UPDATE: decided to fly via phuket anyway as BKK flights added farcto much journey time. We had all the paperwork with us and 20k cash, we paid the 200thb for immigration fast track, no questions (interview room) this time. First time for a long while it was smooth. If we had a smooth re-entry despite the consistently issues before i think its fair to say anyone will be fine once you have activated your dtv (as long as you still meet the requirements if asked obviously).
There are a fair few posts/threads about Phuket Immigration grilling DTV holders on re-entry. We need to do our first DTV visa run. We have previously been grilled a few times and almost denied entry twice before getting the DTV, and then even grilled with the DTV, which is what they told us to get. We are fully compliant and can take all the docs, but are debating coming back via BKK instead to see if we can finally have a smooth entry without the interrogation or stress that comes with it.
To help make this decision, I wanted to ask the group 2 questions;
1. Has anyone with a valid/active DTV actually been denied entry?
2. Are other airports, such as BKK, actually smoother, or are people getting the same interrogation there, too?
2,334
views
4
likes
45
all likes
19
replies
2
images
17
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the experiences of a user traveling to Thailand with a Digital Work Visa (DTV), specifically addressing their concerns about re-entry. They share their successful recent entry through Phuket with no issues after having previously faced interrogations. The conversation touches on whether other airports, like Bangkok, are smoother during re-entry and inquiries about any DTV holders being denied entry. Many comments affirm that while Phuket can be strict, other major airports tend to be more lenient, with several users reporting no issues at all during their entries.
Don't know what you're worried about. As long as you can answer any eventual questions about financials, accomodation, etc with supporting docs, what's the problem? I reentered via Phuket couple weeks ago without any issues whatsoever.
What youβre doing is a border run, not a visa run (you already have the visa).
I re-entered HKT in January after a 24h border run, no questions asked. My friend did this on Wednesday, after a half day border run to KUL and she got asked to show photos of her doing Muay Thai. Which she did and then she was stamped in without issue. Both were in the fast track as it was super busy so we both paid (on the spot) to go through fast track.
I've flown into Phuket once and BKK probably four times now on my DTV, no issues. Going to fly into DMK today so we shall see how that goes- but I also am leaving again on Tuesday so they might not kick up a fuss.
I think its possible that Phuket is being hardcore because of the issues they've been having with people working illegally, etc., but now that you have your DTV that should take the pressure off of you. Unless there is something very suspicious about you. Is there? Is there something you're not telling us???? π€
I have entered via BKK and DMK in Bangkok, both straight forward, no questions asked. Avoid Phuket as it's a strict province overall and they follow all fine print laws.
My recommendation is to land in Krabi and take bus/ van to Phuket same day. It's a 3 hours road trip. Unlike from BKK, where you either have to take overnight bus or expensive flight.
Seems standard 'grilling' formality - they ask what your work is with the DTV and on a form to write how much money you have. Nothing beyond this - while it feels a bit nerve wracking so long as you hold your employment contract that seems to be what they are looking for to copy for their records or maybe just a quick scan over.
Phuket is not only "grilling"DTVERS others face similar treatment. Never had any probs at all entering Bkk with a DTV. Likely overtime your questioning will decrease as a DTVER.
I did not see a report of a DTV holder being denied entry.
At all airports and even at all land border crossings the Immigration Officers have access to internet and their database system.
As you have been interrogated a few times, most likely about visiting many times without the correct visa, they will see that in the system after scanning your passport, fingerprints and facial recognition.
It may sound strange, but Immigration Officers are posted at those check points to check who wants to visit this country.
Accept that they are doing their job, so you can do your job from your dream destination.
The ask: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.