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

Can someone switch from a soft power visa to a workation visa in Thailand?

DTV VisaSoft Power VisaWorkation VisaVisa Regulations ThailandRemote Work in Thailand
Oct 7, 2025
2 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are there anyone who applied soft power but change to workation later on?
2,705
views
6
likes
89
all likes
42
replies
1
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, specifically whether holders can switch from a soft power purpose to workation under the same visa. Community members clarified that all DTVs are essentially the same, allowing remote work regardless of the initial application reason. Concerns about needing to reapply or change the purpose of the visa were addressed, with the consensus being that there is no need to navigate additional processes as the visa itself remains valid for remote work.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Anonymous ******************
Its literally the same visa stamp so i dont see the point in jumping through all the extra hoops , hence why i went for the soft power much easier
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean *******
Exactly. A DTV is a DTV just like we're saying. So let's enjoy our 5 year multiple entry visas. Cheers đŸș
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean *******
@Luit ****************
 Yes I know that captain obvious. And for DTV they just write DTV because they're all the same regardless of how you applied. 👍
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Sean ******
 On an entry stamp is never information about how and where you applied, what is your point? There are a lot of different visaclasses and types, but on the entry stamp only the class is mentioned normally, so you can have same stamps for different types in a visa class, which means on an entry stamp you cannot see which visa type you have.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Sean *******
Anonymous participant 357 Correct. Same stamp regardless of how you applied.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Sean ******
 Of course it is the same stamp, the stamp is just an entry stamp and is used for all visa and even visa exempt entries in the country, so it is not even a visa stamp...

With handwriting or sometimes another stamp they mention the type of visa.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 357 The only reason can be you no longer do the soft power activity and have remote job
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Winston ************
Goodness! There's nothing to "change" here. Once the DTV is issued they're pretty much all the same and even if you applied under Muay Thai, nothing stops you from working remotely! Even some of us who applied under workation, like me, may change jobs, or stop working altogether. Doesn't matter! We're all good for 5 years.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
ElĂ­as ********
@Winston ***********
 a soft power DTV don't stop you to work remotely, of course. But what if you finish your 6-months course and want to stay the remaining 5 year working remotely without attending any extra course?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@ElĂ­as *******
 That's what I been curious about aswell. Everyone saying at the moment there is no requirement to extend your course after first course finish in
****
months. That you can stay the rest of the years without a course but doesn't make much sence. So not suprised if they change the rule
2 months ago
Like
Reply
James ********
Anonymous participant 149 no verifiable Reports of the requirements beyond the initial DTV Visa date and basis of issue. BEST đŸš« NOT to try to do the 180 day extension inside Thailand.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Andrew ********
@Winston ***********
 actually if you stop working you dont meet the requirements and they are cracking down on this. Reports have been made that they are checking at the airports mostly if the funds are avaible as required ( not common yet but has been asked ) so I wouldnt say just quit working
2 months ago
Like
Reply
James ********
@Andrew *******
 rumors, no factual basis or reports. Speculation.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Winston ************
@Andrew *******
 Ha ha OK. Never seen or heard of such "reports".
2 months ago
Like
Reply
ElĂ­as ********
@Andrew *******
 "reports" by anonymous posters đŸ€·đŸ»đŸ™„
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
ElĂ­as ********
Reply
Benjamin *********
No need
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
When you’re on workation you’re required to pay taxes, is it? I think I read it somewhere. How about if you’re on soft power?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Kurt *************
Anonymous participant tax is required based on how long you stay in the country. Not what you do. Many countries have tax treaties aswell
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
Anonymous participant nope, completely wrong. A DTV issued for any reason means you are required to pay Thai tax once you become Thai tax resident and remit assessable income above minimum thresholds.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Jay *****
@Pete ******
 isn't that only if you stay on Thailand for over 180 days of the year?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Jay ****
 correct
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Jay ****
 “become Thai tax resident” means being resident in the Kingdom for 180 days in a calendar year.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Pete ******
 Thai tax resident and resident in Thailand is not the same

When you stay for 180 days or more as a tourist you will become tax resident, but you will not become officially a resident of the Kingdom in that case.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Luit ****************
 the question is about paying tax and not about civil residency.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Pete ******
 I know about what the question is, but your reply suggests that you become tax resident at the moment you are RESIDENT for 180 days or more.

That just is factual not true.

I quote: become Thai tax resident” means being resident in the Kingdom for 180 days in a calendar year

Also you do not become tax resident at a certain moment, you are tax resident in a certain calendar year, you can be tax resident in one year and not in the next year.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Luit ****************
 you automatically become tax resident by residing for 180 days inside the Kingdom in a calendar year. You absolutely become tax resident at a certain moment, the moment you reside 180 days within a calendar year. This is not a difficult concept to grasp.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Pete ******
 Not exactly, when the moment you are 180 days in Thailand in a calendar year is in let's say December, you are tax resident for the whole calendar year starting at January 1 and ending at December 31. So money you bring in January can become taxable when in December you reach 180 days.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Luit ****************
 having a Thai tax liability and becoming a Thai tax resident are two separate issues. You can be Thai tax resident and have no tax liability and you can also have a Thai tax liability and not be Thai tax resident. Exactly what point are to trying to make?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
My point is that it is of no interest at which date in a calender year you stay 180 days, for the whole calendar year you are considered as tax resident.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Luit ****************
 finally you say something that I can understand. Yes tax residency refers to a tax year and not a date in that year. But, again, this is basic stuff. There is no partial tax residency, you are either resident in a tax year or not. A bit like you can’t be a little bit pregnant, you are either pregnant or not. Same with tax residency.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Pete ******
 And just like with pregnancy you can already be tax resident before you know it.😉
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
@Luit ****************
 not at all as the tax residency requirements are crystal clear. 180 days residing within the Kingdom in a calendar year means you are a Thai tax resident. If you don’t know you are tax resident then that is simply down to your lack of knowledge.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jay ****
 180 days or more inside Thailand in any calendar year means you are a Thai tax resident in that year
2 months ago
Like
Reply
James ********
@John *********
 correct ✅
a month ago
Like
Reply
Sean *******
@Jay ****
 Correct.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sean *******
Reply
Sean *******
Anonymous participant A DTV is a DTV. And is a tourist visa.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
James ********
@Sean ******
 correct ✅
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Humble******
They're all the same.

Some DTVs say under remarks the purpose (which is possible depending on issuing embassy; although most of them just say 'Employment Prohibited'). I highly doubt you'll be able to change the remark on it...
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Also been wondering this, interested to know 👍

I was thinking I might have to reapply under workcation once I’m set up and it be a new visa - if possible.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
Anonymous participant 801 not possible and also pointless.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean *******
Anonymous participant 801 No need and wouldn't be possible anyway.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sean *******
Reply
Pete *******
A DTV is a DTV, there is no changing of the visa. You can work remotely on a DTV regardless of the reason it was issued.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Can I switch from a DTV to a Business Visa in Thailand?
4 comments
2 months ago
Does the visa category (Workation vs. Soft Power) actually matter in Thailand?
26 comments
4 months ago
Can I work remotely on a soft power visa in Thailand, and do I need proof of class enrollment for re-entry?
6 comments
5 months ago
Can I change my visa category from soft power to workcation in Thailand?
16 comments
5 months ago
Can I switch from a Non-O Marriage visa to a DTV Workcation visa?
3 comments
6 months ago
Is a DTV visa the same for remote workers and soft power, and can I work while on a Muay Thai course in Thailand?
11 comments
7 months ago
Can you reapply for a DTV visa after switching to a work permit and Non B visa in Thailand?
34 comments
7 months ago
Can I switch my DTV workcation application to a soft power study visa in Thailand?
13 comments
7 months ago
What are the challenges of applying for a DTV visa in Thailand as a digital nomad?
50 comments
7 months ago
Which route is better for applying for the DTV visa: Soft Power or Remote Worker?
2 comments
8 months ago
Do I need to specify the type of soft power when applying for my DTV visa in Thailand, and can I change activities later?
12 comments
9 months ago
What are the differences between the "Workcation" and "Soft Power" versions of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
33 comments
10 months ago
What are the differences between the Workcation and Softpower visas in Thailand and their ongoing requirements after the initial application?
14 comments
10 months ago
Can you work remotely on a Thai soft power DTV visa?
40 comments
10 months ago
Can I apply for a Soft Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while on a work visa in Thailand and leave the country after applying?
4 comments
10 months ago
Can you do remote work with the 'soft power' DTV in Thailand?
4 comments
10 months ago
Can I switch from a SMART T Visa to a DTV while in Thailand?
12 comments
10 months ago
Can I switch from a Non-B visa to a DTV visa in Thailand?
1 comments
a year ago
Can I switch from a Thai work permit to a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) without issues?
37 comments
a year ago
Can you apply for a DTV visa for a yoga course and switch to remote work afterward?
5 comments
a year ago
Can I change my DTV visa from "Remote Worker" to "Soft Power" or "Digital Nomad" after acceptance?
20 comments
a year ago
Does the DTV visa specify workcation or soft power?
24 comments
a year ago
Does the DTV "Workcation" visa allow work for a Thai entity?
4 comments
a year ago
Can I switch from a work visa to a DTV visa while teaching online in Thailand?
19 comments
a year ago
What are the pros and cons of selecting the 'soft power' category versus the digital nomad category for the DTV visa in Thailand?
24 comments
a year ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.