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Is it smoother to enter Thailand on a workation DTV through BKK or CNX?

Sep 5, 2025
5 days ago
From first hand experience only please, not speculation- When entering on a workation DTV, Is the entry smoother and less hassle-free, less chance of difficulty for first entry on DTV to enter through BKK, and then travel on to CNX? I'm getting mixed signals from various posts here. I feel I'm in 100% compliance, and the extra leg through BKK adds travel costs and is basically a nuisance. If the odds of not being f'd with are the same, I'd rather just enter at CNX.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The experience of entering Thailand on a workation DTV can vary significantly from person to person, especially when comparing airports like BKK (Bangkok) and CNX (Chiang Mai). Many community members shared that their entry through CNX was smooth, with no significant questioning by immigration, and preferred it over BKK, which can be perceived as having a higher chance of hassle. However, there are warnings that some travelers faced scrutiny at CNX. Ultimately, if you are confident in your compliance with visa regulations, you should feel comfortable choosing the airport that best suits your travel plans.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Scott *********
If you are in “100% compliance” then you have nothing to worry about.
Robin *********
If you are legit, you are legit. Questioned does not mean denied.
Alice *****
I’ve entered Thailand on a DTV through CNX with no problems at all—immigration was quick, smooth, and no different from BKK, so if you’re compliant, I’d avoid the extra leg. For planning, “THAILAND UNCOVERED: YOUR COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE” by Hubert Reid on Amazon was a huge help, giving me practical tips that boosted my confidence traveling through smaller airports like Chiang Mai.
Anonymous ******************
I’ve come in and out of CNX almost every week since last Sept on DTV and never even a question… it’s easier than BKK in my estimation
Paul *******
Anonymous participant 406 Nonsense. Bangkok is better and easier.
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ******
sure buddy.

Weekly trips in and out of both say otherwise
Paul *******
Anonymous participant 406 There are far more airlines, destinations and thus competition on flights out of Bangkok, hence lower prices.

Again, where are you going every week from CNX? Kunming? Yangon? Not much choice...

Bangkok is where it's at in terms of flying in and out of Thailand, so much so that most Thai registered airlines don't even offer international flights out of anywhere BUT BKK.
John *******
Just bring digital copies of your application for backup
Naomi ******
I've only entered at CNX with no issues at all (3 times so far)
A. ************
If you are looking for someone to ease your mind that entering one or the other being 100% hassle-free good luck with that. It has been said over and over that everyone's experience is different. You can go through an IO at 10am with your workcation DTV and get hassled, but someone with the same DTV comes through the same IO at noon with no problem. The difference? At 10am he/she was stilled pissed about the argument they had with their boyfriend/girlfriend just efore they left for work and you caught the reverberations and by noon they had calmed down. Just go to the airport you need to go to. If your $h!t is legit you've got nothing to worry about. Just answer the questions and move on.
Nick *******
A. Nony Mous totally correct!
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
A. Nony Mous Fair enough. My $h!t is definitley legit 🤣
Anonymous ******************
I entered first time through cnx with no questions, just stamped and sent through, mid August
Anonymous ******************
Avoid CNX like the plague: they don’t like DTV over there . You are going to get grilled big time . Just read the numerous posts/experiences about it .
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 548 that not my experience. I have 19 entries into CNX over the last year and never even a single question. They hardly even look at the DTV.
Paul *******
Anonymous participant 406 That's why. 19 entries is better than spending 6 months in Thailand then coming back in. Where are you flying to from CNX though? It's such a small international Airport with only a handful of flights...never heard anyone traveling in/out that airport so often unless they first fly domestically to Bangkok.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 406 There are plenty of reports from CNX though. It's a question of luck like with any visa. Immigration does it job. Some will make 50 entries without issue when some may be questioned on the first entry. That's just very random for now. It used to be like that with ED visa until they decide to be stricter.
Wannikea *********
You risk being asked a few questions by immigration upon arrival at any airport.