Can my partner and I work in Thailand on a DTV while pursuing education and teaching?

DTV Visa Thailand Visa Rules Work Permit Teaching in Thailand Remote Work Options Visa Transition Educational Visa Dependent Visa

Dec 19, 2024

a day ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I am planning to relocate to Thailand with my partner and would like to obtain a five-year DTV based on soft skills. I intend to pursue online education while developing culinary skills. (I would likento find remote work after I graduate) My boyfriend plans to secure a teaching position after six months of exploring our desired location. Can we both enter on a soft DTV and subsequently find employment as teachers, or will he need to apply for a work visa following the expiration of a tourist or education visa? 

I also see that maybe if I have a DTV he may be able to apply to one afterwards. I want to ensure we won't have to do so many runs if he can help it. I know the DTV is new butbif anyone has experience with this please comment. Any advice is welcome but please be kind 😇

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Digital nomad visa) does not permit holders to work in Thailand, and anyone seeking to teach must transition to a Non-B visa and obtain a Work Permit. Both individuals would need their own DTVs, which can potentially be converted with employer cooperation. There are no provisions for dependents under the DTV if not legally married. Thorough research and advice from relevant authorities are recommended for accurate visa management.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Greg ********

Ask your embassy. That's what they do and they all have the same answer.

21 hours ago

John **********

You would each require your own independent DTV for whatever category you each choose to apply for. The DTV can be converted to another type of visa inside Thailand but you would both need the cooperation of your prospective employers to do so

a day ago

Bob **********

You cannot work in Thailand on a DTV

a day ago

Todd *********

@Bob *********

except the digital nomads the visa is specifically aimed for.

a day ago

Bob **********

@Todd ********

yes as long as your clients are outside Thailand

a day ago

Jeremy *********

@Todd ********

that is not working for a thai company or working in thailand being paid by thai. That is foreign worker working for job in their own country or for themselves very different

a day ago

Todd *********

@Jeremy ********

that’s what I said. Seems awfully clear. Any digital nomad on DTV can work IN Thailand

a day ago

Jeremy *********

@Todd ********

that's not what they asked or stated genius 🤣

She asked if they could find employment under dtv as a teacher and the answer is NO .

As I stated very clearly you can not work for a thai company on dtv , you can not teach in thailand under a dtv.

And as I clearly said yes you can work for your out of country employer that is not working for a thai company again very clear but argue if you'd like know it all 🤷‍♂️🤣

Canadians I swear yall are thick 🤦‍♂️

a day ago

Reply to

Jeremy *********

Greg ********

Of course the other option is to teach online to students outside of Thailand while on the DTV. Unless you are qualified educators teaching at International Schools this is probably the most financially lucrative option.

a day ago

Greg ********

As per the other poster. You need to change visas to work in Thailand and obtain a Work Permit. No such thing as a "Work Visa". There are visas you can obtain a Work Permit with but DTV is not one of them. You can of course look for a teaching position while on the DTV then the employing organisation needs to apply for the Work Permit for you. Then you need to apply for the appropriate visa then have the Work Permit issued.

a day ago

Jeremy *********

All this is easily answered on the thai gov site

No you can't work with dtv and can not get a work permit with one

If you mean can he get his dtv under you as a dependent etc no you are not married so do not qualify.

And good luck getting a work permit at all unless married to a thai or with very very good qualifications.

Again all this is very easy to look up so you get the exact answers you need.

But from what you have posted you're in for a rude awakening if you think your plan will work not being mean stating the facts 😊

a day ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy ********

There will be no rude awakening—just a clearer path forward thanks to thoughtful input from others in this group. The only “rude” thing here is your condescending tone. I asked a question to gather additional insights and formulate a stronger plan. Yes, I’ve looked at the Thai government site, but like many official resources, certain details were unclear, which is why I turned to this group for clarity. If you’re not interested in being kind or helpful, perhaps save your arrogance for another thread—it’s unnecessary and unproductive here.

21 hours ago

Cameron *********

@Jeremy ********

Out of interest why is it hard to obtain a work permit? Haven't ever looked into this but just assumed it was fairly simple: if they want more tourists, why would they not want more workers? A rising tide raises all boats

21 hours ago

Jeremy *********

@Cameron ********

if you look at their website and see the restrictions on what you can do and can't do it's truly strict .

Hell if your neighbor dosnt like you and sees you fixing something at the home you rent they can turn you in for working🤣

If you don't have a work permit and your wife is thai and owns a shop yous weep the floor to help is considered you working and can get in trouble if the wrong officer sees you depending on the day

21 hours ago

Greg ********

@Cameron ********

Thailand does have a Labour shortage too and brings in workers from its neighbours for factory and other work. These positions are pretty low paid and Western passport holders would not qualify for a WP for these as minimum salary requirements are not met.

21 hours ago

Jeremy *********

@Cameron ********

the thai gov dosnt want foreigners to compete for jobs thais can have.

Very hard to get a work permit unless you have some Very needed skill or are married to a thai

21 hours ago

Greg ********

@Jeremy ********

I do not think having a Thai wife adds anything to a WP application. The candidate has to qualify on own merits.

21 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

@Cameron ********

Getting the actual Work Permit is not that hard once you have the job offer from a company. The company has to meet certain requirements and so does the applicant. It is getting a job offer that can be difficult. There are many jobs available for qualified and experienced candidates. Look on somewhere like LinkedIn. They will be in IT, Supply Chain, Engineering, Project Management etc. Positions will usually be at a senior level and this will need the required experience and qualifications. Skills transfer is also often mentioned in the WP or company applications. Just like anywhere really.

21 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Oliver **********

Manunya Fuongfuchat is the lady you want to speak to she has done everything for us 🙏

a day ago

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

You'll need to change for a Non-B visa when becoming a teacher. You can't teach in Thailand under a DTV. As well, you can't keep both visas at the same time.

a day ago

Reply to

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

Can you run a home catering business under the DTV visa in Thailand?

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