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What are the best visa options in Thailand for a disabled expat seeking long-term stay without fulfilling retirement age criteria?

Thailand Visa DTV Visa Education Visa Expat Guide Permanent Residency Disabled Expat Non-Taxable Income Soft Power Options Immigration Help

Feb 9, 2025

13 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I’m have a hard time tracking down information on visa’s and my situation. I am disabled and I am from the USA. I would like to stay in Thailand possibly permanently but as of right now I’m either looking at an education visa or the DTV. The immigration office I went to wasn’t much help. I think the language barrier was a bit of a problem for us. 

Any how I’m a bit concerned with take the education route because I have various learning disabilities and I’m concerned I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the learning. So I started looking in to DTV seeing I have a non taxable income. However it looks as though you have to be a content creator or have some type of job. I am an artist but I don’t really sell my art. 

Is the DTV right for me even though I have an income but not working? I’m technically retired but I don’t fit the requirements for the retirement visa based solely on age. I’m 3 years short. Can anyone offer any guidance on this? Thank you in advance 😊🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual is a disabled expat from the USA exploring options for long-term stay in Thailand, focusing on an education visa or the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). They express concerns about the education route due to learning disabilities and uncertainty about the DTV requirements, which seem focused on content creators or those with specific jobs. The discussion includes suggestions for soft power courses like cooking or cultural classes to meet DTV requirements, as well as sharing personal experiences on obtaining visas without strict employment or age qualifications.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Anonymous ******************

I am unemployed and got the dtv under soft power cooking. I just had to show 500k savings

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Brian ********

I made one dentist appointment and got a letter from the dentist confirming my "new patient consultation" appointment and I was approved in 7 days 🤷

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John **********

You should look at some of the soft power options available under the DTV scheme. I'm guessing Muay Thai is out for you but there are also cookery and medical treatment options

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Evan ********

Another option may be getting specialist medical care in Thailand and using the DTV soft power option. You’d need a medical doctor or specialist to write a letter and have appointment plus in going schedule of care. Goodluck

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you

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Anonymous *************

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Ian **********

I saw a comment recently from a guy who said he got a retirement visa at 47 based on the fact he was disabled. Sorry I can't be more specific

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you so much I will check that out

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Anonymous *************

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you everyone I will definitely look into all of these options 😊🙏

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Rosslyn ********

Anonymous participant yes and please check through the posts of this group because some courses are being denied

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Rosslyn ********

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Christopher ********

Do the soft power route, sign up for a cooking class or Thai culture class. There is no income just have to have savings enough to live.

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Bryn ********

One of requirements is also having 500k THB in your bank, if you want to apply as a DN then you also need a letter fron your company stating you can work remotely, i am self enployed so just wrote my own letter to cover that. Also the fact that it is a Thai visa greatly dependa on where you apply for the visa as to how steict they are about the rules, I am a Kiwi and was told I can only apply for it in NZ but I got mine from Canberra in Australia becuase i was in OZ, took 3 days to get. So there is some luck involved.

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Pete *******

Take a sudden interest in Thai herbs flora and fauna. 5 yr course and DTV compliant. 9999 baht.

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John **********

You should look at some of the soft power options available under the DTV scheme. I'm guessing Muay Thai is out for you but there are also cookery and medical treatment options

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Alex *******

I'm interested to see if an extension is possible with that course. I get the feeling that immigration won't give extensions on it with some Thai embassies rejecting it for DTV. I guess we will find out soon. If it works then it's a very cheap course for 5 years 🙂

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James ********

the course content is spread out over 5 years. And do a simple border bounce to get a NEW 180 day stamp.

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James ********

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John **********

there have been reports of this being rejected by some embassies

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John **********

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