Should I wait for a new passport before applying for a DTV in Thailand?

Visa Runs DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Passport Renewal Expat Visa Issues

Jan 21, 2025

17 hours ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I've done a lot of visa runs, extensions, including land border runs in Laos and Myanmar. But I've been mostly living out of Thailand for over a year, but still visited and extended. When I use this passport I get asked what I'm doing in Thailand. Should I not get a DTV until I get a fresh passport? Or is this not a problem?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether obtaining a new passport will help alleviate concerns raised by Thai immigration authorities regarding past visa runs and extensions. Comments emphasize that a new passport will not erase immigration history as immigration records are based on biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition. Users suggest that applying for a Digital Tourist Visa (DTV) is advisable, even with a complicated immigration history, as it may help legitimize the situation.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Anonymous ******************

Yes. It's beneficial to get a new passport. And whilst you're waiting for your new passport get your fingerprints changed and have a bit of plastic surgery to alter your facial biometrics. Then you're laughing!

13 hours ago

Wesley ********

They have computers. Everything is on record. Try for the DTV, at least you’ll legitimise yourself

15 hours ago

Greg ********

It has not been the issuers of the visa ie MFA, that have asked questions of those with "Complicated Immigration Histories" but Immigration so new passport will not help. If you have only been doing it a year it is not that "Complicated" - go for it. Those reporting questions seem to be multi-year and multi-visa types. The ED Visa seems to trigger things too. Things do seem to be getting tighter so I would go for it sooner rather than wait - good luck

16 hours ago

Sean *******

Yes get new passport.

16 hours ago

Will ************

Your history is there forever

16 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

Agree with both comments. A new passport will not clear your past history. You may still get questioned.

17 hours ago

Kool *******

Fresh passport makes no difference, as they have your finger prints, and facial recognition for past reference triggering their computer system. Thailand is actually very modern now computer wise. A new passport makes no difference.

17 hours ago

Henrik *****

Getting a new passport wont remove your information from the Immigration office computer, you are also registered with your face and fingerprint, so they will match it with your previous passport in seconds.

17 hours ago

Reply to

Henrik *****

What should I do when reentering Thailand with a new passport while holding a DTV visa?

3 comments

7 days ago

What experiences do expats have regarding border questioning after long stays in Thailand?

5 comments

19 days ago

Will my stay history affect getting a DTV visa for soft power activities in Thailand?

3 comments

22 days ago