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.

@Brandon ***********

if you are in the DTV group there is a post about people with the DTV being pulled aside, getting questioned and having to provide the 3 proofs at CNX. It's an interesting read.

@John *********

true, but they don't normally ask for those items with a tourist visa. I can't read Thai but was under the impression that the entry laws, thinking Royal Gazette, only mentions those requirements for visa exempt.

@Matthew ********

wrong group, he's not in this one. The same agent owns the other group as well.

@Greg *******

I also think there is a lot of 🐂💩 answers in these groups that just add to people's confusion.

@Paul ******

that's not a "need" it's a personal choice. If you have a trip planned sure, but I wouldn't go out of my way to travel just to avoid 15 minutes at immigration.

@Greg *******

yeah based on a lot of the questions in this group, and others, I don't think people have a clue 🤷‍♀️.

@George’s *********************

as mentioned your visa effective date starts the date the visa is issued by the embassy not the day you arrive on Thailand. You entry stamp starts the date your arrive. What you need to show for the application process depends on the embassy you apply at. Honestly, not being mean, but you do seem very confused by the visa and how to go about it so I seriously recommend you speak to agent to help you navigate this.

Your assumptions are incorrect. The length of time your $$ needs to be banked depends on what embassy you at thru. The 5 year period starts the day the visa is issued. When you enter, you'll get a stamp that is valid to stay for 180 days. You do not have to leave every 90 days... no idea where you came up with that little nugget of wisdom. You do need to file a 90 day report. It's multi entry, you can leave and come back getting another 180 stamp on entry. You can apply for one extension per entry by proving that you still qualify for the visa... basically you need to resubmit all the original documentation including treatment plans, course, proof of remote work, etc, as well as providing proof of finances. Wouldn't normally recommend an agent but in your case getting some assistance might not be a bad idea.

This group is specific for DTV so you might get a better response from one of the regular Thailand Visa Advice | DTV | Retirement & More or Thailand Visa Advice QA groups since you are applying for a Non O.