Can I change my DTV visa from "Remote Worker" to "Soft Power" or "Digital Nomad" after acceptance?

Oct 14, 2024
2 months ago
Samu ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it possible to change the DTV:visa from

"Remote Worker" to Soft Power or Digital Nomad once accepted?

- Starting with "Remote Worker" and then if possible to change to "Soft Power" activity

Or is it all the same after accepted DTV:visa?

- And is there a possibility of getting a work permit to Thailand with the DTV? (Soft power festival work?)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The DTV visa does not specify its category after approval, so transitioning from 'Remote Worker' to 'Soft Power' is essentially viewed the same once accepted. However, a DTV does not allow holders to obtain a work permit for employment in Thailand as it is classified similarly to a tourist visa. If you're considering working in Thailand, you'll need to switch to a Non-B visa which does facilitate a work permit, although this change means you would forfeit the DTV visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
마리오 ***
You can’t work for a Thai company or pursue Thai customers on a DTV, but you can change to a Non-B if you find an employer to sponsor you. Your DTV is gone at that point though.

Why waste the money on a DTV if you are planning to work?
Klee **************
I was able to do that, but it was the Consulate that made the change, Vancouver Consulate was very easy to deal with
David ********
The day we could know what the IO can see on his screen, would be a great day for this group
Garry ******
DTV is DTV
James *********
I previously asked similar, here:

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John **********
There's no possibility of getting a work permit on a DTV. But the DTV does allow you to change to another type of visa such as a Non-B which does allow you to hold a work permit
Jeiz ***************
The DTV does not indicate what category you got it for, at least the passport sticker one. So doesn't matter.
Paul *******
@Luit ****************
Gosh you're a pedantic one aren't you? Again, unless there's conclusive evidence, at this point it does not appear that immigration sees any difference as it's a visa category that covers a number of different methods of qualifying.
Luit *****************
@Paul ******
And give me one simple reason why your assumption should be true. Without evidence, it is just an idea of a simple soul called Paul James, not more, not less.

You have no evidence that you are right, and I am wrong, so we simply disagree.

Both our opinions have equal value, as long os there is no proof for one of them.

And pedantic? I just don't believe all stories told by ignorant people like you.
Paul *******
@Luit ****************
To immigration, the DTV is one type. To the MOFA, there are 2 different categories. Once you hold a DTV, it's treated the same by immigration regardless of how you qualified for it. You should stop making assumptions. If there is a difference in how immigration categorizes the DTV (highly doubtful at this stage) then this will be known in due course. As it stands, there does not appear to be one.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration are NOT the same.
Luit *****************
@Paul ******
Why should I stop making assumptions, while you continue makking them?

MFA sees 3 different categories, and for now we see no different treatment of them bij immigration, but that does not mean they are not able to see info about the difference.
Paul *******
@Luit ****************
Nope, I'm afraid you're making assumptions again. The DTV is one visa type and there is no distinction to immigration, what category you applied under.
Luit *****************
@Paul ******
Now you make an assumption too. There is no way you can be sure your assumption is not false just like you suggest my assumption is false.

You now present your assumption as a fact that is true, so now I know everything you tell has to be considered as only an assumtion.

Thai embassy even has a document with all visa types and calling it DTV1, DTV2 and DTV3
Luit *****************
@Jeiz **************
The fact that we cannot see on our DTV which type it is, does not mean the IO also cannot see of course.
Paul *******
@Luit ****************
I don't think there's a difference or that an immigration officer would see under what category you applied. That's guesswork on people's part, but I suspect that the DTV is just the DTV when it comes to immigration. How you qualify for one depends on what criteria individual consulates apply.

Now, if immigration could confirm what they see on their system I'll be happy to be stand corrected, but I am pretty sure I'm right.

If no one else can tell me otherwise, I'll ask the immigration officer what he or she sees when I enter on one, though I'll probably ask when I enter via land. I don't want to waste time at the airport when there's lots of people and the officers there are generally less chatty or personable.
Luit *****************
@Paul ******
I know Thai as very bureaucratic, they created 3 different types of DTV visa, each with a own set of requirements. After approval the visa will be registered in their system.

I simply don't believe they do not register which type of DTV you got.

Who can see that is a different story of course, but if you need an extension and the IO that handles this extension cannot see how you got the DTV in the first place seems not likely to me.

In my experience Thai government officials register and archive every detail.
Jeiz ***************
@Luit ****************
Of course, just didn't see that in the question but good to point out.
John *******
Once accepted, it is all the same, regardless of the mode used to get it. However, you can’t get a work permit, as it is a glorified tourist visa.
Samu ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
James ********
@John ******
Correct ✅