It depends on your embassy. We've successfully gotten our DTV, Non O or tourist visas using a joint account at various embassies. In each case our account balance had to be double the required amount to cover for 2 applicants.

@Jim ******

that is embassy dependant. We used our joint account.

@Kool ******

that is incorrect and/or embassy dependant. We've gotten all our Thai visas using a joint account. In each case we were told that we needed enough money for each applicant. i.e. 500K THB/Person so the balance had to be 1M THB.

Look into the DTV, soft power.

@Emma *****

unless you can provide it all, write off the fee and apply elsewhere but this time check the documents required. The requirements were perfectly clear on the DTV document checklist on the KL Thai embassy site.

Also join the DTV specific groups is you haven't already. Lots of comments in those groups about where not to apply.

Email them, Vancouver consulate is responsive, ask why they changed it. It could be they are one of the embassies that don't accept that course as it can be done on line. You may as well use the METV since some embassies won't issue an DTV with an active METV.

It's very easy to do yourself if you meet the qualifications but if you aren't sure or confident then there are different levels of agents. To get someone to help you with a course and proof of funds is expensive and can have drawbacks. To get someone to review your paperwork and just give some general advice, cheap and easy. Neither come with any guarantees though so choose wisely.

@Max *********

I'd go a bit further then

@Todd ********

suggests and talk to an agent for your next entry. At the very least, if they won't offer you a "safe entry" you know you'll probably be denied. Might want to look into the DTV as well, still fairly easy to get in neighboring countries and the agent can probably assist with that. Edit - a tourist visa probably isn't worth your time since it's no guarantee

@AllSabai *****

a lot of people actually. I've met lots of people who use visa exempt to come to Thailand, travel around a bit and then determine if they want to proceed with a longer term visa or if they want to live in a certain area before signing a long term lease. Along with those that aren't interested in settling, don't need to work, travel full time and spend 3 months in various countries in the area. Easy enough for people in those circumstances to switch to getting a tourist visa instead so they won't be affected.

Visa exempt entries have always been abused no matter how long they were valid for. It's surprising it's lasted as long as it has considering it was announced by the prior PM and didnt seem to be a permanent thing.

The visa will be valid from the date it's approved, not your planned arrival date which has nothing to do with it. You'll be wasting almost 6 months so you'd be better off waiting at this point. Depending on what embassy, some won't let you apply more than 3 months out.