If you’re applying from the U.S., the main things they’ll check are: proof of 500k THB in your account (with history, not just a screenshot), proof of income from outside Thailand, valid passport + accommodation booking.

Processing takes about 1–3 weeks depending on which consulate you use. Each one can be a bit different, so don’t just copy someone else’s experience.

Make sure your docs are solid before you apply. I also recommend you get a proper guide/book for more information about Thailand DTV to avoid confusion and costly mistakes. That also helped me

Hanoi is usually one of the faster embassies, but they’re also strict on details. A small mismatch like the address can be enough for rejection. From what I’ve seen, it’s not an automatic ban from reapplying at the same embassy, some people have been able to correct the info and try again. But it really depends on the officer handling your case.

If you don’t want to risk another $340 blindly, doublecheck every line and maybe even email the embassy first to confirm. Honestly, these little technical mistakes are exactly why I ended up getting a guide. I came across one recently on amazon. Still reading but t's been helpful so far

Totally get your situation - Thailand’s getting stricter with visa runs, so you’re not alone. Yes, a METV could be a good short-term option, especially if you’ll be in India and need a legal way back in while sorting your finances. Just keep in mind the METV also comes with its own entry/exit rules, so plan those runs carefully.

For the DTV, the funds requirement is pretty strict, so better to make sure your 3-month balance lines up before applying

For purpose of travel, just put holiday - that’s the standard.

Accommodation info: yes, better to fill it in (even if it’s just your first hotel/Airbnb).

Date of departure: leave it blank if you don’t have a ticket yet, that’s normal.

Madrid is known for being a bit slower, and the holidays can add extra delays. Usually embassies want to see you’re physically in the country when applying, so sending it in before arriving may not fly. If you apply on Dec 19, one month might be enough, but it’s tight with Christmas/New Year closures. I’d recommend preparing all docs in advance and double-checking requirements before you fly.

Also, if this is your first DTV run, I'd advise don’t wing it too much, you can get a solid guide. I have searched everywhere and found (Thailand DTV Visa Guide) on Amazon. It's the best I’ve seen so far. It clears up details like this and saves a lot of guesswork.

This exact scenario was one of the little details I was confused about until I found a guide that explained it step by step. I searched for Thailand DTV Visa Guide on Amazon. The mini book goes into these financial requirements in depth and shows practical ways to stay compliant without losing sleep

The 500,000 baht is mainly checked at the application stage and again if you’re doing an extension inside Thailand. Immigration doesn’t usually re-check your account every time you exit and re-enter, so short trips in and out aren’t normally a problem as long as you already hold the visa.

Where it can matter is if you go to extend from 180 → 360 days. At that point, they can ask to see your funds again, so you’ll want to plan ahead. Some people top up with family sponsorship letters (your parents could help if needed), others move savings around temporarily just to show the balance.

The form can be a bit misleading. For the duration of stay, just put 180 days, because that’s the official validity of the first entry under the DTV. Even if you plan to extend later to a year, the embassy/eVisa system wants to see 180 - anything longer can raise questions.

For the flight number section, it’s common not to have a ticket yet. You can usually leave it blank or just write ‘TBA’ (to be advised). Some people upload a refundable booking just to be safe, but it’s not always required.

Honestly, little details like this tripped me up a lot. That’s why I’d recommend getting a proper guide (search Thailand DTV Visa Guide by Niran Chaisiri on Amazon). It really cleared up these small but stressful parts and helped me avoid mistakes that could’ve delayed my approval.

They don’t always have to apply in the exact same country as you - what matters most is that they apply at a Thai Embassy/Consulate that processes DTV for their nationality. Some families do it in different countries if one location is faster, but it’s usually smoother if everyone applies from the same place.

Yes, you’ll need proof you legally entered Vietnam - usually a clear photo of your entry stamp works fine when submitting online. Many apply the same day they arrive. For locations: the Thai Embassy in Hanoi handles DTV applications, while Saigon has a Consulate. Some report smoother results with Hanoi, but technically you apply through the jurisdiction where you are. Just make sure your docs (especially passport photo + entry stamp) are crisp and legible.

Honestly, I’d recommend getting a solid guide before you go. You can check platforms like amazon, search for 'Thailand DTV Visa Guide. This helped me avoid small mistakes that could delay approval