Answered2 years ago
Can Immigration Authorities in Thailand Check DTV Visa Details Upon Arrival?
Hello,
I heard that if you're unlucky, the authorities in Bangkok can check your DTV visa in detail on arrival. Did it happen to anyone?
My friend told me it can be a problem, for example if you did it in Cambodia with the 500k freshly put on your bank account because in Thailand they want you to have the 500k for 6 months. Then they can deny your entry.
It might be a small % chance but according to my friend it can happen.
Does anyone have any info on that?
I heard that if you're unlucky, the authorities in Bangkok can check your DTV visa in detail on arrival. Did it happen to anyone?
My friend told me it can be a problem, for example if you did it in Cambodia with the 500k freshly put on your bank account because in Thailand they want you to have the 500k for 6 months. Then they can deny your entry.
It might be a small % chance but according to my friend it can happen.
Does anyone have any info on that?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the potential for immigration authorities in Thailand to conduct a thorough check of the DTV visa upon arrival. Some users share anecdotal experiences of being questioned regarding their visa status and related details, including financial requirements. While there are mixed opinions, many assert that if the visa was issued correctly, entry should not be denied afterward. A commonly mentioned concern is the supposed rule of having 500,000 THB in the bank for 6 months, which some users dispute. The consensus indicates that while scrutiny upon entry is possible, it is not widely reported or enforced.
74 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Alfred *****
Worry is paying a debt that you never owed
Andreas *********
@Wannikea ********
the island of esoterics and misfits 😂, divine dancers and tantra healersWannikea *********
It appears you hang out at a lively pub full of barstool observers
Greg ********
It could happen as Immigration have that right. There has not been a single report of it happening in this group or anywhere else.
Maurice **********
Nonsense. Also the 500k does not to be 6 months in the bank.
Colin *******
Someone is making up scare stories out of thin air. Their 15 mins I guess
Imran ***************
@Colin ******
They might be but I've had immigration officers in Suvarnabhumi Airport single me out and give me grief in the past on a tourist visa. I only had B10k in cash and not B20k as one is supposed to. They wouldn't let me back in. I think they might have a quota of people to stop, or something. This is just speculation, though. I deliberately avoid Suvarnabhumi, now. Don Mueang seems much more chill and Chiang Mai Airport even more so.
Tommy ********
You will see soon, your financial status will be checked each time you extend
Kool *******
@Tommy *******
but, you never have to extend it for five years. You just leave the country, and immediately return every 180 days.Tommy ********
@Kool ******
it’s five years only from when you get the visa. No more.
Steve ********
@Tommy *******
Only a braindead moron would go to immigration to extend when a simple border hop will suffice. The often pedantic garbage immigration offices continually throw up are best avoided. There's no way I'd be applying for an extension. Having said that, you don't have a clue what the criteria will be, so why spout misinformation?Kool *******
@Tommy *******
not sure what you are trying to prove? It hasn't been 180 days yet since the DTV was first offered July 15th. At the 180 day point you can extend your entry for another 180 days once, but it hasn't happened yet, and immigration has said nothing about what will be required. Anyone trying to tell you different has no clue.
Tod *********
And pray tell
That's total b/s, they don't care in the least and once you have the DTV you don't show proof of funds at all to enter the country.
That's a requirement to GET the visa, not to enter the country ON the visa after it's been issued
@Kevin ********
where did you "hear" thisThat's total b/s, they don't care in the least and once you have the DTV you don't show proof of funds at all to enter the country.
That's a requirement to GET the visa, not to enter the country ON the visa after it's been issued
Kevin *********
OPThank you for your answers, I'm going to give it a shot.
By the way, DTV is
Does it mean that I'll have to pay
By the way, DTV is
*****
baht for 6 months, right?Does it mean that I'll have to pay
*****
again for the extension?Wannikea *********
@Kevin ********
wow, you are completely misinformed. I can handle everything for you at 5000 baht every 6 monthsTod *********
the 10K baht is the cost of the visa at the thai embassy
you get unlimited entries for that time
and
each entry gets you 180 day entry stamp
When that 180 days runs out you exit/re-enter and get a NEW 180 day stamp
@Kevin ********
it is a FIVE YEAR multiple entry visa, you get unlimited entries for that time
and
each entry gets you 180 day entry stamp
When that 180 days runs out you exit/re-enter and get a NEW 180 day stamp
Kool *******
@Kevin ********
keep this in mind. By getting the DTV now, any rule changes they will make in the future, and they will when they get a good understanding of how it is being abused, those with the DTV now will be grandfathered in for the five years the visa is valid before any changes will affect them. If you wait getting it changes can be made within a few months setting stricter rules you might not like. Just something to keep in mind.Kevin *********
OP@Kool ******
I thought about it but she's not the one taking care of my business visa so no.She's just skeptical about new visas because... you know, it's Thailand 😆
Kool *******
@Kevin ********
consider the fact your Thai friend that used to work for immigration, and now has a visa center makes money every year on your current business visa, but will only make a fee once in five years with the DTV. Is that really your friend, or just trying to keep a customer by telling a fib...lolol.Kevin *********
OP@Tod ********
oh God that's amazingTod *********
@Kevin ********
nope, just show the visa print out when you come back in and you'll get a new 180 day stamp every time you enter thailand for the duration of that visaKevin *********
OP@Tod ********
so I don't even have to pay or show documents again every time I exit/re-enter? :oKevin *********
OP@Tod ********
it's from a thai friend of mine who used to work at immigration and now has a visa agency. Quite a reliable source I believe.She keeps telling me that keeping my current business visa would be the more reliable option but the price difference is so high that I'm willing to take the risk.
Anton ********************
@Kevin ********
sounds like She wants ur money nothing elde
John *******
@Kevin ********
I have entered 4 times now and never been asked a thing. First time, she had to get a manager, but I think it was because it was so new and she didn’t have a stamp set for 180 days.Tod *********
You'll be fine. someone is pissing down your boots and telling you it's raining
They don't ask a thing comin' in to the country other than if you have an eVisa DTV they wanna see the PDF print out not a phone image of it 😛
get the DTV,
@Kevin ********
😮 They don't ask a thing comin' in to the country other than if you have an eVisa DTV they wanna see the PDF print out not a phone image of it 😛
get the DTV,
Liam ********
Andreas *********
Immigration is not allowed to "cancel a visa". All they can do is refuse entry, and for this, they are supposed to show you the "Section 12" list of rules they claim you are violating. Immigration can only cancel "extensions". i.e. stay permits they have issued themselves. Visa are being issued by Thai embassies, and Immigration can't "cancel" or "invalidate" them. An embassy is ministry of foreign affairs, but Immigration is ministry of interior. None of these two bodies is allowed to touch a stay permit or a visa issued by the other one. If a visa has been issued, it is a done deal
James ********
@Andreas ********
Andreas Mueller Nice try... explain it to Thai Immigration officers while in IDC Immigration Detention Center waiting for several days to see a judgeAndreas *********
@James *******
are you really confusing a "visa" with a "stay permit"? You oughta know betterAndreas *********
@James *******
It's the same game when transferring stamps from an old passport to a new passport. Immigration can only transfer their own stamps. The cannot transfer a visa sticker. Immigration cannot "cancel a visa". All they can do is cancel your stay permit, or refuse an extension of the stay permit. Visa are NOT issued under Immigration jurisdiction, except when you are applying for the "change of visa type" which actually is a change of the reason a visa was issued (or not issued when changing from a visa-exempt entry)
Niall ***************
Immigration can ask you whatever they want. Any person can be refused entry if they demonstrate non adherence to the visa they have been issued.Very unlikely, but can happen! Nothing is 100% guaranteed!!
Andreas *********
@Niall **************
Immigration is not allowed to cancel a visa. All they can do is refuse entry, and for this, they are supposed to show you the "Section 12" list of rules they claim you are violating. Immigration can only cancel "extensions". i.e. stay permits they have issued. Visa are being issued by Thai embassies, and Immigration can't "cancel" or "invalidate" them. Embassy is minitry of foreign affairs, but Immigration is mi istry of interior. None of these two bodies is allowed to touch a stay permit or a visa issued by either of them. If a visa has been issued, it is a done dealImran ***************
@Andreas ********
Yeah,but they can and do stamp your passport saying 'denied entry' which would likely make another immigration officer at another port not want to let you in either. I wouldn't antagonise any immigration official and I try to avoid Suvarnabhumi.James ********
@Andreas ********
Nice try... explain it to Thai Immigration officers while in IDC Immigration Detention Center waiting for several days to see a judgeNiall ***************
@Andreas ********
well I meant to say that they can refuse entry, which can be quite a hinderance!!
Charles **********
Nope this is false because you can also have a sponsorship letter for 500k evidence
Your friend is lying
Your friend is lying
Alex *******
It happened to me on Friday but it wasn't the bank account they questioned me about. They looked up my DTV and saw I got it for Thai boxing. He didn't believe I was doing boxing cause I weigh 160kg, I'm super overweight and unfit.
They laughed at me and then told me to shadow box for 5 minutes to prove I'm passionate about boxing.
It was so embarrassing 😞
I struggled to get through the 5 minutes
They laughed at me and then told me to shadow box for 5 minutes to prove I'm passionate about boxing.
It was so embarrassing 😞
I struggled to get through the 5 minutes
Paweł *********
@Alex ******
Totally same thing happened to me. I got a DTV for cooking class and it happened the immigration officer was about to get off on his lunch break. He told me to follow him and prepare a somtum for him to prove that I am allowed to stay in the Kingdom.
Simon *********
@Alex ******
best thing I’ve read in this group - 😂
Greg *******
@Alex ******
you are a good storyteller.
Lena *******
@Greg ******
Well he's not really because he made it sound implausible. It needed something else but I'm not sure what.
Simon ********
@Alex ******
OMG that’s so bad they can’t do thatJames ********
@Simon *******
they can do whatever they want.
Roberto *******
@Alex ******
ill take things that didn’t happen for $1,000 AlexLena *******
@Roberto ******
There's a show in the UK called Would I Lie to You. They get away with some brilliant lies but they are subtle and plausible.Charles **********
@Alex ******
lol no way I don’t believe that
Sum *****
@Alex ******
just say you catched 'long covid'Lena *******
@Sum ****
You can still shadow box and do a roundhouse kick.
Dca *****
@Alex ******
Was this at Arrival with a Thai immigration officer?
Elías ********
@Alex ******
is this for real? 😱Charles **********
@Elías *******
look at his profile pic, obviously not
Da ****
There is no „500k for 6 months“-rule in thailand for DTV.
Martino *******
They checked this when he entered Thailand? They asked him to show the money?
Sascha **********
They don’t do this for other visas that require a certain amount in the bank (eg retirement, marriage, LTR), so why would they do this for the DTV? Perhaps when you go get an extension, we’ll know in ~2 months. But not upon entering the country I would expect.
John ******
Getting struck by thunder also can happen to you, but not likely. Same with this.
Matthew *************
Haven’t read any reports of this so far but I may have missed them. Where is your friend sourcing this information from?
Jim ********
If the application has been accepted and the visa issued, it's a done deal.
Greg ********
@Jim *******
MFA on their website say it is still down to Immigration at end of the day. Highly improbable I know but they have the final say.Steve ********
A lot of the usual fear-mongers in this group (and Facebook in general). You have got absolutely zero to worry about. You will not be denied entry.
Steve ********
@Greg *******
It's true they do, but they need a pretty good reason, and not having the 500k in the bank for the required time having already met the requirements of the issuing embassy is not a reason. I've heard of none who have been denied under these circumstancesSteve ********
@Greg *******
But the list of reasons given do not include "we don't agree with the issuing embassy". I can't understand why there is so much negativity and fear-mongering in this groupGreg ********
@Steve *******
I agree it is highly unlikely & improbable. I have not heard of any or even the hiont of any However, all I stated is what is on the MFA website. This was in place before the DTV was a twinkle in the MFA's eye.Jim ********
@Greg *******
Give me a list of DTVs which have been denied entry at any airport in Thailand. I won't hold my breath waiting 😂😂😂Greg ********
@Jim *******
Once again your reading comprehension is letting you down. I never stated he might be stopped. You are hallucinating and/or delusional. Now bore off.Jim ********
@Greg *******
I'm not in denial over anything. I was answering the OP's question about whether he'll be denied entry because he didn't have the 500k in the bank for six months, and you're saying he might be. Yeah rightGreg ********
@Jim *******
Once again your comprehension fails you. This is what I stated and this applies to all visas. "MFA on their website say it is still down to Immigration at end of the day." Are you in denial the MFA website does not state this? Point number 10 here. Now bore off somewhere else. *********************************************************************************************
*****
0a31a?cate=5d5bcb4e15e39c*****
068d3Greg ********
@Jim *******
Still struggling with English I see. Sorry if it is your 2nd language. I could make it simpler but you are simply not worth the effort. GoodbyeJim ********
@Greg *******
No but like many negative people you like to throw up negatives. He's been issued a DTV, he will waltz through immigration and will not have to produce bank records. That's the question he's askingGreg ********
@Jim *******
Did I state that? English not your strong point? Having comprehension difficulties?
Robin ************
@Jim *******
you are very wrong with that. A visa is never a guarantee to get inside a country. It’s just a prove you had all requirements to get granted this visa. But you can still get denied entry.Jim ********
@Robin ***********
The point I'm making is immigration at the airport is not going to delve into your bank account details ffsActivity
35 joined35
people
Related
25What are the current requirements for extending a Non-O visa in Thailand, particularly regarding bank statements?
3.1k30272mo
Can I enter Thailand on a DTV visa with a one-way ticket for brief business travel?
1.3k12112mo
Can I use an ED visa if I already have a DTV visa in Thailand?
2.5k24204mo
What should I do after my DTV Workcation visa application was denied, and has anyone had success reapplying from another country?
23.9k1673705mo
Is 2-3 days enough for my first DTV border run in Thailand?
3.1k28305mo
What is the process for extending a DTV in Thailand and what should I be aware of when visiting immigration?
8.3k71935mo
What is the process for extending a DTV visa in Thailand, and what should I be aware of during the application?
18.6k1651995mo
Can you get denied entry on a visa run with a DTV after 180 days, and are extensions possible without leaving Thailand?
2.5k21227mo
Is it advisable to do a same-day border run to Laos after my DTV visa expires?
4k36338mo
What options are available for extending a Non-O visa stay in Thailand for a short visit?
3.7k36239mo
Are DTV holders required to show 10,000 THB cash at Thai immigration?
5.1k474310mo
Is it okay to delay submitting additional documents for my DTV visa while traveling to Thailand?
1.8k131810mo
Will my DTV application be terminated if I enter Thailand before it is approved?
2.9k192910mo
Is it better to enter Thailand through Bangkok or Chiang Mai considering recent immigration questioning of DTV?
1.5k14910mo
Can I reset my DTV visa with a land border run to Laos, or is flying a better option?
3.6k27431y
What are the key considerations for applying for a DTV or ED visa in Thailand?
63041y
Is it smoother to enter Thailand on a workation DTV through BKK or CNX?
2.6k18351y
Can I leave Thailand for a few hours on a DTV visa and return the same day?
2.3k20131y
Will I need proof of participation in a soft power activity for my DTV re-entry in Thailand?
3k20382y
What are the requirements and challenges for extending a DTV visa in Thailand, and is a border run a better option?
20.3k1283192y
What are the pros and cons of extending a DTV Visa versus leaving the country when reaching the 180-day mark?
4.6k41322y
What are the rules regarding extension and re-entry for the DTV visa in Thailand?
2.7k17222y
Can I extend my visa in Thailand or do I need to leave the country?
1.3k5174y
What options do I have for extending my guardian visa while traveling outside Thailand?
1k3144y
Can I obtain a Tourist Visa multiple times while staying in Thailand?
3.7k36179y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served