Will my visa application be affected by my current unemployment status?

Question

Hey everybody, I don’t normally overshare but I definitely overthink! I’ve seen some very helpful responses within this group so I’m hoping that I get some solid advice. I’m a 54 year old Australian man who recently lost my job after going through a midlife crisis or mental breakdown & now a few health issues that are seemingly stress related!…. I’m currently receiving the help & medical so now looking for a recovery method plan.
On the 14/11/25 I sold an investment & I put the equivalent of $1.7 million baht into a interest savings account & plan to apply for the DTV visa on the 14/1/25 to fill the required 3 months without touching those funds.
I plan to utilise the soft power option & use a reputable Thai cooking class for 6 months! Due to my inexperience, I thought it best to apply from Australia but use an agent in conjunction with the Thai cooking class.
I will use seperate savings to fund the DVT, purchase flights accommodation etc. & have the equivalent value in cash on me of $150000 Thai baht on arrival. While I’ve travelled a lot to SE Asia over, Thailand in particular, I’ve only ever travelled as a tourist, never done border runs. My passport would be close to being within 6 months of expiry so I’ve purchased & received a new passport less than a month ago!
My questions are will the Embassy consider this application due to the fact that I’m currently unemployed?
The funds or time limit?
I was planning to purchase flights now for mid to late February? Can I book 1 way? Should I book return flights? Am I jumping the gun?
I know a lot hinges on my visa application but I really would like to get the ball rolling with confidence 
TIA everyone 
I appreciate any advice 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user, an Australian man, is seeking advice on applying for a DTV visa to Thailand after a recent job loss and health issues. He plans to utilize the soft power option through a Thai cooking class and has arranged funds accordingly. Concerns include his unemployment status affecting the visa application, whether to book one-way or return flights, and ensuring he meets the financial requirements. Community comments suggest potential options like retirement visas and offer reassurance about his preparation.

Happy ********** · Answer

Just go immediately, and you can figure out the rest later. At least dip your toes in the water to begin with.

Mental health begins right now. And getting outside your current bubble can be a huge help and support.

All the best.

Dom ******** · Answer

With soft power you don’t need employment. You have the savings, and with proof of your cooking classes + a fresh passport it sounds like you have a very strong chance of approval 👍

Hope Thailand gives you what you need mate. The Sabai Sabai “medicine” can cure a lot 🙏❤️🇹🇭

Stephan ****** · Answer

Retirement seems much easier

Trustworth********** · Answer

How long you plan to live in Thailand

You can’t live in interest on only 1.7M baht.  Probably gets you by for 3-4 years

MORE ****** · Answer

Apply for a retirement visa; it's not difficult to do if you have the required 800,000 baht to deposit into a Thai account.

Understandi*********** · Answer

You have done a really good job of organising everything to meet all the requirements, don't overthink it, find a course in a place you want to live and be really clear in your application to show all your evidence and you'll be fine. Well done, making a change to live the life you want after a difficult period is hard but it will be the best thing you ever did ❤️

Anonymous ************* · Answer

I’m currently in Australia & would definitely apply here!

Jonas ************* · Answer

If you're 50 plus why don't you just look into retirement?

Several options. Non-OA money in your home country Bank., but you need to buy insurance.

Or apply for non-o and 90 day visa for retirement event you arrive in Thailand you open bank account and transfer money and after 2 months you can apply for a one-year extension for retirement reason.

A lot of people do this by themselves.

I'm not sure how either of these will affect any rights money or supplement income or the government money you're currently getting. That is a complicated issue regarding Australia. For example for retirement money from Australia things may matter, but you're not there yet.

David ******* · Answer

I suggest opening a Wise account. You can transfer money from your Australian bank to Wise easily and quickly and make payments in Thailand from Wise. Safer than carrying cash.

Also please clarify the amounts you quote - you use the $ sign but also say baht. Which is it - $ or baht

Ian ********** · Answer

You must apply outside of Thailand

Will my visa application be affected by my current unemployment status?

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