Definitely a good reminder for everyone on DTV to check the stamp before leaving the counter. Mistakes happen, and it’s much easier to fix on the spot than weeks later at immigration.

They almost always want to see that 500k sitting there for the full 3 months. If you just dropped the money in recently, they'll likely flag it. Better to have that 90-day history if you can to be safe!

Correct - you must be outside Thailand both when applying AND when the DTV is approved. It's technically an entry visa. This is the right thing to do. ☝️

The 1-year ban story sounds off though. Bans are usually for things like overstays or illegal work, not application timing issues. Most likely their app just got rejected. It’s a visa condition issue, not an immigration crime by itself.

Yes If you’re staying in Thailand for more than 90 days on a DTV, you still need to do the 90-day report. It can be done online or in person at immigration. Just reporting your address — not extending the visa.

Make sure your flight confirmation is downloaded directly from the airline’s website (PDF, not a screenshot or booking agent). Provide letter/address showing you’ll remain in the UK/Ireland until the visa is approved. Double-check everything before uploading and you should be fine.

Hey!

1. The 500k THB usually just needs to be shown at the time you apply — no clear rule yet but keeping it for 3 or 6 months would be cushion.

2. US bank statements are fine. You don’t need a Thai bank account to apply.

3. There’s no official minimum salary. They look more at overall financial stability — your income sounds reasonable if you can support yourself.

4. Just note it’s a 5-year visa, but stays are 180 days per entry (extendable), and rules can vary slightly by embassy.

Things are still evolving, but a lot of people are moving from ED → DTV without issues. Hope it goes smoothly!

You definitely need a TM30 on file, even if you’re not on the lease!

Since your GF is the primary tenant, she (or the landlord) can register you as a 'guest' via the TM30 online portal. Once that's synced, you can file your 90-day report online.

Don't try the web report until the TM30 is confirmed on record.

From what people usually report, immigration mainly checks that your DTV is still valid and that you’re exiting/re-entering properly. Most say they’re just stamped back in without being asked about a new Muay Thai package.

That said, it’s always smart to have proof of ongoing activity (school letter, receipt, or booking) just in case — rules can vary by officer and airport.

Border Run: Yes, you can! If your DTV is approved while you're already in Thailand on a Tourist Visa, you’ll need to do a border run (exit and re-enter) to "swap" your entry stamp to the DTV. Make sure you have the DTV approval printed out when you re-enter via land or air. 🛂

The 500k THB: For the DTV, there is typically no "seasoning" requirement (unlike the retirement visa). As long as you can show a bank statement with the balance at the time of application, you should be fine. However, Brussels can be thorough, so wait a couple of days after the transfer so it's not a "same-day" deposit if you can. 💰

Hope that helps you get to Thailand by the 10th! If you want to take the stress out of tracking your 180-day stay once you arrive, we built a free tracking tool for DTV holders over at baojai.app. Safe travels! ✈️🇹🇭