Answereda year ago
Should I choose a cooking soft power program or a workcation DTV in Thailand for remote work?
I’m debating whether to do soft power for cooking for my dtv or workcation since I work remotely but I’m not sure if my offer letter or employment contract specifically states that they don’t mind where I work but it does state that it’s a remote position. I could ask them for one but asking them to do anything in a timely manner is a joke. The offer letter/contract does specifically state I only have to be local for equipment pickup not sure if that matters. Any insight or advice would be appreciated. I also plan to get my 15 year old daughter a dependent dtv visa and I’m assuming I’ll wait until I’m approved then submit my approval with the same bank statements i am using along with her passport and passport photos. Will my drivers license, her learners permit, and a utility bill be enough for proof of address? I’m not sure if I’ll apply here in the US or wait until I go to Hanoi.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around whether to choose a workcation DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) or a soft power DTV related to cooking courses. The user has a remote job and is unsure if their contract requires employer consent for their work location. Comments suggest that a workcation is more suitable as it aligns with the user's remote work situation while avoiding unnecessary costs associated with cooking courses. Additionally, advice is provided on the appropriate documentation needed for obtaining a dependent DTV for the user's child, indicating that proof of address should include a driver’s license and a utility bill.
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Anonymous ******************
Workcation DTV do it correctly
Diana ******
The cheapest cooking classes cost $45,000 bth for3 months but I don't think they will give you the DTV. not even for 6 months.
Anonymous ******************
@Diana *****
45,000 B is a total waste of moneyAnonymous ******************
1- your contract says remote and mentions being local for equipment pickup > that passes for Workcation. (They don’t ask for employer permission letters unless the contract restricts location—which yours doesn’t). 2- Soft Power is stricter and meant for people actively involved with Thai culture or industries (like taking Thai cooking courses). Based on what you said, Workcation is your safer bet. 3- Yes, wait until your DTV is approved before applying for your daughter. You’ll need to resubmit your bank proof along with her passport, photo, and proof of relationship (birth certificate). For address: your driver’s license + utility bill is usually enough. Her learner’s permit probably won’t matter. 4- you’re already planning to be in Asia > Hanoi is fast and consistent. 5- good luck .
Nikki *****
OPAnonymous participant 917 This is probably a ridiculous question with a common sense answer but there’s so many different variations on how it can be perceived. I’m very clear there’s no working in Thailand while on a dtv based off of basic research as well as this group. However, the workcation option is a bit of a gray area in my understanding and I just want to ensure I’m clear on every single detail. For remote workers it’s not considered working in Thailand therefore when they ask I say no because I’m a legal US employee just with the benefit of working anywhere correct? I feel so ignorant asking this because I feel I am sure that I just say no, but assumptions aren’t always right in some cases. So I’m just cover all of my basis to prepare.
Nikki *****
OPAnonymous participant 917 amazing thank you so much
Bob **********
Yes get the workcation for sure IO are going to start asking for courses on soft power no way will you make 5 years on a 6 month cooking class
Nikki *****
OP@Bob *********
thank youAnonymous ******************
@Bob *********
agreed 💯Lg *******
Try writing the letter for them. All they have to do is copy, paste onto official letterhead file and add signature.
Anonymous ******************
@Lg ******
Advising someone to write their own employer letter for visa purposes without proper authorization can amount to encouraging visa fraud.Lg *******
Anonymous participant 917 I'm saying , give them the facts that are required to be in the letter. This will make it easier and faster. I'm not telling them to lie. Also, if the boss doesn't like it, he/she can edit it before signing. You're blowing this out of proportion. My intention was to ne helpful. The boss would still be the decision- maker on whether or not to sign off on it.
Lg *******
Anonymous participant 917 I NOT ONCE indicated, nor implied that the information should be false. In my clarification, i used the word "facts". You are blowing this out of proportion.
Anonymous ******************
@Lg ******
Totally understand your intention to “help”, but when it comes to visa applications, especially under Thai immigration law, the burden of truth and authenticity lies with the applicant—suggesting they “pre-write” an employer letter, even with good intentions, exposes both them and the employer to legal risk if what’s signed doesn’t accurately reflect the employer’s actual position, which is why it’s essential the document originates from the employer, not the applicant.
Anonymous ******************
You would be better off getting it for work if you can.
Save yourself 15,000+ baht on what a cooking course will cost. Also if you want to do an extension and you have the soft power options you will have to pay again for more cooking classes but if you have it for work there won't be extra costs if you can prove you are still a remote worker
Save yourself 15,000+ baht on what a cooking course will cost. Also if you want to do an extension and you have the soft power options you will have to pay again for more cooking classes but if you have it for work there won't be extra costs if you can prove you are still a remote worker
Tony ******
I drafted my own letter for my employer to sign based on terms we had mutually agreed, I don’t see any issue with doing this if it greatly speeds up getting it signed.
Nikki *****
OPAnonymous participant 104 thank you
Nikki *****
OPAnonymous participant 104 thank you I just wasn’t sure if my offer letter would suffice for the required documents because asking them for something more official is gonna be like pulling teeth. It’s doable but at the cost of a headache.
Anonymous ******************
@Nikki ****
Your offer letter clearly states remote work and location flexibility, which legally satisfies the core requirement for the Workcation visa.
Kool *******
@Nikki ****
you have to have a letter from your employer specifically saying you can work remotely. Is a slight headache worth saving about US$1000, and not have any hassles for the next five years?Nikki *****
OP@Kool ******
ok I can definitely get it but it may take a couple of weeks for them to actually get it done and get it to me so I’ll reach out to them on Monday. Thank you!Activity
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