Hello, I’m joining this group to find out whether it’s difficult to apply for the DTV visa on your own. Do you know any agents or lawyers who can handle it for you? What are the usual prices? I’m based in Koh Samui. Thanks.

Hello dear friends.

I'm choosing between a DTV (Culture/ Soft Power) and ED visa. I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone recently received a DTV at the TSL in Chiang Mai? How easy is it?

2. How realistic is it to open a bank account with a ED visa in 2026? For example, in Chiang Mai? Has anyone recently managed to open a bank account with a ED visa?

3. What are the pitfalls when choosing between these two visas? How important/desirable is it to have a bank account in Thailand? Does it make life easier? Especially if there is the potential to get a retirement visa later?

4. How time-consuming is it to update/prolong at the immigration office if I have a ED visa? Is it difficult? Is it easy? Does the school help with this?

5. How much does it cost (given the same course price) - 10,000 for DTV visa (as far as I understand, it's for 5 years). With a single visa, it's 2,000 THB the first time and 1,900 THB every three months. For example, with two trips per year, that's another 2,000 THB. On the other hand, with a foreign visa, you'll need to leave and return twice a year.

So, for two years (let's assume):

In terms of cost, it's 10,000 THB for a foreign visa, and 16,000 THB + 4,000 THB= 20,000 THB (roughly) for ED visa.

In terms of convenience, with ED visa, there's no requirement to leave, but you do need to report every three months. With a foreign visa, it's the opposite. Furthermore, when renewing, there's a chance of being denied entry (is this true?), if you can't prove you still meet the criteria.

What are the other pros and cons? Is there anything I didn't consider?

Thanks for your opinions and answers.

Got my 5 years DTV visa in New Zealand in less than 48 hrs. What an amazing service 🤩

Hello every one

How many of you have applied for dvt visa

Your self and not via a agency?

Did you get accepted

How much did it cost ?

If you was to get denied would it worth then getting agency to do it ?

How much does it usually cost for an agent to help you get your visa?

What's the cheapest softpower option for getting a DTV visa right now? I asked at one Muay Thai school and they quoted 40,000 baht 😂 which is absurd. Maybe all courses are so expensive because of this visa? A year ago, a friend paid 15,000 baht for a one year Muay Thai course, and now it's almost three times that.

Hoping soon to be in Pattaya. Hoow much is it now for a retirement visa.

Does anybody know the cost from an agent who deals with the paperwork ect on your behalf for the " retirement visa ( over 50 )" ?.

I would prefer to pay a trusted agent as I have enough paperwork / relocation ect .

Only people who have had this experience with an agent please respond 🙏 I don't wish people to comment " it's easy, don't be lazy " ?! .

Many thanks 😊

I'm looking to get a 2 year Muay Thai dtv visa if possible. In the Pattaya/Jomtien area.

Can anyone share any real life experience and recommend an agent/gym that can competently handle the paper work etc.

Also costs please and any other kind information.

Thank you.

How much should a Pattaya Visa agent charge for the second year including 800k bank deposit. Note, same Agent.