@Luit ****************

It's highly recommended documents are in Thai or English, particularly if needing to extend this visa. Documents in any other language are useless and immigration won't accept them. Thais don't speak German, Dutch, French or whatever.

For better or worse, English is the only global language.

Anonymous participant I communicated with my embassy in Chinese. The staff I was interacting with were locals, not Thais.

Thais generally speak only Thai and English. That's why this requirement is in place.

I had documents in French. These were translated into English. Didn't cost a whole lot. I used a translation bureau based in Chiang Mai.

I simply followed the rules and my visa was approved without incident.

Anonymous participant Nonsense. I applied and they only accepted documents in English or Thai. No other foreign languages.

@David *******

True, but most offices will only give you another 2 years, if you don't hold a long-term visa or extension of stay. Thus, a DTV, non-B, non-O, LTR, retirement, smart visa or anything but a tourist visa will qualify for a 5 year visa.

Sometimes a tourist visa or METV qualifies too at certain offices anyway.

Yes. Sefton Hanley mentioned he was able to do it, and I'll be using my DTV to renew my 5-year license for another 5 years. One change is that they're now requiring medical certificates even for 5 year to 5 year renewals (previously, this was only necessary for the initial 2 year license) or going from 2 to 5 years. Now, it's required in all cases, even 5 to 5 years.

There are pop-up medical clinics located right next to DLT offices. Just go there. I think they just confirm you have a pulse and no sexually transmitted diseases and that you're not blind and they'll write you a note.

I'm also going to be renewing my Thai IDPs on the same day I get my domestic license renewed.

@Sum ****

Yes, but it's very low. I can't see why they would make a distinction between Thais and foreigners for interest rate payments though.

@Su **************

For Laos, 3 months is mandatory for all nationalities. They'll refuse your application if the funds have been in there even for one day less than 3 months.

Anonymous participant Your documents would have needed to be translated just to apply for the visa in the first place. They only accept documents in Thai or English.

@Gail **********

Not required.

Anonymous participant I thought it was 500K for everyone. Never seen anything to suggest 300K would be enough.