Ask question

Does the DTV visa specify workcation or soft power?

DTV Visa Visa Types Thailand Visa Regulations Remote Work Soft Power Activities Muay Thai ED Visa Transition Immigration Office Procedures

Sep 9, 2024

2 months ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does the DTV visa once approved specify if it is DTV workcation or DTV Thai soft power? If just general then I assume to apply for for soft power activity now eg. MuayThai one can transition to workcation later at a time of their choosing without having to amend anything? The visa is one in the same right? My understanding is that there is just the different methods to apply to get it approved.

I am intending to apply at Jakarta in person. The soft power approach seems the simplest in terms of documents required but I wonder what the risk is of them issuing an ED visa instead? 

I am currently finishing my first year ED (Thai language) visa so have been on a career break this past year. I am also thinking to bring extra documents to support application (local Thai police background check to confirm no criminal history & letter from landlord confirming residency).

I'm interested to hear anyone's insight or advice 🙏🏻

1,631

views

3

likes

52

all likes

24

replies

1

images

9

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV visa does not explicitly specify whether it is for a workcation or Thai soft power activity upon approval. Applicants can transition from one type of activity to another without needing to amend the visa, as the visa essentially encompasses both possibilities. Concerns regarding the potential issuance of an ED visa instead of a DTV visa highlight the complexities of the application process, especially when applying from locations like Jakarta. Additional supporting documents, such as a police background check and a landlord's letter, may aid in the application, but it's advised to avoid providing excessive documentation that ties the applicant to Thailand.

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.

Josep *********

In my DTV visa document specify “remote work”

Like

Reply

Kevin ********

It’s an unknown for extension, but consider that the most exepensive place to do border run from is Samui and costs around 4800 baht, why would you pay 10,000 for extension as that is what the cost will be “apparently”, but again until it starts happening, we still don’t know for sure how that will pan out.

Like

Reply

Toni *******

not every people have a choice, after years of playing with visas/exempts, they start to question you at the passport control. There is no "unlimited" entries by air, trust me. Thus, dtv and elite visa are only options for us, who (under 50yo) have been here for years pending the rules and test our luck with immigration... and the extension is 1900thb

Like

Reply

Kevin ********

that’s my point, until it starts happening we simply don’t know. But I havv be e the feeling it’s not going to be 1900 bht

Like

Reply

Toni *******

borderrun companies would love it if it wasnt 😆

Like

Reply

Kevin ********

there is a lot that rely on border runs now that are getting DTVs so border run companies will probably see a decline anyway. That’s my opinion with how absentee DTV will become.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kevin ********

Reply

Kevin ********

are you sure? The wording as previously posted in this group says different.

Until the 1st extensions start being granted I would assume that it is 10k but I guess others will have a different opinion.

Like

Reply

Toni *******

well the jomtien immigration says 1900, but who knows, here things can change 10 times in 2 months

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Scott *********

I asked at Phuket immigration what the cost of DTV extension would be and was told THB$1900, same as regular extensions

Like

Reply

Reply to

Scott *********

Reply

Seb ********

Do not supply more than necessary, especially nothing that ties you to Thailand. This is for remote workers from abroad.

Like

Reply

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

well they're going to see a very recent one-year Thai education visa in my passport...

Like

Reply

Seb ********

@James ********

that’s not a problem but submitting things like a criminal background check without being asked raises red flags. It’s also a pain to obtain and costs money. Interestingly since you mention it, Malaysia requests one for their Digital Nomad Visa. Plus a tax registration from their revenue department so Thailand is very lenient here.

Like

Reply

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

when I acquired my Thai ED visa in Khota Boru, Malaysia not having the exact specific background check was a big issue and nearly made me ineligible to get approved. I'm just considering any supporting Thai bureaucratic documents might help but won't do any harm. As we know each embassy/consulate has their own requirements/preferences.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James *********

Reply

Andi ***********

It does not specify on the visa workcation or soft power. Immigration will have the specific details on file, you can be asked to provide similar evidence for your DTV if you extend at an immigration office.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

@Andi **********

It's unlikely immigration will have the DTV reason on records. Keep away from immigration offices, do border bounces and there will be no problems

Like

Reply

James ********

@Andy ***********

Agreed 👍

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Paul *******

@Andi **********

Nope. Immigration won't have any details on file as you're applying for this visa abroad through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is a separate government department.

Once you've started using the visa, IF you seek an in country extension, then yes, Immigration may have the details on file once you've made your first extension BUT given the nature of this visa you could easily switch between workcation and soft power or vice versa during the validity of the visa.

If you only ever cross the border and never have dealings with Immigration in country then this is largely irrelevant.

Like

Reply

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

right so if extending at immigration and no longer had evidence of current soft power you could then provide evidence of workcation? No need to reapply for the same visa to get those specific details changed I would think

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

@James ********

The details of renewing are not fully known yet as it's only been around 2 months since its release. Around Nov/Dec there should be more details as the 6mth mark will be reached. I agree with what you saying should be able to move to another option with evidence without voiding the visa but Immigration is not always that simple. If you leave/reenter get a new 180 day stamp, you should not be asked for evidence at the airport.

Like

Reply

Matthias ********

@Andi **********

Here, some details should be clarified, such as the situation regarding re-entry or how the visa extension process works at immigration.

*******************************************

Like

Reply

Andy ************

@Andi **********

The DTV is valid for five years. There's no facility to renew a visa

Like

Reply

James ********

@Andi **********

agreed ✅ and one should AVOID obtaining the DTV for one purpose then shift to another. Could be problems. Sounds like the OP is playing the DTV visa system. Much like he may be doing with the Ed Visa.

Like

Reply

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'd actually welcome the Thai consulate staff there to consider/test my Thai language background and learning rather than an old judgemental keyboard warrior commenting on someone simply asking for people's information and experience not pathetic speculation.

Like

Reply

James ********

@James ********

yes thank you for your reply. Not judgemental, BUT really aware of the problems incurred by those who may have an extensive Thai Immigration history. My words were to be cautious. This new DTV visa is easy to get. Keep it simple. Read the posts about others who have been successful in getting it. I wish him Good Luck 🍀

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

What are the steps and considerations for applying for a DTV visa from Thailand while on a business visa?

6 comments

a month ago

Can I obtain a DTV visa through a language school in Thailand?

4 comments

a month ago

How can I transition from a non-ED visa to a DTV in Thailand after cancellation?

12 comments

2 months ago

What are the application procedures and document requirements for the DTV visa in relation to Muay Thai camps in Thailand?

6 comments

2 months ago

What are the key considerations for UK DTV visa holders using Workcation as their activity in Thailand?

6 comments

2 months ago

What should I know about the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) Workcation option and requirements?

30 comments

3 months ago

Which visa option is better: soft-power medical treatment or workcation with self-published royalties in Thailand?

13 comments

3 months ago

Does the DTV "Workcation" visa allow work for a Thai entity?

4 comments

3 months ago

Can I apply for a DTV visa as a remote worker while currently on an ED visa in Thailand?

2 comments

3 months ago

What are the experiences of applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?

17 comments

3 months ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Thai Soft Power DTV Visa?

4 comments

3 months ago

How can I obtain a DTV visa based on soft power activities like seminars or courses in Thailand?

3 comments

3 months ago

What are the experiences of obtaining a DTV for soft power activities in Thailand?

5 comments

3 months ago

How can I successfully apply for the DTV visa under the Thai soft power category for Muay Thai while currently on a tourist visa?

2 comments

3 months ago

What are the eligibility criteria for the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) regarding Thai Soft Power Activities?

7 comments

3 months ago

Will immigration officers in Thailand ask for an updated letter regarding my Muay Thai training upon re-entry with a DTV?

23 comments

3 months ago

What is the process for getting approved for a DTV visa for a Softpower course in Thailand?

20 comments

3 months ago

What are the requirements for the DTV soft power visa based on the Thai Embassy in Jakarta's response?

1 comments

4 months ago

How can I obtain a DTV visa from a Thai embassy in Asia based on a Soft Power option?

1 comments

4 months ago

What insights can be shared about the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) process?

64 comments

4 months ago

Can you obtain a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand through soft power courses or recreational activities?

47 comments

4 months ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?

60 comments

4 months ago

What are the key considerations and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

11 comments

4 months ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a DTV visa as a freelancer at the Thai embassy in Vientiane?

6 comments

4 months 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

4 months ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund 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.