This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I misrepresent my DTV type as workation at the border if I have a freelance activity?

Mar 21, 2025
15 days ago
I have a DTV obtained by softpower route but I also have a freelance activity and proof of income (but it's very new so didn't have the 6 months history to apply for Workation). The question is : at the border does the officer have an idea of what kind of DTV you have ? If they ask can I just answer workation ? I ask because it seems like people answering softpower get checked a bit more...
2,729
views
6
likes
59
all likes
27
replies
1
images
17
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around whether Thai immigration officers are aware of the specific type of DTV (Digital nomad visa) an individual holds upon entry, particularly when the individual has alternative freelance income. Insights shared suggest that while it may not be explicitly stated on the visa, it could be recorded in the immigration system. Many commenters emphasize the importance of honesty when communicating with immigration officials, advising against any deception regarding the visa type.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Peter *****
I believe they have the information of your DTV in their online system. When I received my DTV, I forgot to present it to the emigration counter as I went to the APEC counter as before. The immigration officer was nice and reminded me that I have to show them a copy of the DTV when entering (a PDF copy on the phone will do)
Adnan ********
Never lie to the immigration not just in Thailand but anywhere....
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Itโ€™s lying for both case since there is no cooking class involved either.. that why I was asking. I can prove income but cannot prove cooking skills ๐Ÿ˜€
Beatrix **********
Lying is not smart
Beatrix **********
wait since when do you need a 6 month work history?
Paul *******
Rory *********
They donโ€™t ask print off and bring
Jonathan ******
This is a scam! An agent. No one uses the word workcation. ๐Ÿ˜‚
Ryan ************
Do you really need 6 months prior work history with the company before applying for the DTV freelancer/workation category?
Paul *******
You don't. Or you could make something up. They really don't care as long as you have 500K in your bank account.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryan ***********
Iโ€™m pretty sure you do, I checked before choosing the soft power route
Paul *******
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
To answer to the question why lie : because I have to go in and out all the time to meet clients in Asia. So my schedule donโ€™t look like someone who is taking cooking lessons, but it does look like a freelancer and I have all the documents that can prove I do have income.. but yeah I guess sticking to the first version is probably the best option
Sean *******
They don't know unless it says in the remarks like this one.
Paul *******
@Sean ******
Exactly.
Anonymous ******************
There is one recent post about an officer asking an early applicant for DTV type:
********************************************


Some others have it written on their letter.
Chantelle ******
If you read the comments alot have said it was more likely due to the fact they had the sticker in their passport which were used for the DTVs given at the offices early on compared to the usual stamp that most people are getting.

Theres no real evidence that they were questioning the actual type because they are suspicious of soft power DTVs it could have been coincendental
Anna *********
I canโ€™t imagine when lying to any immigration officer would be a good idea ๐Ÿ˜€
Matthew *******
Please be truthful so as not to spoil the market.
David ********
You only need to present your passport. They will know you have DTV and will stamp you for 180 days make sure the date is correct. They don't ask you anything. Just asked me where l was going. I just told them where and that's it. You have the visa already what's your worry ? There is no questions about what type of application you got softpower or what ever.
Anonymous ******************
@David *******
********************************************
John **********
Even if it's not actually written in the visa it may well be recorded in the system. Why would you risk being denied entry?
Paul *******
That is unless you have a recently issued e-visa where they state what activity you're here for. On the visa stickers, they all state "employment prohibited" and nothing else.
Paul *******
@John *********
It's not, because the visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only they would know what category you applied under. Immigration just sees DTV. You can also switch back and forth if you will, once you have the visa. You could start working remotely or start a soft power activity.
James ********
Be truthful. And have with you a copy of the documents you submitted with your DTV Visa Application.

Good Luck ๐Ÿ€
David ***********
I donโ€™t recommend lying to the government that issues your visa.
James ********
@David **********
Correct โœ