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Do I have to live in Bangkok for the entire duration of my DTV visa program?
DTV visaThailand visa rulesLiving in ThailandDiscover Thai NatureSoft Power activitiesVisa requirementsExpat life in Thailand
Nov 22, 2025
5 months ago
PastelPa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have applied for DTV using Discover Thai nature for which im genuinely excited- but does this mean I have to live in Bangkok the whole time? That feels like a huge commitment - I would like to give it a try but if it doesn’t work and I want to move during the course year what happens?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) allows participants to be flexible in their residence within Thailand. There are no restrictions requiring you to stay in Bangkok for the entirety of the visa. You can move around the country as you wish. Many courses offer both remote and in-person attendance, with excursions outside of Bangkok available. It's encouraged to actively participate in the chosen program, but freedom of movement within Thailand is granted.
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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Benjamin ********
What’s this discover Thai nature ? 🤔 not seen this on the visa web application pages any info
Anonymous ******************
You can attend many of the classes remotely or in person. They do excursions every now and then outside of Bangkok. My daughter does this course.
John *********
Best do 6 months, the soft options are likely to be looked at more closely going through immigration in the future but I think they need to be sensible about bit they need long stay visitors contributing daily to the local economy.
They just need to concentrate on weeding out those that shouldn't be in Thailand for various reasons. I welcome a clean up
They just need to concentrate on weeding out those that shouldn't be in Thailand for various reasons. I welcome a clean up
Luit *****************
@John ********
Everyone that does not comply with the rules indeed should be weeded out because they do not belong to the target group (anymore), but it is an illusion that will work without extra checks at entrance of the country, and those checks are not practically at the border. And since they made the visa multi entry, it will be difficult weeding out those.Even look here how many openly tell they don't comply with the requirements anymore and still use the visa.
John *********
@Luit ****************
just a matter of time, many will slip out to Cambodia to get up to no good Let them go 👋👌Reply to
John *********
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Khun ******
No problem you are free to go anywhere in Thailand. Don't worry.
Michael ********
Destination Thailand Visa. The answer is in the name.
Thai ********************
Hi - just to add that there’s an alternative program with the same structure, but with a more varied cultural focus.
We also run one session per month, and participants can live anywhere in between sessions.
Livestreaming is a bit questionable in terms of cultural engagement, so we keep all seminars fully in-person.
We also run one session per month, and participants can live anywhere in between sessions.
Livestreaming is a bit questionable in terms of cultural engagement, so we keep all seminars fully in-person.
James ********
You've applied for the DTV visa based upon your participation in the Soft Power activity chosen.
You are expected to follow through as an active participant
You are expected to follow through as an active participant
Anonymous ******************
Why do you think you need to stay in one place? You’re absolutely free to move
Steve ******
Sorry I can't answer your question but I am in the process of looking at a DTV so interested in what courses people are getting their DTV on. I want to know as it is a five year visa do you have to enroll in something for the five years?
James ********
REALITY IS that the answer to your question is unknown as of now.
Pete *******
@Steve *****
no.Steve ******
@Pete ******
do you think immigration will ask at sometime during the five years what courses are you doing?Reply to
Steve ******
Reply
Jared *********
What?? No.... the visa has no restrictions on where in Thailand you go or live.
Reply to
Jared *********
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