This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can I apply for a DTV visa as a digital nomad in Thailand without any clients?
Thailand VisaDTV VisaDigital NomadPhD in AIVisa OptionsSoft Power ActivitiesSMART Startup VisaLiving in BangkokExpat Advice
Nov 16, 2025
5 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone,
I'm from France. I just got a PhD in Al and would like to focus on a personal project for one year. Renting a condo in Bangkok would be perfect for me, my goal is to work a lot while keeping an easy life alongside it.
Is there a way I could apply for a DTV as a digital nomad without clients?
I have more than the required 500k THB in my personal savings account and have had it for years. I wouldn't have any income this year, but I have enough to live on.
This project would take all my time, so I'm not sure that applying for a soft power activity is a good idea. But if you know any not-too-restrictive activities in Bangkok, I would be interested.
Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer me.
I'm from France. I just got a PhD in Al and would like to focus on a personal project for one year. Renting a condo in Bangkok would be perfect for me, my goal is to work a lot while keeping an easy life alongside it.
Is there a way I could apply for a DTV as a digital nomad without clients?
I have more than the required 500k THB in my personal savings account and have had it for years. I wouldn't have any income this year, but I have enough to live on.
This project would take all my time, so I'm not sure that applying for a soft power activity is a good idea. But if you know any not-too-restrictive activities in Bangkok, I would be interested.
Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer me.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent PhD graduate from France seeks advice on obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand without having clients, as they plan to focus on a personal project for a year while renting a condo in Bangkok. They have sufficient personal savings but no income this year. The community discusses alternative visa options including the METV for longer stays, soft power activities like cooking courses, and the SMART Startup visa, suggesting these might be more suitable given the user's situation.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
John *****
I can help you with backend/frontend and devops if you need.
Roman ***********
What’s that’s mean PhD in AI? Could you clarify what exactly your PhD main subject of research, thesis of master, major of bachelor? Since you Mention that, you might be able to know that holding PhD is give a lot of options and open a gates.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi Roman, I could answer these questions in private conversation if needed, I indeed mentioned that because I know it can makes things easier for some countries, is it the case in Thailand ?
Kereeshma *******************
@Roman **********
hi there, sorry to barge in this conversation.... Please can you elaborate on the PhD further options besides a Professional Visa? Thanks in advance.Roman ***********
@Kereeshma ******************
Reviewing process is soften for any kind of visa, when officials see your PhD status. LTR requirements twice reduced for master+ degree. Any company wish to hire you as employee with PhD, especially institutions.Kereeshma *******************
@Roman **********
your prompt response is much appreciated. Thank you 🙏🏻Reply to
Kereeshma *******************
Reply
Nick ******
Soft Power Cooking is just once a month only and extremely affordable.
John **********
The digital nomad option is for remote work and you would not be doing that. You could try one of the soft power options. Alternatively and depending on your plans it might be worth looking at the SMART Startup visa?
*****************************************************
Waqar ******
Go for Soft power activity I don’t think you will make it in Nomad Category
Greg ********
A cooking course is not too onerous in the amount of time it would take. There is another visa for Startups. Google "BOI Smart "S" Visa". Been a lot of changes to it though.
Thiên ******
hi
@Greg *******
, would you mind sharing more about the Svisa please? I have looked it up but there is very little information or cases on their website: *****************************************************
Greg ********
@Thiên *****
They changed all the "Smart" Visa earlier this year. Basically rolled all of them into LTR and left the "S". You need to speak to the BOI. I do not think much support for them nowReply to
Greg ********
Reply
DTV_Be*******
Why not get the 6 month METV with a strategic border run in the last days you can get 9 months out of it
After that do a border run to a neighboring country get stamped in for 60 days then go to your local immigration office and buy a 30 day extension for ฿1,900 baht
That would get you to 1 year no problems no schools np soft power just work on your studies
After that do a border run to a neighboring country get stamped in for 60 days then go to your local immigration office and buy a 30 day extension for ฿1,900 baht
That would get you to 1 year no problems no schools np soft power just work on your studies
Anonymous ******************
DTV_Begpacker have you check the news? There is no more visa run and is super risk to do that now.
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 565 For now the news is about abuse of visa exemption, for 1 year indeed METV might be a good option, DTV is a bit of overkill.
DTV_Be*******
Anonymous participant 565 if you have a legitimate visa it’s not a problem
If you take a minication (3-6 days) then come back you should be fine as it will be 6-8 months in the future
Nobody knows the future but based on old algorithms you can predict future outcomes…
If you take a minication (3-6 days) then come back you should be fine as it will be 6-8 months in the future
Nobody knows the future but based on old algorithms you can predict future outcomes…
Greg ********
DTV_Begpacker would that not take up more time than a 3 hour a week 26 week cookery course?
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
7 comments
6 months ago
15 comments
7 months ago
16 comments
8 months ago
6 comments
8 months ago
12 comments
9 months ago
12 comments
a year ago
12 comments
a year ago
68 comments
a year ago
29 comments
a year ago
26 comments
a year ago
50 comments
a year ago
1 comments
a year ago
7 comments
a year ago
18 comments
a year ago
41 comments
a year ago
16 comments
a year ago
9 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
13 comments
a year ago
26 comments
2 years ago
38 comments
2 years ago
4 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.