During the application process, I assume not everyone already has a condo lined up before moving out there. Do you just put the hotel that you’ll be staying at for the first couple weeks or whatever as your living situation? Will that suffice?

Drivers license renewal. I have a DTV and a 2 year Thai license which will expire in a few months. I've read that some DTV holders have had success in receiving a 5 year license when they go to renew. Does anyone have experience? I'm in Chiang Mai if that matters

Hi everyone,

I have two questions regarding the bank statements:

- Translation: Saw that most people translated their own bank statements. I am in touch with a cooking school and they said to have the statements translated by a certified translation agency (I know that it is recommended on the website of the Thai embassy). As it's rather expensive, I thought of going the route like most people - translating myself. What is the overall recommendation?

- Date: How recent should the statements be? I read 7 days and elsewhere 3 days...

Thank you for your support!

Curious

What are the cons of a DTV versus retirement visa? I know the bank account issues as one is technically a tourist but are there other cons?

Can i open a bank account in thailand without visa??or i need visa first??

Hi,

I sent my request yesterday for the visa (being outside of Thailand) and I planned to go in Thailand this Sunday.

As a French citizen, I can go there 60 days without visa.

My question is: do I have to stay outside of the country while they treat my request ?

Thanks for your answers :)

When transferring your funds to your Thai bank via Wise for your first 12 month visa approval, is the Reason - Savings selected on the Wise transfer ok for Thai Immigration?

This is what Savannakhet, Laos looks like now. Two years ago it was busy and touristy at 5 a.m. there were plenty of people around the Royal Thai Consulate. But now, it feels like a ghost town… so quiet.

#Savannakhet #LaosTravel #QuietTown #RoyalThaiConsulate #TravelChanges #GhostTownVibes #TravelLife #WanderAsia #diynonbvisa #visathailand

Anyone started there Application in Thailand but only submitted after leaving? Of so is there a 30 days expiration when you start?

Hello. On August 22, I went to immigration with all the required documents to apply for a retirement visa. They stapled a note in my passport stating *“In the process of changing visa type”* with a date stamp of August 22, 2025.

My current tourist visa expires on Sunday, September 14. I went back to immigration today to ask whether I needed an extension in the meantime. Both agents I spoke with told me it was fine to return on Monday, September 15, even though my visa expires the day before. One agent simply pointed to the note in my passport and said there was no problem and nothing further to do.

Even so, I left feeling uneasy about the situation. I would greatly appreciate any advice or clarification. Thank you.