Colin Boyland

Some province-based visa agents charge 12,000 baht, by the way…

Terrell Darby

I don’t share this information.

Any visa agent can facilitate a retirement visa for you.

Kim Wee

This is common knowledge within the expat community.

Sources:

• Facebook

• Reddit

Retirement Visa vs. DTV

A Retirement visa is a much better option by far!

Any visa agent can facilitate the process for a reasonable fee without requiring you to maintain a large balance in a Thai bank account.

I pay 13,000 baht to renew my retirement visa every year, and I don’t keep much money in my Thai bank account.

DTV visa holders face several hurdles and restrictions:

1. Banking Limitations:

You will not be able to open or even maintain a Thai bank account as easily compared to other visa types.

2. Strict Entry Requirements: At the airport, immigration officers may demand proof of funds in cash and extensive paperwork confirming your remote work arrangements.

3. No Guarantee of Approval: Even after paying the 10,000 THB application fee, approval is never guaranteed. Many applicants are denied without being provided a specific reason.

4. Mandatory Departures: Every 180 days, you are required to leave the country. Upon re-entry, you must again provide proof of work arrangements and show at least 20,000 THB in cash.

A Retirement Visa bypasses all these complications entirely!

Begona Perez Suarez

FUCK OFF

Greg Alexander

Fuck off, mate!

Read posts on Reddit and Facebook and you’ll come to the same conclusion!

Begona Perez Suarez

It’s better than nothing, but in fact - this is the WORST Thai visa option because:

You’re never truly certain whether you’ll actually be granted the DTV visa - even after paying that hefty application fee (around 10,000 THB / ~$300 USD).

You will get hassled at the airport if you have a DTV, unlike with the Retirement Visa.

Immigration officers might demand supporting documents and proof of funds for DTV holders—a hassle you'll never face with a Retirement Visa.

In addition, DTV holders cannot open Thai bank accounts, which makes long-term residence in Thailand completely reliant on cash and overseas ATM cards.

If you're 50+, stick with the Retirement Visa, if not - get an ED Visa

@Pete *******

FUCK OFF, you stupid wanker

Colin Purchase

From recent 2025–2026 reports (Reddit, Facebook groups like Destination Thailand Visa, ASEANNOW, etc.), this tracks: While not everyone gets problems (some sail through smoothly), a notable number of DTV users describe rude officers, extra document checks, or being singled out—often tied to immigration’s broader crackdown on visa abuse, perceived work issues, or the visa’s “new” status clashing with traditional rules. It’s not universal denial, but the “hassle” factor (delays, attitude, questions) is frequently called out.

Greg Alexander

From recent 2025–2026 reports (Reddit, Facebook groups like Destination Thailand Visa, ASEANNOW, etc.), this tracks: While not everyone gets problems (some sail through smoothly), a notable number of DTV users describe rude officers, extra document checks, or being singled out—often tied to immigration’s broader crackdown on visa abuse, perceived work issues, or the visa’s “new” status clashing with traditional rules. It’s not universal denial, but the “hassle” factor (delays, attitude, questions) is frequently called out.