Knowing how Government Departments (and employees) operate I wouldn’t be surprised if the staff become increasingly resistant to issuing this new and popular Visa. Especially if extra staff and financial rewards haven’t been provided.

If arriving from or spending 12 hours or longer transiting these countries you will need a Yellow Fever certificate. You can upload in advance to save time upon entry but not compulsory;

Problem is no one knows for sure the reason for refusal. If you guess and reapply elsewhere you risk further disappointment (not to mention expense). If it was me I would, most respectfully of course, ask for clarification on the reason for refusal as it would provide most helpful guidance upon how to comply with their criteria in future.

@Andreas ********

I know. A visa agent opened a Bangkok Bank savings account for me as part of a conversion from visa exempt entry to Non-O (retirement) visa and 12 months extension. However, there have been reports in the last day or so of people claiming to have opened bank accounts themselves with DTV’s. I can only suggest if the OP wishes to go down this route that they search for these reports and ask the posters how they did it?

Anonymous participant There have been reports of successful applications for bank accounts. All that can be suggested is to try.

Who has informed you that you cannot open a Thai bank account if you hold a DTV?

@Bob *********

Probably travelling with Thai spouse?

@Ralph ******

Good point Ralph. Many travel insurance companies have a 31 day per trip limit. If you entered Thailand without a return/onward ticket booked for within 31 days you wouldn’t have any cover whatsoever.

Thai Mrs hires 125 Clicks when we go to Phuket. She’s a much better rider/driver so I ride pillion. Don’t like it at all. I’m 110kg and Mrs 90kg. Worth noting the total weight limit of around 130kg. We go up and down the hills fast enough!

Serious illness or accident is, quite rightly, your concern. There has been a report of a travel insurance claim denied for failure to disclose a childhood illness. There have also been very positive reports of excellent service and treatment with all expenses covered. Can you whittle down the cost by excluding baggage etc and limiting to medical costs only? Try selecting an increased excess if you are able to pay a fair amount yourself to avoid claiming. Repatriation has already been mentioned. Bear in mind that all travel insurers will try to get you fixed up quickly and back home because then they no longer have to pay for your hospital treatment.