DTV - Soft Power

I am unemployed and have just over 500k in my account. Another 400k invested. Will that be enough? Has anyone been accepted like this?

I get support from my family. Not regularly, though, so I don't want to give it as income.

With my stay extension coming due 2/1/'26 I have remembered my passport expires 9/'26. Does that mean I need to renew my passport prior to extension to get the full year '2026 ?

In Phra Padaeng / Bangkok

I always like to mention that, although this is a forum basically focused on visas, I also believe it relates to life in Thailand for expatriates.

Anyway, as I always say, if any administrator is disturbed that this post is focused on another topic, I would like to point out that the title of this forum is also “And More,” you know. I suppose it refers to life here as an expatriate.

So I would like to send this message to everyone. If anyone feels offended, my apologies. I can always remove or delete the comment.

- A reflection on martial arts today !

I have been thinking about how many martial arts schools today have become just businesses, focused on monthly fees, medals, and competitions.

But for me, the true meaning of martial arts is something much deeper.

I am looking for a place that teaches discipline, respect, philosophy, balance, and the education of the spirit, not only physical technique.

Children and adults should learn humility, self-control, and awareness before learning how to kick or compete.

Martial arts were originally a spiritual path, but that essence seems to be fading. I still believe in the original concept: art before sport, spirit before medals.

My son is National ( 9 years old ) but he does not like Muay Thai. So I am more interested in finding a school that teaches traditional Taekwondo (Korean style), Kung Fu, or Karate, with a genuine and traditional approach, not only competition training.

I’m looking for a school with a spiritual and philosophical approach first, where children can develop discipline, respect, awareness, and mindfulness, and then learn techniques. The focus should be on personal growth and character development, not just competition or physical training.

If anyone knows a place like that, I would love to hear about it.

Hello,

is DTV with soft power muay thai (9 months) possible with income as an airbnb host?

I'm Israeli passport holder

I heard there are many rejections, does someone has information on current situation? Thanks

Hi, US military retiree here. Where i can learn more about the visa type which allows me to stay upto one year and can learn kick boxing and Thai cooking. I heard that visa category is the least hectic to get and can staying in Thailand upto one year. In one year, I will know if I want live in Thailand or scout new country.

Hi all,

Bangkok Bank has closed my account.

I came to Thailand this year with a DTV visa and tried to open a bank account at several banks, but none accepted the DTV visa. Later, I bought a condo, and since the process required a bank account, I opened one at the seller’s bank, Bangkok Bank.

A couple of days ago, Bangkok Bank blocked my account. When I visited the branch, they gave me two options:

1. Convert my visa to a Non-Immigrant Visa to keep the account open, or

2. Close the account.

Since the Non-Immigrant Visa doesn’t offer the same advantages as the DTV, my account was closed. Now, I own a condo in Thailand but don’t know how to pay the electricity bill, and neither do they.

Sawasdee Krub,

Anyone familiar with this coming from the Us should be able to help.

I’ve been told the move to stay in Thailand is to apply for the DTV visa, full stop. The issue of course is that you need 500,000 baht average in a bank account (checking /savings) for 90 + days.

I have a brokerage account with the amount but from what I understand, that doesn’t work because it has to be currency, not stocks, crypto, etc.

My back up is an ED visa, but I’m concerned because the fees aren’t refundable for either option, and I’m flying on 31st Oct.

If I’m being honest, I’m planning to train Muay Thai, and learn the language (probably seek citizenship eventually)

I get checks for life, and plan on working digitally on top of that, but they want 3 months of the money in my account to recieve DTV.

Can I come in with ED and and apply after the expiration from another SE country?

Is there any tips on how I still may be able to get the DTV? I really really want that one!

Khop Khun Krub!

Just received my Non OA Visa. Flying end of the month to Thailand. Do I stil need to block the equivalent if 800 K THB here. Do I need to have them on a bank account in Thailand when i apply the first time within the 90 days after arrival st the immigrstion on Samui ? Would appreciate your sdvices very much.

Hi has anyone changed from DTV to retirement visa recently? Looking for some advice to change over. Thanks 🙏

I’m coming to Thailand at the end of December & would like to stay for around 4 months . I’m 66 should I apply for a non o retirement visa and then extend for a month or take a flight for a week or two and return. I’m from England.

Thanks in advance for any advice.