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Can applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand after working remotely on a tourist visa cause problems?
Jul 21, 2025
9 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERLet's say someone were to apply for DTV, but from the documentation they have to provide it would become clear that they have already been working remotely from Thailand while being there on visa exemption (i.e. as a tourist).
Would that cause DTV rejection or any other problems?
A purely hypothetical scenario, of course
Would that cause DTV rejection or any other problems?
A purely hypothetical scenario, of course
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether applying for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) after working remotely in Thailand on a visa exemption (tourist visa) could lead to rejection or immigration issues. Commenters generally agree that remote work while on a tourist visa does not pose a problem for DTV approval. They highlight that the DTV is designed to support individuals in similar situations. The conversation also addresses the ambiguity about legality and interpretations of immigration regulations regarding remote work.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Luit *****************
I am curious what documentation you have to supply for DTV application that would make clear the remote work before.
마리오 ***
I had been working remote from Thailand for quite awhile and had no issues with my DTV approval.
Dany ********
no problem at all
Siggi *******
You can work remotely on any visa or exemption so why this should be a problem? Dtv allows you only stay 180 days and valid 5 years but there is no other difference to a SETV
Steve *******
@Siggi ******
you can not. It's illegal to work in Thailand without a work visa or DTV.It's almost never enforced, but that is the law.
Siggi *******
@Steve ******
you don't know anything about Thailand. Dtv not allows you to work it allows you to stay in thailand nothing more. It like the name says a tourist visa. So please study 4 year law like me or shut up!Steve *******
@Siggi ******
you sound like a true brilliant academic, little buddy 👌Siggi *******
@Steve ******
and ? Where do you see the word Ork permit? You get the same visa with a stupid cooking class, with a doctor's appointment aso. It's the same like a non o visa for retirement. You have to show that you fill the requirements but you don't have to be retired. In the article is never mentioned that you need this visa to work online as this can't be legally as no country in the world issues work permits for remote work as a country can't do it. But. I guess you don't understand basic English words. 😁😜Steve *******
@Siggi ******
ffs🤦♂️Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Donna ******
@Steve ******
or LTRReply to
Donna ******
Reply
John **********
@Siggi ******
you can but only if you are willing to do so illegally. There are only 2 visas that support remote workReply to
John **********
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Hey **********
no, i just got the visa and was there also working on visa exemption
Wannikea *********
The Visa was partially designed for people in this scenario to legitimize and ease their ability to enter and stay while doing remote work.
Anonymous ******************
@Wannikea ********
and to be paid for the DTV instead of giving out all the free 60 day visas.....understandableSiggi *******
@Wannikea ********
no, it's was design to fit the people but it has nothing to do with work!Wannikea *********
@Siggi ******
I didn't say legitimized work I said is legitimized entering and exiting the country many timesReply to
Wannikea *********
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James ********
@Wannikea ********
correct ✅Siggi *******
@James *******
not correct, it not legitimize any remote work. This visa is a tourist visa and gas nothing to do with work. The section for application they put in is they want to be sure you do not working inside Thailand illegal, but remote you can work on any visa or exemptionJames ********
@Siggi ******
if you want to believe that, okay. With your working in Thailand with a Thai work permit, I'm sure you believe that you have all the answers. Reality is, unofficially, as long as one stays "under the radar" in Thailand, working on-line using whatever Thai Visa or not, with extension is okay.
Get reported, that's when it becomes a Thai immigration issue of legality and a problem for you.
Siggi *******
@James *******
compared to you I studied law and I know that there is no illegality in working remotely. Because a tourist visa can't give you a permission to work. And if all the morons with zero knowledge about what law is writing you can't but with a dtv you can. I bet with you for all money you can put on the table that you are 100% wrong.Robert ***********
@Siggi ******
Funny Mr. Legal Scholar. There are only like 2 or 3 Thai visas that specifically support remote work. That being said, interpretation is open to what's legal or illegal.James ********
@Siggi ******
WOW 😳...take a chill pill and enjoy your day. You have your opinion and I have mine. Good Luck 🍀 I'm not here to bloviate my knowing the law.Reply to
James ********
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Mercy *********
They don't care. I applied as such and got approved.
Greg ********
Many people have done the same. The Embassy staff are not looking for this.
Reply to
Greg ********
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