I’d love for learning the art of Thai massage to be one of the DTV soft power options!

🇹🇭 Advice Needed: Overstayed 180-Day Rule - Returning in February 2026?

Hello everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice from those with recent experience regarding Thai immigration and the 180-day rule.

I recently returned home last month, but looking back at my 2025 travel history, I realize I spent significantly more than the official 180-day limit using visa exemptions. I wasn't fully aware of the official rule, and I accept my mistake.

My 2025 History (Visa Exemption):

* Total Stay: Approximately 9 months (200+ days) in Thailand.

* Method: This was accomplished through a combination of initial entry, one border run, and two visa extensions at immigration offices.

* Current Status: I left Thailand last month (November 2025) and am currently in my home country.

My Questions & Plan for February 2026:

My current plan is to return to Thailand in February 2026, to immediately enroll in a course and apply for an Education Visa (ED Visa).

* Entry on Visa Exemption (Feb 2026):

Given my long stay in 2025, will I be allowed to enter Thailand on a standard visa exemption in early February 2026?

* Immigration Risk: Since the calendar year will have reset, the 180-day count should theoretically reset. However, will my significant overage/long stay in 2025 flag me for denial of entry when I arrive?

I am nervous about being denied entry due to my past history, even though I will be entering in the new year with the intention of switching to a long-term education visa right away.

Any advice or experiences from people who have re-entered after staying long periods under the exemption scheme would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hi there. Apologies if it’s a repeat. Going with my children to renew their education visas tomorrow with all documents from school. Do I only need to fill in a TM7 for each kid? I have 90 day reports and TM30 for each. Thanks

This year, after my education visa expired, I applied for the DTV twice.

The first time was through an agency under the “sports” category (in Malaysia) , and the second time was also through an agency, using proof of funds in my bank account (in vietnam). Both applications were rejected.

Why do you think this could have happened?

Hi, so I have been on an education visa for the last 10 months in Thailand. I went to Melasia for a week or so and now I want to come back to Thailand as a tourist. I have a tourist E-Visa already approved however I heard they can still turn you down at the airport especially recently with the crackdowns. Because I have been living in Thailand the last 10 months and only been out for a week and a half will they turn down my tourist visa? I basically want to know if it's worth paying extra money for an agency to take me through immigration (I know they work as my friend has used them alot to bypass things, but they are expensive). Do I pay the extra money to increase my chances or is my online e-visa enough?

Because I left Thailand without a re-entry permit, my education visa is automatically void even though it was meant to last until 20th December.

I am sure this has been asked but I am asking again....I am a veteran and I am in country right now. I want to apply for the DTV visa as I don't meet the age requirement for the retirement visa. I don't have a lump sum in the bank but I can provide everything else including proof of monthly income. Has anyone here gone through this process in country?

Hey all.

If I book a course to start on, say March 1st, do you think it would be an issue if I put my arrival date like a month before, like February 1st? Thanks

Anyone know the best long term visa route for a Us Army Vet who is on Va disability income of around $3600 per month ?

Im 38th years old and already use my GI bill for both BA and Masters degree

Hi. I need some advise. Im applying for my DTV and would like to register for language school to meet one of the requirements. Can someone please recommend an online language school.

Hello everyone 👋

My wife and I, along with our four children (one of whom has special needs), are planning a long-term move to Thailand in early 2026. Our son with special needs will be receiving stem cell therapy in Bangkok, and we hope to settle down long-term near Jomtien Beach, Pattaya.

During his therapy sessions, I’ll be traveling with him to Bangkok for a week at a time, while the rest of the family stays in Pattaya.

My wife is a disabled U.S. veteran and receives a guaranteed monthly income of about USD 4,500 (~166,000 THB). We can provide full documentation of this income, along with supporting bank statements.

We’re currently trying to figure out the best visa pathway for a family of six that:

1️⃣ Accommodates dependents (spouse + children),

2️⃣ Doesn’t require a large upfront 3-month bank deposit, and

3️⃣ Allows long-term residence with minimal renewal hassle.

If anyone here has experience with family moves like this — or can recommend a reliable visa agent or immigration lawyer who handles complex family or medical cases — we’d really appreciate your advice 🙏

Thank you all for your time and any recommendations you can share ❤️