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Is re-entering Thailand with a DTV visa problematic at Phuket Immigration compared to Bangkok?

Feb 12, 2026
3 months ago
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?
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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.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Sebastian *******
I only ever fly into Thailand over Phuket and never have been grilled. 4 Arrivals so far on DTV, no fast track.
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Anonymous ******************
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.
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Anonymous ******************
Pay for fast track on the spot as someone else mentioned. Much lower chance of getting grilled...
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Sascha **********
What you’re 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.
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Sasa **************
Had 3 arrivals at Phuket airport in the past 3 months (last one past week), stamped with no questions asked (DTV workcation)

Warning for those flying out: exit queue is ridiculously long past 2 months, took 1+ hour to get exit stamp, many missed their flights
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Kayla *****************
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.
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A. ************
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???? πŸ€”
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Anonymous ******************
Just arrived back into phuket last night. Showed copies of our A5 laminated Dtv approval. Not one question asked..stamped in for another 180 days.
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James ********
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James ********
Thank You for your helpful report πŸ‘
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Neil *********
Anonymous participant 425 lets all laminate our visas
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Neil *********
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Adnan ********
never heard anyone denied entry on DTV and BKK is way better, because of the exposure to media and govt and also IOs are well trained with DTV........
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Waqar ********
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.
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Robert ***********
@Waqar *******
I have been through Phuket 5 times with no issues
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Waqar ********
@Robert **********
good for you
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Waqar ********
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Srey *******
Your entry is always at the discretion of the IO regardless of the visa you hold

It sounds like you have a history that raises questions

Best way to deal with that would have been to stay away from Thailand for a while

Second best way is to smile at the IO, answer their questions honestly and pray

Other words, it's about you, not the dtv
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Neil *********
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.
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Andi ***********
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.
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Robert *******
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.
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Robert *******
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