Can someone apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand after working remotely on a visa exemption?

DTV (Digital Nomad Visa)Visa Exemption Remote Work Thai Immigration Policies Visa Application Process Working in Thailand Commandments of Visa Compliance

Nov 16, 2024

2 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anybody applied for the DTV after having already been working remotely in Thailand but on the visa exemption?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question revolves around the application for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for individuals who have been working remotely in Thailand under a visa exemption. Many commenters discuss their experiences and concerns regarding the application process, particularly regarding transparency about prior work activity in Thailand. Some believe that admitting to remote work may jeopardize their application, while others express that officials are not overly focused on these details unless it directly violates specific work regulations. There are concerns about showing consistent employment records alongside travel history that may suggest violating visa rules.

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Colin ******

I wouldn't confess or admit to anything in the application that will disqualify you from the DTV application. The staff in Taipei had questioned why I had visited Thailand already on multiple occasions. I always sticked to "visiting friends" or "learning diving" knowing that my application will be rejected if she caught me admitting I was working all this time. For an evisa this could be dicey if the embassy insists you scan all of the entry stamps in your entire passport for the application.

2 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Colin *****

in Taipei they didn't ask for copies of every page of your passport?

2 days ago

Shandy ********

Anonymous participant I also went to Taipei, and they did have your passport in their possession whle reviewing your application. But I have an employer. I'm not a freelancer.

a day ago

Colin ******

Anonymous participant not required

2 days ago

Reply to

Colin ******

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Colin *****

did you not need to provide an employment contract which would have showed that you were employed at the time?

2 days ago

Colin ******

Anonymous participant yes contract required for dtv application

2 days ago

Reply to

Colin ******

Shandy ********

Yes, it was pretty clear from my entry/exit records and work history that I was already working. There's some disagreement about this, but Thailand does not have the same concept of "working" that EU or Europe do, where you'd want to avoid confessing to doing remote work on a tourist visa.

2 days ago

Greg ********

@Shandy *******

The people at the Embassy etc are from MFA. It is Immigration and the Ministry of Labour who are responsible for people working in the country without the correct paperwork. Unless you shove it in the MFA faces I would hazard they are not looking for it.

2 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

this is what I'm wondering about. Since I have to provide my employment contract which shows I started working in August but they would also see from my passport that I've been in Thailand on the visa exemption during that whole time. For context I've been in Thailand 7 years mostly on a work permit but recently changed jobs.

2 days ago

Greg ********

Anonymous participant My opinion only but I do not think they are looking for this or trying to catch anyone out. The efforts to catch people working remotely while in Thailand have not exactly been strenuous. Anyone caught has been dobbed in by a business rival, a jealous pal or a disgruntled Ex. The main concern is where a person is taking work in a protected area and breaking the rice dowl of a Thai - ie Tourist Guide, Babysitting and Childcare, Driving Tourists etc.

2 days ago

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Greg ********

Shandy ********

Maybe not, but also my bank records would show transactions in Thailand.

2 days ago

Reply to

Shandy ********

Justin *************

Yep

2 days ago

Greg ********