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Can you hold a DTV2 temporarily and later apply for a DTV1 from within Thailand?
DTV VisaVisa TransitionThailand ImmigrationRemote Work VisasDigital Nomad VisaSoft Power ActivitiesVisa RegulationsExpatriate Visa Help
Apr 28, 2026
2 days ago
HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes anyone know if you can hold a DTV2 temporarily and after 6 months then apply from within Thailand for the DTV1? Any restrictions if it’s possible?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion clarifies that there is no officially recognized "DTV1" or "DTV2" visa classifications in Thailand. The DTV visa (Destination Thailand Visa) is intended for digital nomads and those engaging in soft power activities, but holders cannot switch between purposes within Thailand. Applying from within Thailand for a different DTV category may lead to rejection, and it's advisable to consult a proper visa agent to avoid issues.
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.
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Anonymous ******************
There is no such thing as DTV1 and DTV2 only DTV for purpose of soft power/workation/medical treatment, you being misguided use a proper agent like Siam Legal, if you use terms like DTV1 and DTV2 in your application 100 percent you will be rejected.
Khun ******
Correct there is no DTV1 or 2. This fella is destined to be rejected I feel.
HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERThai embassy said it in their email.
Anonymous ******************
HappyCelery1441 which Thai Embassy are you applying from
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Anonymous ******************
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Khun ******
All DTV holders can work remotely it doesn't matter how you applied. 👍
Frazer ************
There isn’t any officially recognized “DTV1” or “DTV2” visa category in Thailand right now
HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe Thailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a 5-year, multiple-entry visa designed for remote workers (DTV1) and "soft power" activities like Muay Thai, cooking classes, or medical treatment (DTV2). It allows a 180-day stay per entry, extendable once for another 180 days, and requires proof of 500,000 THB in funds and a, roughly, 10,000 THB fee.
สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงลอนดอน
สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงลอนดอน
+3
Key Details of DTV1 and DTV2
DTV1 (Workcation/Digital Nomad): Targeted at freelancers, remote workers, and foreign talent working for companies outside Thailand. Requires proof of employment, contract, or portfolio.
DTV2 (Soft Power/Activities): Targeted at those attending Thai cultural activities (Muay Thai, cooking, music festivals) or receiving medical treatment. Requires proof of enrollment or booking.
สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงลอนดอน
สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงลอนดอน
+3
Key Details of DTV1 and DTV2
DTV1 (Workcation/Digital Nomad): Targeted at freelancers, remote workers, and foreign talent working for companies outside Thailand. Requires proof of employment, contract, or portfolio.
DTV2 (Soft Power/Activities): Targeted at those attending Thai cultural activities (Muay Thai, cooking, music festivals) or receiving medical treatment. Requires proof of enrollment or booking.
Frazer ************
HappyCelery1441 this may be a term that agency is using but officially no such term is used.
Reply to
Frazer ************
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HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat does this mean?
Frazer ************
HappyCelery1441 there's no such thing. Officially. Which is, I guess, is you mean the difference between the workation and the soft power application. its not called DTV1 and DTV2
Reply to
Frazer ************
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John **********
No you can't. You apply for a DTV for the purpose you state in your application. I guess in theory you could contact the consulate that issued your soft power DTV, ask them to cancel it and go and apply for a new DTV for your new purpose at a Thai consulate of your choosing, but there aren't any inside Thailand
Khun ******
@John *********
I'm curious to know why you don't question the group experts who say you can work remotely if you applied via soft power?John **********
@Khun *****
you can no more legally work remotely on a soft power DTV than you can on a tourist visa or a retirement visa or a privilege visa or whatever. Why on earth do you think there are different options you can apply under?Khun ******
@John *********
You didn't answer my question just shared your opinion on THE DTV. You need to enhance your thinking.Reply to
Khun ******
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James ********
You have a 5 year DTV visa... Enjoy it. Period 🩸
Robert *******
I guess you did read the 3 different options.
As you want to work while being in Thailand, i suggest to choose the one where remote worker, digital nomad or freelance is written.
It is the ONLY purpose that allow you to work and train or cook in your free time.
As you want to work while being in Thailand, i suggest to choose the one where remote worker, digital nomad or freelance is written.
It is the ONLY purpose that allow you to work and train or cook in your free time.
HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks Robert. Concerns around the dtv1 being rejected as I’m changing employer temporarily. Once I’m in Thailand I’ll have the paperwork for a cleaner DTV1 application. DTV2 and engagement on a soft power course would be great however, after 6 months we wouldn’t want to continue the course therefore switching to a dtv1 would be preferred if possible.
Robert *******
HappyCelery1441 OR you apply for purpose workcation and be able to work and play around in your free time.
OR you apply for soft power and stop working while you are inside Thailand.
The visa is valid for 5 years and you can not change the rules, regulations and requirements, just because you think it does not fit you at the moment.
OR you apply for soft power and stop working while you are inside Thailand.
The visa is valid for 5 years and you can not change the rules, regulations and requirements, just because you think it does not fit you at the moment.
HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERI believe you can work on a DTV2 / Soft Power. 👍🏻
John **********
HappyCelery1441 not legally. A soft power DTV doesn't give permission to work remotely, why do you think there are different options?
HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo you’re suggesting you have to remain unemployed if you want to do a cooking course. Enhance your thinking.
Khun ******
HappyCelery1441 Yes no problem.
James ********
HappyCelery1441 yes just stay under the radar
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James ********
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Greg ********
You cannot apply within Thailand (although some dodgy agencies offering this)
Andi ***********
What is DTV 1 and 2?
Frazer ************
@Andi **********
There isn’t any officially recognized “DTV1” or “DTV2” visa category in Thailand right nowHappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo any stay beyond 6 months (if crossing the border and reentering) would require current engagement with a course? (If staying on DTV2)
Luit *****************
HappyCelery1441 At every entry in the country your purpose of visit should match the purpose of visit of the visa.
You can discuss if that has to be seen as a requirement, but fact is that the immigration officer can ask for it and can deny you entry.
When I checked for this at an immigration office they said this are just visa requirements and they would enforce when you apply for an extension, but that their collegues at the border were just free to decide what they wanted to check and what they don't want to check.
So most likely when you do a borderrun you will get an easy new 180 day stamp, but when you have bad luck and are choosen to check you might have a problem when you don't comply.
And discussing this is not explicitly mentioned in the law for DTV is useless to convince IO in such a case.
You can discuss if that has to be seen as a requirement, but fact is that the immigration officer can ask for it and can deny you entry.
When I checked for this at an immigration office they said this are just visa requirements and they would enforce when you apply for an extension, but that their collegues at the border were just free to decide what they wanted to check and what they don't want to check.
So most likely when you do a borderrun you will get an easy new 180 day stamp, but when you have bad luck and are choosen to check you might have a problem when you don't comply.
And discussing this is not explicitly mentioned in the law for DTV is useless to convince IO in such a case.
John **********
HappyCelery1441 My understanding is that if you apply for an extension, so you can stay in Thailand for more than 180 days consecutively then you have to show you meet one of the DTV requirements, either Work-cation or Soft Power. The best thing is to just fly to a neighbouring country for a week's holiday as that is more consistent with what the DTV is meant to be, for digital nomads. Also ensure that you have at least USD $1,000 cash or equivalent on you and a bank account where the balance has never dropped below THB 500,000 starting from about 3 months before you applied, when entering or re-entering Thailand. It appears that if you appear dodgy the immigration officer might be looking for a reason to cancel your DTV. It appears they don't care if you stop the Soft Power after 6 months as long as you meet the financial requirements and take regular trips out of Thailand. Also make sure your TM30 and 90-day reporting is done correctly. I think they are targeting scammers, criminals and people working locally, so if you behave like a digital nomad you are likely safe.
Andi ***********
HappyCelery1441 no mandatory requirement but an IO can ask to see current enrollment but rarely do going by postings.
James ********
HappyCelery1441 not currently required if by Land or Air entries.
Reply to
James ********
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HappyCe********
ORIGINAL POSTEROnly for flexibility. Once a course expires after 6 months do you have to continually engage with the course ongoing or can you remain in Thailand for 5 years (180 days at a time) and come and go, without engaging with any further education?
Andi ***********
HappyCelery1441 currently there is no mandatory requirement to continue the course for 5 yrs. If you extend your stay at immigration you need to show current enrollment in a course. You are better off doing Workcation if you can.
Reply to
Andi ***********
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Greg ********
@Andi **********
I have seen it to refer to SP and Workaytion. I do not think it is an official termAndi ***********
@Greg *******
ok..but what is the point of "switching"..you can do SP activity on Workcation DTV and visa versaReply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Mitchell **********
Didn't realize there was a DTV2
Khun ******
@Mitchell *********
There isn't a DTV is a DTV.James ********
@Mitchell *********
there's no DTV 2Reply to
James ********
Reply
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