Activating is a strange definition, but the visa is valid from date of issue till 5 years later, regardless if you use it or not.

SincereGrape4256 It is not odd, some people might be seriously interested in Thai cooking, just like some also are really interested in Muay Thai.

Unfortunately it looks here like most soft power applications here are just abuse of the visa, just like ED got heavily abused.

Anonieme deelnemer 861 I don't understand the worrying about fees, for sure it is better to have a beer for that money, but it is also not that much you should worry about.

Most times they will not ask for proof, but is that worth gambling for so little money?

Asking proof of being able to sustain yourself for 5 years is not realistic, just as asking proof for 5 years enrollment in soft power or being employed for 5 year is impossible.

But this is also not necessary because DTV only gives 180 days stay at a time, which means it is technically possible to check for this at each entry, but practically checks are time consuming.

@Tore ********

The insurance requirement iare not necessary as long as they enforce the 500K at each entry.

I wait with applying for retirement till I stop working.

@Greg *****

Legally the IO can check at every entry if you have enough money for your stay in Thailand, but practically this might be difficult.

@Samuel ********

Immigration will not issue a DTV visa

Adam Mileson To me it looks like Thailand wants to enforce more rules, and when you follow the news you also will notice that enforcing now in some situations also works as cooperation between different departments.

@Andi **********

No, they do not check, just let your Thai partner ask at the place where they separate the rows, Until now at BKK it worked everytime.

And since Thai people can use the automatic gates there, for the manned desk there are very few people, most mixed couples.

@Ivan ***********

I think that wth visa with fast track you already did pay for the service...