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Does the DTV visa specify workcation or soft power?
DTV VisaVisa TypesThailand Visa RegulationsRemote WorkSoft Power ActivitiesMuay ThaiED Visa TransitionImmigration Office Procedures
Sep 9, 2024
2 years ago
James *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes 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 🙏🏻
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 🙏🏻
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.
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Josep *********
In my DTV visa document specify “remote work”
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.
Toni *******
@Kevin *******
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 1900thbKevin ********
@Toni ******
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 bhtToni *******
@Kevin *******
borderrun companies would love it if it wasnt 😆Kevin ********
@Toni ******
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.Reply to
Kevin ********
Reply
Kevin ********
@Toni ******
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.
Toni *******
@Kevin *******
well the jomtien immigration says 1900, but who knows, here things can change 10 times in 2 monthsReply to
Toni *******
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Scott *********
@Kevin *******
I asked at Phuket immigration what the cost of DTV extension would be and was told THB$1900, same as regular extensionsReply to
Scott *********
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Seb ********
Do not supply more than necessary, especially nothing that ties you to Thailand. This is for remote workers from abroad.
James *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Seb *******
well they're going to see a very recent one-year Thai education visa in my passport...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.James *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Seb *******
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.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.
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 problemsJames ********
@Andy ***********
Agreed 👍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.
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 thinkAndi ***********
@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.Matthias ********
@Andi **********
Here, some details should be clarified, such as the situation regarding re-entry or how the visa extension process works at immigration.*******************************************
Andy ************
@Andi **********
The DTV is valid for five years. There's no facility to renew a visaJames ********
@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.James *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
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.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 🍀Reply to
James ********
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