Answered9 months ago

Is it allowed to participate in a chess tournament for prize money on a DTV visa in Thailand?

DTV visa visa regulations Thailand immigration chess tournament hobby activities prize money

Anonymous *************

asked Jan 27, 2026

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I am on the DTV visa. I am interested in playing in an upcoming chess tournament here in Thailand. Chess is just a hobby for me. However, there is prize money if you win. Are such activities permitted on DTV?

Answer summary

Participating in a chess tournament as a hobby on a DTV visa is generally permissible, even if prize money is involved. Comments indicate that as long as the tournament participation is incidental and not part of a professional endeavor, it does not constitute work under Thai law. However, any activity viewed as employment, especially if pursued regularly for income, might raise issues with immigration authorities.

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Sefton ********

99.9% fine..

The only thing to mention is Thailand writes laws in such a way as to cast a huge wide net to be used against people in random ways when they want. If you were to upset the wrong person, I am sure they could make it a problem, but the reality is its a hobby thing and ok. Laws here are not the same kind of defined binary standards as western justice (at least aspires to be).

9 months ago

Chris **********

Playing in a chess tournament as a hobby is not “work” under Thai law. Incidental prize money does not convert it into employment unless you are competing professionally or under contract.

9 months ago

Jef ********

How about the lady’s last week who got locked up for being a DJ for free

9 months ago

Sefton ********

@Jef *******

Music and DJing is well known to be trouble.

Largely because if tolerated it becomes frequently abused, DJs will work and claim everything is free if asked.

9 months ago

Chris **********

@J**

interesting. Is there a post about that mate? I'd like to read up on it

9 months ago

Chris **********

What a clown 😂

9 months ago

Jef ********

Yeah , even the fact that they told her immigration was coming and she carried on 😹

I don’t get some people’s logic

9 months ago

Chris **********

@J**

yeah you were right to get stuck in mate 😂 DJing in a venue, even unpaid, is legally “work” in Thailand because you are providing a service. That is completely different from playing a chess tournament as a hobby. The DJ case was a work permit violation, not a prize-money or recreation issue.

9 months ago

Jef ********

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9 months ago

Jef ********

She actually made a post about it but I ripped into her and I think she blocked me 😹

9 months ago

Jef ********

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9 months ago

Jef ********

Yeah I will

Find it and link you… one moment

9 months ago

Ryan ********

From my understanding, prize money is fine if it's a one-off or irregular thing. If it starts becoming a way to sustain yourself financially then it may become an issue.

9 months ago