Okay thanks for the replies. So as I understand, I can stay in Thailand under my DTV for as long as I'm within the 180 days stamped on my passport. And if I was to leave the country within 90 days, I'd get a new stamp with the timer reset and I wouldn't have to file the 90 day report.

And I can do this continuously throughout the year.

Correct?

You just need to live life like a Thai person instead of a tourist and you'll find that's more than enough.

I had my soft power DTV approved by London yesterday and submitted the declaration to stay in the UK when they requested this as further documents.

My visa was granted 2 days after I submitted this.

As Greg says, once you've got the visa you're free to travel before you head to Thailand.

Have also been asked to submit further docs for my soft power DTV application for London. Also was asked to provide consent I won't leave the country while my visa application is ongoing. Just submitted a one sentence letter stating I would not do this - hope that's enough but I did find that request strange

Following this as I'm doing my application and have the same worry. Haven't booked my flight into Thailand as yet but aiming to be there for mid March