Is frequent travel outside Thailand an issue for DTV holders?

Question

Hi, everyone! I have a question about frequent work trips outside of Thailand as a DTV holder. I'd be grateful for advice on how to minimize any issues this may cause.

I entered Thailand with my DTV (soft power/ muay Thai) on Sunday without issue. Originally, I was expecting to stay in Thailand without interruption for several weeks before needing to leave Thailand for a few days each month for work.

However, chaos at work and a last minute change in plans means means that I now need to be out of Thailand quite a bit over the next several weeks (i.e. up to four days per week most weeks).

Twelve hours after I landed in Bangkok and activated the DTV, I left for Hong Kong for a 12-hour same-day return trip (all day Monday). I need to go back this Wednesday to Friday.  Next should be one day in Hong Kong and the following week up to four days. After that it should be one day per week until the end of September (so about six weeks of this bouncing back and fourth).

Coming back today (Monday, my second entry after arriving on Sunday) the immigration officer asked how long as I was staying this time and I said I needed to travel again this week and she didn't make a fuss, so it seems this was just a routine question and that there's no problem yet.

My guess is that immigration officers are mostly worried about overstayers and people misusing the DTV. Neither applies to me as I'm not doing anything dodgy and if anything I'm under-staying. I genuinely plan to attend the muay Thai classes when I am in Bangkok (2-3 times per week, first session Tuesday before my next trip on Wednesday) and the gym's booking app tracks attendance, so there will be a record that I am fulfilling the purpose of my DTV.

So my questions:
* Is this going to be an issue?
* If I am questioned by immigration, how can reassure them that I am following the rules?
* Any advice on how to time and structure unavoidable work trips - is it better to do same day return or stay overnight or does it not matter?

Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The original poster successfully entered Thailand on a DTV visa but is now facing a work situation that requires frequent travel out of the country (up to four days a week). They are concerned about potential issues with immigration due to their travel frequency. Responses from the community suggest that as long as the DTV is being used appropriately for its intended purpose (Muay Thai training), it should not pose significant problems. Advice includes being prepared to explain the situation to immigration officers and maintaining records of attended classes.

Elías ******** · Answer

BTW, if you have already fixed dates for the next exist, you're supposed to write them down in the TDAC.

Elías ******** · Answer

I enter and exit very frequently, zero issues. That's what the visa is for (workcation category here). Now, if it was granted on soft power, it MIGHT be different.

Luit ***************** · Answer

Your behavious does not look like you misuse the visa, so I don't think any problem will arise.

I think stays of almost 180 days back to back attract far more attention from IO's.

Statistically the more times you enter the more chance you have to asked questions at a certain moment. They might ask you what's the purpose of your stay and then the answer you come for Muay Thai training should be sufficient.

Of course they also can ask why you travel that much, but an honest answer would be OK.

A. ************ · Answer

DTV is made for multiple entries. But the frequent short turnarounds might get you a question or two, and a body cavity search at some point. After that intimate meeting you will become friends with all of the IOs at Suvarnabhumi and be greeted with open arms on each return. 😆

Andrew ******** · Answer

I leave every 3-4 weeks. No issues.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

What's your job? Drug smuggling? That's probably what might be raised so have evidence against that.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Sounds like you’re using the visa correctly , so it shouldn’t be an issue

Manfred ********** · Answer

If you're not regularly attending your MT classes it's kind of a misuse of your DTV though.

Just like the authorities last week canceled thousands of 'student' visas for misappropriation the same might happen to DTVs at some point.

Soft powered chefs also might be asked by Immigration after some time to do some cooking for them.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Immigration might asked how you are attending classes and traveling. Just explain and show them your classes are early in the week and your work schedule is later.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

It should not be an issue. The DTV is for situations like this. Immigration probably have more concerns over those trying to live in the country for 5 years with two day trips a year.

Jef ******** · Answer

I work over south east Asia and have entered Thailand 13 times on a DTV with no issues

Is frequent travel outside Thailand an issue for DTV holders?

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