DTV Visa for Retired Canadian – Is It Really Possible?

I’m a Canadian retiree (from Québec) and I’m currently looking into the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).

Some agencies told me it is *very easy* for a retiree like me to obtain this visa, but others say it’s *not possible* since the DTV is not meant for retirees. I would really appreciate hearing from people with first-hand experience.

* My profile: fully retired, no financial issues (very high investment income and bank assets, more than enough to qualify for any financial requirement).

* My goal: to stay in Thailand for several months every year without the hassle of making large deposits in a Thai bank like the O-A/O-X retirement visas require.

Here are my main questions:

1. Is the DTV visa truly possible for a retiree (50+, Canadian passport)?

2. Can I apply directly through the embassy/consulate myself, or do I absolutely need to go through an agency?

3. If you recommend using an agency, which reliable one would you suggest?

4. If I can apply on my own, what documents do I need to prepare (income proof, bank statements, insurance, proof of “activity” for DTV, etc.)?

5. Has anyone here already obtained a DTV as a retiree and could share their real experience?

Thank you very much for your advice! 🙏

— Gilles (Montréal / Québec, Canada)

Hi gurus,

I have an OA retirement visa which is valid till 13 March 2026 but my insurance & my entry stamp only give me till 20 November 2025 when my insurance expires. I am exiting the country for a few weeks in November, will renew my insurance, and come back in to Thailand on 23 November 2025. I understand that this will give me another year stamp based on the expiry of my insurance, so in effect, till November 2026. If I want to leave the country again in April 2026 for a few weeks, I believe I will need to get a re-entry permit, but will I be stamped back in till the end of my insurance (November 2026), or how will it work based on that my "visa" only gives me till March 2026? I am a little confused and would appreciate your advice, thanks.

So, I have news about the closed Thai bank account situation. My account, like many others, was closed because the SIM card wasn't in my name. I registered my SIM card in my name with AIS today. That wasn't a problem. Then I went to Bangkok Bank. The lady told me I was very lucky because my account was opened before 2023. All accounts created after that, i.e., 2024, were "unlucky," according to her; she can't do anything in those cases. I also asked if I could switch to a DTV visa. She told me that in that case, the account would also have to be closed. So, the only option would be an ed visa/non-o. It's a shame that Thailand now has friends at the WEF. There's no other way to explain this.

People making jokes about my „wef“ line. Would be nice if you guys type in google „wef Bangkok bank“ and explain me this:

Yes, Bangkok Bank is invited to the World Economic Forum (WEF) as one of Thailand's private sector members and a global company member. The WEF invites members to participate in its meetings, where Bangkok Bank has been represented and is a supporter of the Thai private sector's engagement at the global event.

Why did I get interrogated for one border run ?

They took me to a separate section and asked me all kinds of questions then told me i am staying here too long. I only stayed 2 months at chiang mai and i took a flight to luang prabang for a short trip. They said i need a visa next time. That means no more travel visas? How do you guys do multiple border runs without troubles? I wish i had a DTV visa

I am sorry to keep asking questions about this but I want to be sure I have the correct information. I am currently in Thailand on the Non-O marriage visa, but I need to change it to the Non-O retirement due to a mistake I made. After checking the relevant websites, visiting immigration here in Korat, and emailing with a visa agent it seems to me the easiest way to do this is to go to Cambodia and then re-enter as a tourist with my US passport.

Please bear in mind the required funds are not an issue. All other paperwork is in order.

My question is this; if I do that can I then apply for the Non-O retirement visa from WITHIN Thailand, or does that need to be done while in Cambodia? Obviously if I do that while in Cambodia I will then need to stay there for the 10 days or so it takes to get approval for the visa. Which isn’t great but it’s easier than any alternative I can see.

Thanks as always for your assistance.

What is the difference between these two requirements?

Foreign Insurance Certificate as stipulated by the Office of Insurance Commission and Health Insurance of Thailand, which must be completed, signed and stamped by the insurance company.

Health Insurance issued by a Thai or foreign insurer for general illnesses, including COVID-19, with the insured sum of no less than 100,000 USD or 3,000,000 THB

After we finish the 5 years can we extend again? (Really sorry if this has been covered)

I won’t have many connections without th the UK at this stage so wondered how that worked?

Hello, does anyone have the most recent requirements for a Non O one year extension based on marriage from Hua Hin immigration? Thank you 🙏🙏

On the one hand agents say border runs by land are unlimited since July 2024, on the other hand almost everyone else says border runs by plane are unlimited. Does anyone know the truth?

Question that I haven't seen answered...

After the 5 years, does anyone know if we can reapply for another DTV?