I am US citizen I will fill out  online form for non-O  tourist visa

The purpose is to get a non-O retirement visa inside Thailand

My question is, do you know how long it will take for this first visa to go through?

I know it depends, but does anyone know a good average timeframe I can expect so i can better plan?

Can anyone recommend a Visa Agency to do an all inclusive DTV visa and the cost please. Thanks in advance.

Hello,

My application for the DTV Soft Power Visa has unfortunately been rejected again – this time in Hanoi, Vietnam. I was not provided with a clear reason for the refusal, so I am unsure what the issue was.

Around two months ago, my application was already rejected in Cambodia because the documents from my previous Muay Thai camp were incomplete and insufficient. Since then, I have enrolled in a new, professional Muay Thai camp in Bangkok, booked a nine-month course, and submitted all the required documents in full.

As I believed everything was correct this time, I am now uncertain about what steps I can take in Hanoi to possibly have my visa approved, or what other options are available to me at this stage.

Could you please advise me on what I should do in this situation?

Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,

Hi everyone, so I have a quick question I’m coming in on my dtv visa for the first time. It got approved while I was on my visa exemption so I’m going back and coming back in on it. I wanted to ask though what do you show when you come in. I’m worried about the bank stuff I had enough when I applied but had to pay my security deposit for my rental and my sons Tution it will be built up again in a couple of months but I’m worried if they ask to see bank statements or not when you come in.

Hi Everyone

Looking for some advice please.

Scenario,

I’m on a 90-day non-immigrant visa (O) for retirement purposes and after having 800,000 baht in a bank account for 2 months I apply for a 1-year extension.

Let’s say the 1-year extension takes around 2 to 3 weeks to be granted, BUT during this time I need to leave the country for 2 weeks after getting a re-entry permit.

Does this affect the visa application/granting?

What happens if I’m granted whilst overseas?

TIA

Hi, I have a question about the DTV visa. When providing necessary documents (proof of owning a business, proof of funds etc.) - do you need a notary translation? Do you provide originals? My native language is NOT english, obviously. Thanks!

Question everyone. Can I use my address which is far from the muay thai gym for soft power DTV, where I enroll like 6 hours away? Cause I have paid 3 months advance and I wanna maximize it before I move to the actual place. Do you think it will affect my application? Thank you for your help🙏 just wanna make sure before I lodge my application.

My DTV Visa Extension Got Approved

I just got my DTV visa extended for another 6 months *inside Thailand* at Chiang Mai Immigration.

Yes, it was successful — but the process was tiring, and mentally draining.

Let me say this upfront:

If you have the option to do a border bounce or a short trip to a nearby country, I strongly recommend that route. It’s far smoother and less stressful.

But if you’re someone who *has* to extend inside Thailand — or is just curious about how it works — here’s my experience.

## Document Checklist (based on my case):

You’ll need a solid stack of documents prepared in advance:

* Passport bio page copy

* Visa sticker page copy (*or eVisa printout*)

* Latest visa stamp copy

* 90-day report copy

* TM30 printout

* TM7 Visa Extension Form

* Bank Certificate

* Bank Statement (500K must be deposited 1 month ahead)

* Updated bank passbook (with transactions up to application date)

* House rental contract

* Rent transfer receipts (Your name and Renter name should be on those)

* Employment contract

* Company registration (of your employer)

* Employment certificate with most recent date

* Acknowledgement of penalties for visa overstay

* Resume / CV (for Workcation category)

* Proof of remote work (past and present projects, screenshots, links, etc.)

## Step-by-Step Process at Chiang Mai Immigration:

1. Start by getting a queue ticket for a document check outside the immigration building.

2. When the officer sees it’s a DTV case, you’ll usually be asked to consult with a specific officer since this category is still relatively new.

You won’t meet them right away — they’ll give you a time to return.

3. When it’s your turn, answer their questions clearly. If they feel your documents aren’t enough, they’ll let you know what’s missing and ask you to return the next day.

4. The next day, you go through the same document check process outside.

5. If your paperwork is complete, they’ll give you a new queue number and send you *inside*.

At this point, you’re moving in the right direction.

6. Present your full set of documents at the counter. When they see the visa type, you might hear:

**“Oh, DTV.”

**Pay the 1,900 baht fee.

Then wait again while the officer verifies your file. Sometimes, they may still request more supporting documents depending on your case.

7. If your name is called for a photo, that’s a good sign your extension is being approved.

8. Lastly, wait to be called again to receive your passport back with the new stamp.

✅ Done. DTV visa extension inside Thailand, approved.

##

The process can be far more complex than I said here and can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially when you’re not 100% sure what to expect.

I had to go back and forth over two days, and prepare a large stack of documents — many of which took time to gather. I had to talk a lot, clarify things over and over . It was a learning experience, but honestly one I don’t plan to repeat.

For anyone who still wants to try extending inside Thailand, I hope this post helps you prepare.

P.S. Luckily, I got the 6-month stamp straight away rather than the usual 'under consideration' stamp.

Good afternoon, helpful people. I need to convert from Non-O (trailing spouse) to Retirement visa. I transferred the 800k into my account on 27 April. I was waiting for 3 months to pass before transferring to new Retirement visa, taking me to 27 July.

A friend said to me that, when she applied for a Retirement visa the first time, that the 800k did not need to be in her account for 3 months before. But she is not sure if that is because she was on a 30-day visa exempt at the time.

There is a reason why it would be more convenient for me to change visas before 27 July.

My question is - if I am transferring from Non-O to retirement, must the 800k be in my account for 3 months before the change, or can I do it earlier?

Hi all,

Just confirming I’m on right the path here…

Looking at getting a marriage visa in the next few months.

Apply for a non o in Australia

Once in Thailand transfer to a marriage visa.

Now I fly in and out once a month. Is there a waiting time for approval and if so can I leave and re enter before it’s approved. Or is the marriage visa approved straight away