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expat experiences in thailand

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This page displays all the results for the expat experiences in Thailand tag, sorted by the most recent activity. There are a total of 67 questions that have been tagged with expat experiences in Thailand. Explore the questions to find discussions and information relevant to this topic.
Jun 26, 2025
4 days ago
Denny ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
What is the most loyal consulate as of today? How quick the processs goes? Asking for a friend 🙃 Mine took almost a month in the states!
Jun 19, 2025
11 days ago
Min***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone

Could you please let me know,

For those who’ve studied Thai—how long did it take you to reach a conversational level? I know everyone learns differently, but with studying 3 times a week 2 hours, is it realistic to expect basic conversation skills?

Also if you guys have any recommendations good reputation thai language school in aonag or hua hin that offers visa ED . I'm serious about learning thai but I also want to have the proper documentation .

Thank you 🙏
Jun 18, 2025
13 days ago
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi folks,

After submitting our non-immigrant OA visa applications 13 days ago, we got a request for additional documentation a week later. Most of it was straightforward and relatively easy to get, but they asked for an attested marriage certificate, something I’ve never seen mentioned in many months of following this subject.

I submitted the certificate we had attested in 2011, when I changed jobs here, but the following Monday, I learned that the UAE had restricted the validity of attestation to ten years, so we had to start again.

When I asked the agency obtaining the attestation why we needed it, they said it was because I was sponsoring my wife, but because she’s over 50, she had to submit her own application and prove access to the requisite level of funds, so why do we need this repeated attestation, which is costing a significant sum of money and putting our scheduled departure, and all the associated dependencies, including three cats, at risk?

I doubt the consulate will cancel the requirement and the UAE embassy in the UK is unlikely to speed things up, but if anyone can explain why they are questioning just short of 31 years of marriage, and no, she’s not Thai, she’s Japanese, I’d be very grateful.

Good night, all.
Jun 13, 2025
17 days ago
I entered Thailand via Chiangmai Airport today from Hanoi, Vietnam (13 June).

They sent off DTV holders to separated area next to the immigration lines to fill the interview form which basically asking the same information as TDAC form (personal info, arrival-departure flight/date,etc.)

I got asked to show the proof of money in my bank account. I just pulled up my bank app.

And asked about the address and what is the purpose of visiting/how long.

But overall it was not intimidating or anything.

It wasn't a long process just quick and straightforward.

Ps. This is first time entering with DTV visa

Just sharing some experience here if anyone was looking for. :)
Jun 9, 2025
21 days ago
Elie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
DTV Visa Success from Jakarta!

But I wanted to share an unusual document request I encountered during the process.

Context:

* French passport

* Four previous consecutive visa exemptions

* Six months of bank statements with a balance over 500,000 THB

* Six-month soft power course at Arun Thai Cooking School

I received my DTV visa in two weeks. However, the Thai embassy first requested a copy of every page of my passport, and then something unexpected: official documentation confirming that the soft power course is offered by a school accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education.

I was surprised by this requirement, as I wasn’t aware it was necessary for the DTV visa. I contacted Arun Thai Cooking School and discovered that they are not officially accredited. In fact, it turns out that in Bangkok, the only accredited cooking school is the expensive Bangkok Thai Cooking School.

Following advice from my visa agent, we asked Arun Thai Cooking School to provide a clarification letter explaining the situation. The letter highlighted their professionalism and commitment to the DTV program and included a few photos. Fortunately, they responded quickly with a perfect letter — and my visa was approved the very next day.

I highly recommend Arun Thai Cooking School for their great support, and a big thanks to my visa agent Ben (Line: bkjan), who provided excellent and affordable assistance throughout the application process (3,000 THB for assistance!).
Jun 7, 2025
23 days ago
Jakarta - Soft Power Muay Thai - Danish passport.

Thailand history 3 years from today

55 days on tourist visa.

30+30 days on visa exemption

30+30 days on visa exemption

60+30 days visa exemption --> border run. 60+30 days visa exemption --> border run 60+30 visa exemption and then applied for DTV

Financial: 550k thb. Only for one month. about 300k for 6 months.

Applied: 25th May

Documents:

Cover letter (explaining that I am unemployed and how I am going to sustain my self. Go back to Denmark and work if i run out of money. High average monthly salary for my job. With info on this from google.)

Bank statement DKK account 1

DKK to THB Conversion rate

Bank statement GBP account 1

GBP to THB Conversion rate

Bank statement DKK account 2

Bank account overview

Proof of bank account and date

Passport Bio Page

Proof of passport exit stamp from Thailand

Proof of visa on arrival in Jakarta

Customs declaration form completion Jakarta

Health declaration form completion Jakarta

Passport photo

Proof of location:

Booking hotel 1 (1 night) Jakarta

Booking hotel 2 (1 night) Jakarta

Boarding Pass JKT

Boarding Pass BALI

Muay Thai Invitation Letter

Receipt

Course Curriculum and Itinerary

Gym Facilities

Business Certificate

National Skill Assessment

Owner Certificate

ID of Staff

Instructor Certificate

Supporting info on Salary in Denmark for cover letter

DKK to THB Conversion rate

2nd June - Doc request for

Passport Bio page

Passport photo

Financial statement

2nd June submitted:

Passport Bio page (was blurred)

Passport photo (new picture - old blurred)

Financial statement from one account. I put all my money into one account and one currency. Withdrew from my savings and put on my personal.

5th June Visa Received.

6th June re entered Thailand. No questions. Just stamped in.

Did not change status to pending approval. Only changed to Visa Received by mail on the 5th and on the 2nd to Documents requested.

Hope this helps you guys.
May 8, 2025
2 months ago
[My Experience Getting the DTV in Paris – April 15 to May 7, 2025]

Hi everyone!

I’d like to share my full experience applying for and receiving the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) via the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris. I hope this helps those of you who are preparing your applications. Please read my posts carefully before asking the questions.

1. Application Submission:

I submitted my application online on April 15, 2025, via the official Thai e-visa portal. Paris is the only processing option, since I’m currently based in France. I am holding an Asian passport (so I am a foreigner). I am using Workstation type.

2. Initial Review & Document Upload:

Shortly after submitting, I received confirmation that my application was under review. A few days later, I was contacted by the embassy via email and asked to submit an additional document. I uploaded the revised document promptly via the same portal. So, to sum up, I uploaded what the embassy is asking for:

* Document indicating current location (Residence permit)

* Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 500,000 THB (bank statements), using only 1 account

* Latest payslip

* Employment certificate

* My activities explanation

3. Processing Time:

From submission to final approval, the whole process took 22 days.

* Application submitted: April 15

* Additional document requested & submitted: April 22

* Status changed to “Pending Approval”: May 5

* Visa approved and issued: May 7

I’m really excited to have received my visa and to begin this next chapter in Thailand.

Hope this helps, and good luck to everyone applying!
May 2, 2025
2 months ago
Update: Just approved now!! May 8th

DTV soft power application HCMC: I applied on 4/22 and within a few hours, it went to pending approval. I know there are two holidays this week. I have my anticipated arrival date at May 17th. Just curious if anyone else applied around this date and has been approved.
May 1, 2025
2 months ago
Jeremie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi :)

I plan to apply from France (soft power "thai cooking school"), and I'm surprised to see that the following is required :

"Proof of salary slip/monthly income for the last 6 months"

I found this information on the following website :

[members only]

This doesn't appear on the official website ([members only])

Did anyone experience this request when applying from France or another country ?

Thank you for your help 🙏
Apr 17, 2025
2 months ago
Sébastien *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Before giving you the key points on obtaining my DTV Muay Thai visa, I would like to thank this wonderful community for providing us with all the necessary information.

Key points:

I applied for my visa in Hanoi

I found a Muay Thai club in Koh Samui

I had part of the 500,000 baht in cryptocurrency, and it wasn't a problem (contrary to what I had read on this group, in HCMC)

I provided my bank statements (for the last 3 months) in French

I received it in a week (from Monday evening to the following Monday afternoon)

I then had it printed in A5 format and laminated, I presented it at the airport, and my passport was stamped for 180 days

There you go! Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions 😉
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