@John *********

you get a 2 year license and at renewal it increases to 5 years, also yes bank account with DTV, no problem. I have DTV and with it I got bank account, driver's license, Thai ID card, and yellow book, I suggest OP goes to relevant government departments to learn process, Facebook full of misinformation 👎

Chris Fitzgibbon I have DTV, as long as you have an employment contract with an overseas company, have proof of address in that country, and can show your salary going in your home bank account with a balance of more than 500k thai baht you should be able to get DTV, of course there are a few other requirements but those are the main ones. I love the DTV, freedom to come and go as I want for the next 5 years as long as I don't stay longer than 180 days at a time 👍

Mike Dias yes definitely head down to your nearest Thai embassy, Facebook is NOT the place to get reliable information. When I got my long term visa I went to the Thai embassy in my home country and they were super helpful and because I met all there criteria it was very straightforward. Facebook seems to be opinions based on bad experiences due to lack of understanding, good luck 👍

Kim Wee I opened a bank account no problem with DTV 👍

Alex Ve you are way off base regarding DTV. I've had one for nearly 2 years and crossed land and air borders at least 10 times and I haven't experienced ANY of what you have described, maybe the others are on the soft option?

@John *********

I had no problem opening a bank account on my DTV 👍

Vicky Toshach I know a lot of expats here on the retirement visa and have never heard of anyone getting the extension denied. 👍

Matt Storms I'm about 70km east of Nong Khai, if you end up around this way look me up, might be able to help out with logistics, also a good group of farangs that get together weekly. 👍

Matt Storms not sure what's going on with Alex, maybe some kind of mental issue? I have the DTV since it first come out (nearly 2 years) and crossed land and air borders on at least 10 occasions, NEVER had a single problem and even had a immigration officer at Nong Khai mention how great a visa the DTV is, I highly recommend! As far as where to settle in Thailand, that will depend on you and your preferences, myself I live in rural Issan as I don't like the expensive tourist hot spots, good luck 👍

Graham Seal Nong Khai friendship bridge no problem on DTV 👍