Can I apply for a DTV while holding a valid tourist visa for Thailand?

Thailand Visa Rules DTV Visa Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Visa Quotas Thai Embassy Expat Immigration

Aug 3, 2024

4 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everybody! I've never been to Thailand before as my country of citizenship (where I don't live since 15 years ago, but still is the only passport I have 😂) has never been on the visa exemption list, nor it was possible to apply for an e-visa. However, during the July 15th reform my country was included on the visa on arrival list and also it was made super easy to get normal tourist e-visas. Long story short, I already have a tourism visa approved and I'll be visiting Bangkok for ten days from August 15th. My plan is to see if I like it (which I'm pretty confident I will), and then to apply for the DTV when I go back home on the 25th. I meet all the requirements for the DTV, so that's not a problem. And reportedly, the Thai embassy here has been approving them even within one day for qualified people. My concern is, should I just apply for the DTV like right now, before they change the rules or say the quota for this year has been depleted or something like that? The thing is, I already have a valid single entry tourism visa valid until October 28th. Would I be able to apply for a DTV concurrently? And, if approved, will it automatically nullify the tourism visa? (which I wouldn't need anymore, regardless). Thank you in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user has recently been approved for a tourist visa to Thailand and is contemplating applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) after their visit. They are concerned about the process and whether they can apply for the DTV while holding a valid tourist visa. Responses suggest that it is not possible to hold two valid visas simultaneously; thus, the user may need to cancel their current tourist visa before applying for the DTV. Many recommend visiting first and assessing their experience in Thailand before deciding to pursue the DTV.

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Terary **********

I am doubtful they will reach some quota within this time-frame. I have never heard of Thailand implementing quotas, they may, but I don't think its very common. Thailand benefits from having visitors.

4 months ago

Dca *****

1.) Just come visit and see Thailand first-hand with that Single Entry Tourist Visa you already have approved now;

2.) As for applying for the DTV Visa, consider what you experienced and learned from your first trip to Thailand, then can apply for the DTV Visa after returning home;

3.) As from the text of the Interior Ministry Notice and the Immigration Bureau Order implementing the DTV Visa, the DTV Visa is not a temporary or promotional change, but has a more permanent policy to the DTV Visa and there are no quotas to it, similar to other tourist visas where there are no quotas associated with them.

4 months ago

Steve *******

It's highly unlikely the rules will change or there will be a limit on visas issued

4 months ago

Steven *******

I think it’s a good idea for you to visit first on your tourist visa. If you like Bangkok, come back on the DTV. Unless you’re very sure you want to live in Bangkok, travel to one or two other places while you’re here on the tourist visa.

4 months ago

Brandon ************

You cannot have 2 valid visas at the same time. If you want to apply for the DTV visa you would need to contact the Thai embassy that issued your current visa and ask if they can cancel it before you apply for the DTV. Otherwise your application for DTV may be rejected (without refund) due to you already having a visa.

4 months ago

Elías ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Makes sense. Well, in this case, as my tourist visa is a single entry one, once I go to Thailand and exit on August 25th, it won't be valid anymore, right? Then I could apply? Or just to be safe, should I wait until October 28th to apply for the DTV?

4 months ago

Brandon ************

@Elías *******

As soon as you enter Thailand, your visa will be "used" and is no longer valid.

4 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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