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Should I choose the DTV Workation Visa or Non-O Visa for remote work in Thailand?

DTV Visa Non-O Visa Remote Work Thai Immigration Visa Types Spouse Visa Retirement Visa Banking in Thailand

Jun 19, 2025

17 hours ago

Michelle ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello. Coming from Canada, I work remotely for a Canadian company and my husband is retired. Was planning on DTV Workation based and him as spouse but seeing lots of ppl recommending o-visa. The O-A requires a re-entry permit if we leave for any length, I’m uncertain if the O-X does as well.

Question then…if i come over on a non-o can I still work remotely or am I better to stick with the DTV “Nomad Visa”? Second, can hubby apply for non-o and I apply for DTV or must we both hold the same type?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a Canadian remote worker, is exploring visa options for living in Thailand along with her retired husband. They are considering the DTV Workation Visa versus the Non-O retirement visa. Comments clarify that while it's typically prohibited to work on Non-O visas, remote work may go unnoticed. The DTV visa offers legal remote work provisions and the possibility for the spouse to apply for a dependent visa. Additionally, the choice between needing a Thai bank account versus opting for the DTV is highlighted as a key consideration.

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John **********

The Non-O, Non-OA etc are retirement visas and you aren't allowed to work on them. Get the DTV visa which does legally allow you to work remotely. Your husband can either apply for a DTV as the spouse of a DTV holder or apply for one of the retirement visas

15 hours ago

Jeremy ********

With recent developments in banking in Thailand

It depends on you…if you don’t need a Thai bank acct go for the DTV

If you need a Thai bank acct go for the Non-O

A Thai bank acct makes life a little bit easier…

16 hours ago

Michelle ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy *******

thanks for the opinion. I agree. I’ve seen all the reports and activity with foreigners and Thai bank accounts and am quite happy to do without. We just did 5 months there and managed well with our banking setup.

16 hours ago

Jeremy ********

@Michelle *****

just fyi Thailand is forecasting to be a cashless society by the year

*********

so paying in cash will be seen as foreign

And overseas exchange rates as well as payment fees do add up…plus who knows how long it will be before Thai landlords only will accept rent via QR scanning

Just things to think about

And remember just because it’s the way it is right now does not mean it won’t change suddenly because TiT is always in effect

16 hours ago

Reply to

Jeremy ********

Todd *********

Michelle, Stuart is giving you the info you need here. DTV sounds like a great solution for you. And dependent DTV seems an easy route also.

17 hours ago

Michelle ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

I agree. There is just so much contradictory information out there, my head is spinning! 😵‍💫 I’ve already started the DTV so with get the last docs together and get it submitted. Thanks for your input.

16 hours ago

Todd *********

@Michelle *****

I’m Canadian living on Samui. All in all into 1000x improvement on your quality of life. Enjoy. And don’t worry too much about having details wrapped up before getting here. Everything can be handled here 🛫🙏❤️🇹🇭

16 hours ago

Michelle ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

Most definitely, couldn’t agree more. We were there from Nov 2024 to March 2025 but had to cut trip a little short because our acreage sold. Now everything is wrapped up and we are ready and eager to get back and enjoy life. Just need to mind all my little ducks first! 😂

16 hours ago

Reply to

Michelle ******

Stuart *********

In theory you’re not supposed to work on a Non O retirement visa but if doing so remotely then no one would know.

You do not have to have the same visa as your spouse.

17 hours ago

Michelle ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks again. I’d rather stick to the legal side of things, so if the non-o refers to any type of income I’ll stay with the DTV.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Michelle ******

Stuart *********

Not sure where you read information on the Non OA / OX but they are multiple entry visas and don’t require re-entry permits for the duration of the visa.

17 hours ago

Michelle ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

must have pulled it out of thin air, because I went to get a screenshot from Canadian Embassy site and there’s nothing there about it 🤣🤦‍♀️ waaay too many pages with different info.

Thanks for the reply.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Michelle ******

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Is the DTV visa more suitable than a retirement visa for long-term stays in Thailand?

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