Success with Remote Work DTV in Ho Chi Minh in mid-Dec and Children's Dependent DTV in Jakarta the day after Christmas (WITH travel during process):
I can't say for sure the Thais don't allow you to travel during the application process (many other countries do), but I think the key thing is to NOT travel to Thailand, during the process and explain where you've been.
I applied in HCM with:
- work contract,
-payslips,
- savings bank statements,
- letter from employer confirming work and ability to work remotely.
*I used the SmallPDF app for converting, combining, editing, finishing docs (highly recommend!).*
Stayed a few days and then had to leave Vietnam. They came back asking for bank statements showing salary received highlighted. Took approx 3 working days for initial submission to be reviewed, not quite 2 working days to be approved after additional docs provided. (Note, sometimes the requests come later in the evening Thai time - 8pm and later - so do keep an eye on your inbox if you're in a rush.)
By this time, I was in Indonesia. I applied for the children's visas to the Jakarta embassy sending:
- my visa,
-same (combined) bank statements, payslips, etc,
- work contract,
- birth certificates
- a letter from the hotel confirming we were in Indonesia.
- *a personalised letter of support (from me to the children) - template from Gemini AI*
Took approx 4 days for initial review (not incl Christmas holiday). We left Indonesia for Singapore. They came back asking for entry stamps and visa docs. Indonesia had stamped out over the entry stamp. We got on the ferry to Batam, received new 7 day Visa on Arrival (half price).
Sent back photos of both entry and the one exit stamps, both visa slips, and ALL passport pages (for the children only).
I included a letter saying we were in Indonesia when we applied, but had to return to Singapore for the Christmas festivities, but that they were now in Indonesia again and that the children had NOT travelled to Thailand (evidenced by ALL passport pages).
They approved the next working day.
Note, the application did not ask for permission from the other parent (many countries do), which is not to say they can't when you travel.