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Can you work remotely on a Thai soft power DTV visa?
Jan 22, 2025
a year ago
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHey all. Let’s settle this haha.
Are we allowed to work remotely with a soft power DTV visa?
Are we allowed to work remotely with a soft power DTV visa?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus is that you can work remotely while holding a soft power DTV visa in Thailand. Although there are no explicit written rules from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Immigration, it is understood that as long as you do not engage in activities that would take jobs from Thai residents or sell products directly to Thai citizens, remote work is permissible. One individual mentioned that during their visa interview, they explained their financial situation and the interviewer indicated that working remotely was acceptable but that a work permit would be required for employment with companies within Thailand.
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Lee *******
My understanding is that as long as you are not selling products to Thai people or taking away a job from a Thai resident that you'll be fine.
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee ******
well, I called my local Thai consul today and they indeed confirmed we can work remotely with soft power visa. So you’re spot on.Luit *****************
@Lee ******
and not getting income from a Thai companyReply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I was asked in my 1-1 interview how I would support myself if I didn’t have a remote job. I told them that I am living off my savings (and explained to them how I had got to the level of savings that I have). I also provided evidence of a future incoming lump sum (from a medical payout) and explained currently I had no requirement to seek employment however, there will be a time when I have to and that I would follow the rules of the DTV when it was time to do so (I.e remote foreign work…). The interviewer said it was fine but I would have to get a work permit if working for a company operating within Thailand. They never mentioned anything about not being able to work remotely whilst under the soft power application!
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 121 thanks for that feedback. It is helpful.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 121 Good info. The MFA laughed the DTV with a loose policy as I have said. Every scenario was not thought through or planned out. I think it would be OK until Immigration specifically forbid it and I doubt they will.
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
correct. It all just seems rushed through without 100% completing and ticking every box!I can’t see them forbidding those that applied with soft power originally to then get work some time during those 5 years, as long as it meets all the rules and criteria for DTV.
I know Thailand is cheaper compared to the likes of UK, but the money will run out one day… especially as most of it is spent on snacks in
****
😂Greg ********
Anonymous participant 121 MFA launched the DTV with a policy and kicked the can regarding rules down the road to Immigration. Must have listened to Boris Johnson when he was Foreign Secretary. I had lunch with my old team the week after DTV launched. Senior professionals at a large global company with perfect English and the usual decent degrees. They were discussing it and even back then said their should be an income requirement for Workaytion. I think they had a bone to pick as recent hassle with UK visas lol
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Greg ********
The consensus is yes. If you are asking are there any written 'Rules" that can be cited from MFA or Immigration then I have not seen any. However there are not that many rules as it is described as a "Policy". Policies are open to interpretation.
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
thanks. That’s helpful. So in your opinion, should I provide payslips and certificate of employment from my remote employer as supporting docs in my application? I’m taking the soft power Muay Thai route.Andi ***********
Daniel Mabanta Vast majority of embassies do not require employment info for SP applicants. Taipei does and I think Malaysia.
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
unfortunately, I’ve already booked my flight and hotel to Taipei hence my question 😂Andi ***********
@Daniel ********
Oh.ok, if you have company registration information, contracts and 6mths of statements then may as well go for workcationDaniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
I only have a certificate of employment and statements, which I was planning to use as supporting docs for my soft power visa if asked. I don’t think my employer can provide registration or permits.Andi ***********
Daniel Mabanta Ok, Best do SP as Taipei insists on company registration info for workcation.
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
thanks 🙏Andi ***********
Daniel Mabanta You know about the cert of entry/exit fr immigration to apply there?
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
yes I’m aware of it. I’ll do the shortly after landing. Do I just bring my passport?Andi ***********
Daniel Mabanta Yes and there is a simple form to be filled out. When I went last month there was no need for the certificate. Since going online they started this extra paperwork.
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
yeah I’ve been reading about it. Which immigration branch did you visit? I’ll go to the same one.Andi ***********
@Daniel ********
I did not have to go to an immigration office. Just went straight to the Thai Embassy in Taipei and applied in person. Someone has posted about the immigration office to visit in Taipei for the form, should be in the threads.Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have those documents readily available. I’m just wondering if being a remote worker will affect my chances.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
Supply the MVP (Minimal Viable Product) for your customer. No more and no less. :-).Andi ***********
Greg Bewick True but it can also leave them hungry for more..
Greg ********
@Andi **********
If I was launching a new product into a market that is exactly the points. Civil servants however, .. :-)Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Greg ********
@Daniel ********
I would never overcomplicate an application. The 500k is your financial proof that you can support yourself. I would not put anything from an employer in a soft power application. If asked for more documentation later specifically then provide but I doubt they would.Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
that is sound adviceGreg ********
@Daniel ********
if you qualify as a remote worker why not go for that?Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
because I had a coworker apply for the visa and was declined. He met all the requirements and was rejected without reason. He then did the soft power route and was approved in two daysGreg ********
@Daniel ********
Go soft power then. Good luck. I am still pondering whether to go for DTV or BOI S. If DTV then workaytion or Soft Power. Decisions decisions :-)Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Did you read the phuket mail? They did and article on the DTV success . Said BOI is now easier to get due to the popularity of DTV.Greg ********
@Andi **********
Thank you. Not seen it. Will look now. I have been doing research earlier today. I think I am fine for BOI Smart "S". Need a digital incubator though and only one I have found is True Digital Park in Bamgkok. Their total fee is 100k which is fine but basically I get hardly anything for that as I do not live there ie no use of facilities etc. Needs further research but the S for 2 years might be ideal. If it works I want to be pretty much hands off in 2 years and can go back on retirement.Andi ***********
@Greg *******
S is only 2 years ? i thought it was longerGreg ********
@Andi **********
It is a startup visa. Yiu are expected to put in a business plan and meet targets. If you do them move over to another visa type. The attraction for me is not needing to hire Thais for a WP while starting up. If all goes well will be employing Thais. My old team keep asking me for a job. Told me they miss me this week on my birthday. I got something in my eye.Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
yeah now I’m second guessing myself. If I go workcation, I’ll save myself a few bucks for sure.Greg ********
@Daniel ********
It is your decision. My take is if you qualify it is better option than soft power. My reasoning is you might have to keep proving you are continuing in your soft power activities both for extension and maybe entry. There are others that disagree but we are all just guessing at this point.Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
thanks for your feedback. Will make a decision this week. Good luck to us both!Greg ********
@Daniel ********
Good luck. I am just worried something might change with the DTV. I am risk averse so maybe overthinking. If the numbers published this week are true and i0k issued in 6 months can they really continue to grow at this rate or will they limit numbers somehow? A lot of people do not even know about it yet. Just this week in a couple of meetings people living in Thailand have not heard about it. It's a great visa so I would tell anyone wanting/needing it grab it now.Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
yes I agree. But I personally don’t think they’ll make any major changes within a year of its launch. That said, I suggest you apply as soon as you can. I’m doing mine in a couple of weeks. Flying to Taipei.Greg ********
@Daniel ********
Immigration seem to be keeping their powder dry for now.Reply to
Greg ********
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