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Can I apply for a DTV visa as a digital nomad in Thailand without any clients?

Thailand Visa DTV Visa Digital Nomad PhD in AI Visa Options Soft Power Activities SMART Startup Visa Living in Bangkok Expat Advice

Nov 16, 2025

3 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello 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.

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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.

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John *****

I can help you with backend/frontend and devops if you need.

a day ago

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.

2 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi 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 ?

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

Kereeshma *******************

@Roman **********

your prompt response is much appreciated. Thank you 🙏🏻

a day ago

Reply to

Kereeshma *******************

Nick ******

Soft Power Cooking is just once a month only and extremely affordable.

3 days ago

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?

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3 days ago

Will **********

3 days ago

Waqar ******

Go for Soft power activity I don’t think you will make it in Nomad Category

3 days ago

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.

3 days ago

Thiên ******

@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:

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a day ago

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 now

a day ago

Reply to

Greg ********

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

3 days ago

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

DTV_Begpacker have you check the news? There is no more visa run and is super risk to do that now.

3 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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…

3 days ago

Greg ********

DTV_Begpacker would that not take up more time than a 3 hour a week 26 week cookery course?

3 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Is it possible to apply for a digital nomad DTV in Thailand without a traditional job income?

7 comments

a month ago

Can I apply for a Thailand DTV visa while unemployed and with 500k THB in my account?

15 comments

a month ago