueMoney app! which also allows scan payment at a lot of places like all 7-11s.
Luit *****************
@ดาร่า *******
Truemoney account is possible for DTVReply to
Luit *****************
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ดาร่า ********
GreenGoldfish3270 Nobody needs a bank account anymore! You can use this with the Kasikornbank (KBank) PAY & TOUR card which is a prepaid card designed for tourists in Thailand, it allows easy cashless payments via QR code (using the TAGTHAi app). Apply directly at KBank foreign exchange booths (e.g., Suvarnabhumi Airport) using only a passport. Top up at KBank exchange booths; cash can be withdrawn at K-ATM machines. AND for bank transfers and tap transactions you can use Revolut which allows sending and receiving to Thai bank accounts within seconds.
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Andrew ********
GreenGoldfish3270 cant get a bank account on Ed visa anymore unless you are in a 4 year study
Nj **************
GreenGoldfish3270 actually im in an ED visa while my fiance is in a DTV. ED visa holders can't open thai bank accounts now. I tried asking my school for a letter as proof and they said that they changed the rules about it.
GreenGol*********
First I heard someone say that in here or any other group I’m In, but I do believe it
Guess language schools are going go extinct
Guess language schools are going go extinct
Anonymous ******************
GreenGoldfish3270 It’s not particularly new, due to widespread fraud on ED visas, some branches just won’t open accounts for those on non-degree ED visas.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERGreenGoldfish3270 Yes you’re correct, it’s the only advantage of having that visa.
Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Anonymous ******************
I don’t understand the question. If you want to stay in Thailand long-term, you need the visa that is intended for your purpose.
Alla ***********
Anonymous participant 725 probably he wants long visa but doesnt intend to study.
Luit *****************
@Alla **********
There are a lot of long term visa available, for most of them study is not a requirement.DTV is not long stay.
Reply to
Luit *****************
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CleverRa********
If you meet the requirements- DTV. Not even a question.
Andrew ********
CleverRadish5177 ed visa easier to get and you dont have to leave the country just extend every three months for 1900 baht there is pros and cons to each. Ed visa isnt a tourist visa
CleverRa********
@Andrew *******
ed visa is single entry (need reentry permit) and if you fail your course it can be canceled. Really no brainer for me but to each their own.Andrew ********
CleverRadish5177 well yeah es visa is for studying not traveling im here to study and learn not go back and forth.
Reply to
Andrew ********
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERCleverRadish5177 Thanks mate .
Reply to
Anonymous *************
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