The DTV is a tourist visa aimed at those who are able to work remotely, outside of the Kingdom.

This is the wording "workcation" applied to those applying for that.

They can also apply for "soft power" leisure activities.

Cooking classes, Muay Thai, music festivals and various medical treatments.

The confusion is, on the 5 year length which is great, ( I also have a 10 year tourist visa for China and been once. That doesn't make me a longterm resident there either)this doesn't make DTV a longterm visa.

A longterm visa holder NEVER has to leave the country, they apply for extensions as required and stay as long as they want.

However the DTV does not allow this. The DTV requires you to exit the country and return every 6 months or if you extend 1x in country a year. BUT they must leave, there is no option to stay permanently.

As a retiree I can remain in Thailand as long as I want to keep extending.

All official things are no problem,

Banks, 5 yr Licences, health insurance, etc.

So YES its a good value visa for many BUT it is a Tourist Visa not a "longterm" I live forever in Thailand.

@Simon ********

you have to do the 90 day and 1st extension using the 800k.Only way around it is an Agent and then that starts the agent wheel, where you need an agent every year.

@Julian ******

you will have to ask your local immigration if they will allow that change.You will likely have to exit and start fresh with either a non-o evisa or apply in country as a tourist.

@Simon ********

drop your Thai bank accounts deposits.You will need a bank letter, bank statement and updated bank book when you apply.

Broken down simply.

Deposit 800k for the first year.

Then for the second extension prove you have deposited 65k plus per month, every month for the entire year and switch to the income method.

Remember you must follow the money rules for that first extension, 800k 3 months after approval, never below 400k and best practice make sure you top up to 800k again 2 mths before trying to switch.

That way if anything is wrong you can still get accepted with the banked method.

Whether you think you qualify is irrelevant if immigration says no.