thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is it possible to leave Chiang Mai during the burning season while on a DTV visa?

DTV visaChiang Maiburning seasonair qualityimmigration regulationsThailand travelhealth concerns
Feb 23, 2025
15 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anybody know how things work with the burning season if you’re DTV in Chiang Mai?

Like that air is seriously hazardous.

Is there anyway to spend those months in a different part of Thailand or are you just doomed to lung damage?
4,380
views
10
likes
107
all likes
39
replies
4
images
21
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The burning season in Chiang Mai poses serious air quality issues that may affect health. DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) holders can travel within Thailand, but they need to ensure they adhere to visa regulations, including reporting changes in residence. While it's possible for them to leave Chiang Mai during this time, they should maintain compliance with immigration rules, such as updating their TM30 form for long-term moves. Many expats choose to head south to escape the poor air conditions, often using air purifiers to mitigate health risks.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
George ******
It’s not that bad this year. So hopefully won’t get worse

Lots of people go somewhere else. The people who stay get a good air purifier, and spend time in places that also have good air purifiers

I can’t imagine you’d get in trouble if you went somewhere else. It’s Thailand. The only thing that might cause problems is doing the 3 month check in thing. If you have to do that before Songkran
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Ben ***********
Check the AQI (Air quality Index). It is different for each person depending on their Visa. So if you have a DTV visa there may be more smoke in the air than if you have a student or retirement visa.
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ********
Go down south to Krabi / islands. Seems

Like you answered your own question.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew *******
 Dtv soft power Muay Thai you have to take classes.

Can you just miss them and goto an entirely different part of the country for 3 months?
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Sergio ******
I think once you get you DTV approve, the smog won’t affect your body anymore
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Derry *********
No one knows

No has ever lived to tell the story 5555
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Damien ***********
DTV allows travel across Thailand. If you move just have an updated TM30 for your report if you move long term < 90 days
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Damien **********
 right on.

But that’s not an issue for the classes one signed up for?

Like can you train Muay Thai for 9 months then just goto Phuket for the burning season without a problem for the classes/dtv requirements?
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Damien ***********
Anonymous participant my understanding is that as long as the gym you are registered under knows and you continue your training after burning season, you should be fine
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Damien ***********
Reply
Ni**
Alien registered under “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)” program must remain in the designated province as per approved visa purpose. Seasonal environmental conditions, including but not limited to burning season, are considered a natural occurrence and do not constitute grounds for relocation.

Unauthorized movement to another province may result in additional scrutiny from the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau and may impact future visa considerations. All aliens must strictly comply with visa conditions and adhere to directives issued by the local immigration office.

As a guest in the Kingdom of Thailand, it is the responsibility of the alien to respect and uphold all regulations pertaining to their stay.

In the event of the alien losing their life due to suffocation, repatriation will be permitted pending proper documentation and formal approval from relevant authorities.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Admin can you delete these comments. It's misinformation that's leading other members to post and ask if they're allowed to move between provinces.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Ni**
Can you provide an official source,
@Steve ******
? Given the inconsistencies in immigration enforcement, it is reasonable to verify rather than assume no such requirement exists.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ni**
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Ni**
 DTV holders are actually permitted to spend up to five days per calendar month in an immediate neighbouring province. However they must report to immigration within two hours of arriving and within two hours of planned departure
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Ni**
Alien under ‘Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)’ may transit to an immediate neighboring province for up to five (5) days per calendar month with prior approval.

1️⃣ FORM TM-420 REQUIRED – Submit 72 hours in advance with hand-drawn route map.

2️⃣ MANDATORY REPORTING – Report to Immigration Transit Checkpoint (ITC) within two (2) hours of arrival and departure.

3️⃣ ZONE RESTRICTIONS – Remain within 5km of authorized area or face visa review and fines.

4️⃣ RE-ENTRY CONFIRMATION – Report to primary Immigration Office upon return.

UNLESS ALIEN LOSES THEIR LIFE, ALL FORMS AND HAND-DRAWN MAPS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY ALIEN. IN EVENT OF DEATH, RELATIVE OR APPOINTED POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY COMPLETE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION.

Failure to comply may result in visa forfeiture, administrative review, or involuntary repatriation.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Ni**
 Gold!!
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Sophie *********
Ignore those laughing. It's not so much fun when you get cancer - and CM cancer rates are off the scale. Move down South for those months maybe. And use good quality purifiers.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sophie ********
 thank you. I don’t know went this group has so many trolls and assh**es.

I’m curious if you know though… can you just leave CM for those months if you have a Muay Thai soft power visa?

You have to goto your classes or you’re not meeting the conditions of DTV no?
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Keith ************
@Sophie ********
 air pollution is also a risk factor for heart disease, emphysema, stroke, and dementia.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Sophie *********
@Keith ***********
 Indeed.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sophie *********
Reply
David ******
How about not booking your courses in CM in burning season? The time frame is known long before.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *****
 that’s where you get your letter from an establishment that your practicing Muay Thai.

The paperwork is for a particular gym, so just concern about leaving the classes you’re supposed to be taking to justify the visa.
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Joseph *********
What are you on about 😂
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ********
 with dtv you sign up for classes and you are meant to attend them.

Is there a legal means of adapting to Chiang Mai’s burning season that allows not taking the classes and traveling elsewhere in Thailand?

..is what I’m on about…
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Doug ********
This is what I wear....
15 days ago
Like
Reply
James ********
You must stay and suffer. It’s the rules.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
There's your answer
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Jef ********
@Alex ******
 no …. This is DTV approved
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Lee ***********
@Alex ******
 is it DTV approved
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lee ***********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
The pollution affects everyone, not just DTV holders. Many people head south for the burning season, especially those with respiratory issues (although even those without will soon have them!)
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 867 agreed. I’m wondering if that’s permitted on a dtv where you’re supposed to be attending classes.
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Steve *******
Can you elaborate your question? The DTV doesn't restrict where you are staying.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 yes thanks for asking.

dtv soft power requires you take those Muay Thai or cooking classes at the school you signed up with.

You can’t just leave Chiang Mai and those classes behind to goto Phuket for 3 month burning season right?

I’m asking - is there no arrangement to be made to travel in Thailand if you’re going to miss your classes? Or does anyone know if this would be possible.
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Jack ********
What are you asking? You are free to travel anywhere in Thailand and nothing to do with a DTV or any other visa type
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Lena *******
You can do as you wish. You paid for those classes as did loads of people so the Muay Thai School and Thai Govt did well out of it. The classes are probably overbooked so they won't miss you for 3 months.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lena ******
 do you know is that the letter of the law or just sort of how things go and nobody cares?
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jack *******
 dtv soft power requires you take those Muay Thai or cooking classes at the school you signed up with.

You can’t just leave Chiang Mai and those classes behind to goto Phuket for 3 month burning season right?

I’m asking - is there no arrangement to be made to travel in Thailand if you’re going to miss your classes? Or does anyone know if this would be possible.
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Jack ********
Anonymous participant no one cares if you got to the classes or not
15 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jack *******
 Like really? Is that not a violation?

I know in Thailand there’s the letter of the law then what people actually do. Is it just one of those things that none actually cares or is it that you are legally permitted to not take class?
14 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Do DTV holders need permission from immigration to travel to other provinces in Thailand?
13 comments
15 days ago
What is the best option for leaving Thailand after 180 days on a DTV visa: flight or border run agency?
10 comments
19 days ago
Can I extend my DTV visa at the immigration office in Koh Samui?
9 comments
a month ago
Can I complete my 90-day reporting outside of Chiang Mai while traveling in Thailand?
2 comments
2 months ago
Are there hassles with immigration for DTV visa holders when entering or exiting Thailand?
16 comments
2 months ago
What are the challenges of completing a 90-day report for DTV visa holders in Thailand?
4 comments
2 months ago
What should I do if I'm waiting for my DTV and want to travel to Thailand?
92 comments
2 months ago
Do DTV holders need to report to local immigration every 90 days in Thailand?
14 comments
3 months ago
Can DTV visa holders travel freely within Thailand and visit nearby countries without issues?
20 comments
3 months ago
Do I need to do anything special if I move provinces while on a Soft DTV visa in Thailand?
3 comments
3 months ago
Is Thailand not suiting your needs while on a DTV visa, and where are you considering going next?
78 comments
4 months ago
What should I do if my DTV gets approved while I'm already in Thailand?
4 comments
4 months ago
Will my DTV still be valid if I move out of Thailand for a couple of years before returning?
15 comments
5 months ago
What are some less smoky places to stay in Thailand during March and April for someone moving to Chiang Mai?
17 comments
5 months ago
What are the immigration reporting requirements for DTV visa holders in Thailand?
94 comments
6 months ago
Do holders of the DTV visa need to complete 90-day check-ins with the Thai immigration authorities?
14 comments
6 months ago
Do you need to leave Thailand every 180 days on a DTV, and for how long?
23 comments
6 months ago
What should I do if my DTV visa approval is pending before my flight to Thailand?
26 comments
7 months ago
What should expats consider when moving to Chiang Mai due to the smoke season and air quality issues?
39 comments
a year ago
Can I complete my 90-day report while traveling in Southern Thailand?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the best travel destinations in Thailand for nature lovers during late March to April 2024, considering the burning season?
9 comments
2 years ago
Is there currently a burning season in Chiang Mai, and how is the air quality right now?
41 comments
2 years ago
Is the smog in Chiang Mai really serious for retirement plans?
73 comments
3 years ago
Is it possible to take a break from Chiang Mai while on an education visa in Thailand?
9 comments
6 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund 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.