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Can I work as a self-employed mental health therapist in Thailand with a DTV visa?

DTV Visa Self-Employment Working in Thailand Visa Regulations Mental Health Counseling Remote Work

Apr 29, 2025

a day ago

Charlène *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello 👋

I searched on my problem but found nothing. 

I'm going to try DTV as a self employed person. I am a mental health therapist and my clients are mainly in France. But during my trip here (3 months), I had several requests for consultations from French and other nationalities, expatriates and travelers. So my question is: does the DTV allow me to work with clients of any nationality except Thai? Or am I not allowed to work with anyone within Thailand? 

Thanks for your answers 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV visa allows you to work remotely as a self-employed individual, but you cannot provide services to any clients physically located in Thailand, regardless of their nationality. You can only work with clients who are outside Thailand. It's advised to have proper documentation to support your remote work status to avoid legal issues.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Cliff *********

I am self employed physician based in USA but I do televideo visits with my patients who are mostly in USA. Some live in other countries.

This was the basis for my DTV.

They wanted a contract and my business license in USA.

No difficulty.

21 hours ago

Charlène *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for your answers. So there is no alternative? I had read somewhere about working with local partners. But I don't know anymore. It could be misinformation.

Anyway, when I shared your answers with a Thai friend, he said, "Do you think everyone here follows the rules?😅

Well, I will have to reevaluate my project.

Take care and thanks again 😊

a day ago

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

Not all rules are followed but if you are providing services to someone in Thailand and you have a competitor then your competitor may likely report you because you know competition and you're stealing their business.

There are many rules in Thailand that can be bent or broken. As long as everyone around you is in on it and you aren't causing problems for people.

a day ago

John *******

@Charlène ********

- Let’s be clear, it isn’t following rules, but following the law. Yes, people break laws often, but there is always a risk associated with it. What you are suggesting is to work here illegally. Many cases of individuals being caught and arrested for this.

a day ago

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

@Charlène ********

The only alternative is to have a work permit and a Non-B visa. And I'm not even sure this is an authorized activity, you'll need to check that with the nearest labor office. The risk someone would report you is quite important here in Thailand (from both Thais and foreigners).

a day ago

Reply to

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

Make sure you have an EI registration from France and show your tax return. Include your client's invoice as well as their payment.

You are not permitted to conduct any business or consultation in Thailand using DTV.

a day ago

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

As many said, you cant deal with customers who are in Thailand whatever their nationality.

a day ago

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

You cannot perform any services to anyone inside Thailand no matter what nationality they are. It must be done remotely.

a day ago

Claire *******

No one inside Thailand is what I was told by embassy when spoke them that uk London one by way xx

a day ago

John **********

You can't legally work with anyone inside Thailand no matter their nationality. You can only work remotely with people who are physically outside of Thailand.

a day ago

Greg ********

It does not allow you to work in Thailand to work with clients Thai or foreign. PS: it is a great visa. Do not leave yourself open to risk.

a day ago

Toni *******

I would like to know the same, because I do same as you. Already have dtv and have a remote reception for video calls. I think its ok because we work for a company abroad, I like to think, that if its not allowed, then nobody from fb/amazon/younameit couldnt have dtv, which would be ridiculous

a day ago

Toni *******

Some freelancers here in other businesses have said they mentioned in their application that they would not accept thai customers

a day ago

Toni *******

I only have patients from my home country, but i still think this way... I didnt have any clause in my contract that would mention i cannot have a thai patient (the company doesnt have business in thailand tho)

a day ago

Reply to

Toni *******

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

It allows you to work with ANY nationality OUTSIDE of Thailand. But no nationality inside of Thailand.

a day ago

Reply to

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

What are the requirements for obtaining a DTV visa and Long Stay Visa with a work permit in Thailand?

1 comments

22 days ago

Can you work in Thailand with a DTV visa if hired by a US company for corporate speaking engagements?