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What are the advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) compared to traditional tourist visas for long-term stay in Thailand?

Feb 21, 2025
17 days ago
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This may seem like a stupid question, but what is the advantage of the DTV over simply playing the visa extension and border bounce game. It gets one to 180 days before needing to fly out and back again. Is this a new and expensive replacement for that process? I honestly don’t know because I’ve lived in Thailand for the past 5 years on a Non-Immigrant B visa.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) offers several advantages over traditional visa extension and border run strategies for staying in Thailand. Firstly, the DTV allows for a longer stay, with the possibility to remain in the country for up to 180 days initially, extendable to 360 days with a simple re-entry. This is more convenient compared to repeatedly leaving and re-entering Thailand to reset tourist visa stamps, which can lead to complications and potential denial of entry due to stricter immigration checks. Additionally, the DTV permits remote work legally from Thailand, which is not allowed under tourist visas or visa exemptions. It provides a more stable and headache-free solution for long-term stays, eliminating the hassle of constant visa runs and extensions that can incur extra costs and risks of entry denial.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Claire ********
Less stamps in your passport. The more you have,the more chance they will stop you getting back into Thailand - happened to a friend of mine
Mun *****
@Claire *******
I get what you're saying but it's not *quite* precise - you could be on a DTV and travel a lot (leave Thailand every couple of months, let's say) and you'd still have the same number of stamps in your passport. Just that they won't stop you because you're "legit" on a DTV.
Claire ********
@Mun ****
Less chances though
Mun *****
@Claire *******
yes, less chance of being stopped.
Falconer **
It's a scam
Jackie ********
To get video coverage to draw people to Thailand and spend money for classes- yoga, language, cooking.

Positive coverage & attract money.
Martyn **********
I been here 90 days traveling, flew out to Vietnam and came back in after a week away..

Got abit sticky at the airport to say the least. Wanting to see booked flights home, travel arrangements for Loas where I am traveling to next (which I hadn't organized yet) and all sorts of questions🙈

Honestly didn't think was gonna get let back in🤯
Sean *******
@Martyn *********
Where did you get your DTV?
Martyn **********
@Sean ******
no dtv just tourist visa.

They said if staying for 90 days at a time, I should really spend
***
weeks out of Thailand before returning.

Women at initial desk was horrible, rude and didn't want me to be able to re-enter.

Luckily the man who assisted me after was friendly and explained the
***
week thing and let me in
Lewey ************
- You can legally work remotely without having to pay taxes in the country

- You can stay six month or one year with an extension. It's better to stay 6 months than 2 months and having to apply for an extension to get 30 more days

- You can come and go as you please, there's no special rule or restriction (tourists have to book an outbound flight). That means you can base yourself in Thailand and travel as much as you want in and out without any impact on your visa status. You can't really do that as a tourist.

All in all it brings you peace of mind. You don't need to worry about visa run and whether you'll be denied entry.
Michael ********
Frequent visa extensions and border runs waste a ton of time and fair bit of money. The DTV saves you time and money. It also guarantees your entries a lot better than a regular tourist visa. There are plenty of people that have border bouncesdfor a while , but plenty have came across issues one day. It works for 90 days, maybe 180, but do you really want to do that for years? Of course if you’re not committed to 5 years, a tourist visa + 30 extension is an excellent choice. After that though if you’re thinking long term the DTV is a lot more secure and better choice.
Steve *******
After 2 of those border bounce methods, most people get denied entry. You're not supposed to live in Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption, and they are cracking down on it even harder than before.

This is Thailand, though, so of course there are ways to pay your way around that. But the DTV costs way less and gives you headache free entries for 5 years.
Joe *******
.
Ashi ********
Because it is not ok to live here full time on border bounces and extensions which will most definitely add up to a lot more than 10k baht with a once a year bounce and extension over the 5 years. It is ok to live here full time on the DTV, no questions on entry because it is multiple entry, that’s the point.
Ashi ********
My DTV is approved on my remote work, so it also allows me to work legally in Thailand, visa exempt does not.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ashi *******
I’m starting to wonder if being a contract travel consultant will qualify…
Ivan ************
@Jonathan ********
if you're currently working on a non B you wouldn't qualify for a DTV, for what you're on your employer needs to be inside Thailand while for the DTV your employer needs to be very specifically not inside Thailand. Unless it's a job you can switch the employer to one outside Thailand, then DTV would be an option.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
Thank you. If I was currently riding on a Non-B Visa I wouldn’t be here inquiring about the DTV, would I?
Ivan ************
@Jona****
just going off what you posted: "I’ve lived in Thailand for the past 5 years on a Non-Immigrant B visa." People have switched from non-immigrant to DTV, depending on circumstance DTV may be a better fit for them.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
yeah, I’ve lived here for the last 11 years with just a short 9 month break back in the States that was a real eye opener!
Ashi ********
@Jonathan ********
if you can provide a certificate of employment stating that your work is done remotely then yes
Ashi ********
I am an independent contractor but they still gave me a COE saying that
Jason *******
If you stay in Thailand 180 days a year or less then you still ok with visa exempt and DTV isn't required, if you living here and border bounce and stay longer than 180 days per year then you need a visa, as others has said it's not as easy as before living here on back to back visa runs and will get questioned
Andrew ********
Wait until the DTVers get slapped with a Thai Language and Culture request from authorities....

You have been doing a course for 12 months but you can't communicate in basic Thai...
Henrik *****
Thai language course on DTV are turned down by most Embassies, or given a ED visa.

But can be an advantage
Henrik *****
Adam *****
@Henrik ****
Thai language course at Bachelor's level? That's commitment. I can't even do my native language at Bachelor's level 🤣
Greg ********
@Andrew *******
Not many DTVs doing Thai language

Might be asked to whip up a Pad Thai though
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
I could do that! Don’t forget the pickled daikon!
Greg ********
@Jonathan ********
I love that pickle. Get one with Yuzu added. It is magnificent
Dave *****
@Andrew *******
I’m a slow learner though 😅
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew *******
that would only be for those taking a language course, in which case they would be in the country in an education visa
John *****
Long long ago, people lived in Thailand for years on visa exempt border runs. You could get a bank account no questions asked. I got an O visa simply by saying I was visiting friends and submitting a guarantee letter from my parents who are English and live in England. At some point around 2005, an agent was caught taking people's passports on border runs. Fast forward to now.....
Aaron *******
Get to stay 180 days, without hassles, cost and risks of 2 extensions and a border bounce. And with one extension or re-entry your up to 360 days. Valid for 5 years, for $400 it wasn't even a debate.
Andrew *******
It is basically a replacement for that constant bouncing in and out and for people who don’t fit in to any other visa etc. Although, you won’t be playing the system and you won’t have issue as you would with constant playing the bouncing game
Alicia ********
They’re stopping border runs. 2+ and can be denied. And not just denied but legally forced to fly home is possible.
Henrik *****
The 2 time rule also got removed
****
2024, when switched to 60 days, and DTV was introduced.
Alicia ********
@Henrik ****
well then why are people not being allowed because 2000 people got told they were unable to do it again recently
Henrik *****
Now they can reject you allready on your second attempt, but most will get a warning first, to get a proper visa next time.

Only it you don’t take notice of the warning you will be denied entry.

Counted in days it is almost the same. (30 + 30 times 3) or ( 60 + 30 times 2 )
Greg ********
1 allowed remote work 2 When ETA implemented your Visa Exempt will be tracked. Putting an end to multiple border bounces, by land or air will not matter, will be easier 3 They are clamping down on TRs too if they think you are not a genuine tourist
Andrew *******
@Greg *******
it is true, they told my friend with a legit METV he couldn’t use this method anymore.
Greg ********
@Andrew ******
They announced it and made it explicit they want visitors but the right kind and long termers on the correct visa.
Andrew *******
@Greg *******
of course yes many times.
Greg ********
@Andrew ******
They have more tools now and when ETA implemented multiple Visa Exempt will be much harder as you have to complete ETX before you board a plane or enter by land.
Tod *********
What you're not gonna do anymore is live here (long term) on 60 day free entry stamps w/30 day extensions 😮

That was something you could do years ago, when it was 30 days by land or air but since July last year when they went to 60 days for 90+ countries they got a LOT harder about people living here on free stamp entries

I think last week between Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi they denied entry to close to 2000 people (which believe it or not is a super SMALL number compared to how many stamped in overall at those two airports) BUT for those people it sure ruined their day

You would probably get a couple bounces (especially if you used a service to take you to the border, bounce you out/back because they grease the wheel so you can get back in)

BUT

trying to do it yourself you'll find much sooner than later you'll get pulled aside, asked WTF you think you're doing living here on free stamps, told in no uncertain terms to find a visa and/or just denied entry outright and shipped back to where you flew in from on your dime.

It ain't the thailand of years ago, where you could live here milking free stamp entries
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
But are multi-entry tourist visas still obtainable at the consulates in Vientiane or down in Malaysia?
Tod *********
@Jonathan ********
for the 6 month METV you have to LIVE long term legally in the country whose thai consulate you're applying thru <- meaning for most people you apply at the thai consulate in your home country BEFORE you wing your way here
Arnold *****
@Tod ********
Did my first bounce ever and they told me to get a visa next time.
Paul *******
@Tod ********
you are absolutely correct this happened to me as well.

Good advice and post.

Thanks
Alessandro ***********
@T**
this happened to me. After they switched. I got 2 more entries. And was then told very clearly if I didn’t have a visa next time it would be a big problem.
Rob *******
(As a Tourist) It all depends on how often you intend to go Thailand & how long for.

My next trip will be roughly 6-12 Months, It will work out cheaper for me to do Border runs & extensions.
Abbey *****
@Rob ******
they are getting much stricter with border bounces. My husband and I got away with it for a year before getting a warning coming back from Vietnam that we’d need a visa next time. My brother came 6months after us and he only lasted about 6 months before being told the same thing-he had to go back to the US
Rob *******
@Abbey ****
I did 7 months last there last year when it was 30 days exempt on a one way ticker, i’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but if you know to grease the right palms it shouldn’t be an issue
James ********
@Rob ******
Good Luck 🍀 you will need it.
Marianne ********
Tourist visas and visa exemptions does not allow you to work in Thailand, not even remotely.

DTV allows you to work remotely, as long as your customers/clients are not Thai.

People are being questioned more when they bounce around a lot on regular tourist visas and visa exemptions, and a lot are being denied entry because Immigration thinks they are trying to stay long term on them.
Quinton *********
If you are a remote worker then this visa explicitly allows for this in Thailand. This visa also cuts down on the number of border bounce as stuff can happen..
Dave *****
So far I haven’t found any apart from the much longer stay. It’s a glorified tourist visa. For the price, it’s still worth it.
Jeremy *****
Averages out to 60 bucks a year with one border run every 180 days can't say that's expensive in my opinion.

And is half the border runs.

Theyre also starting to give people alot of 💩 for staying here using border runs or flying in and out to reset from what I keep getting posted.

Bit I also think in not to long the DTV will be getting harder to get due to rampant fraud and abuse.

It's all a roll of the dice but since they went to the 60 from 30 they've definitely been cracking down on the why are you trying to live in Thailand on a visa exempt status .
Elías ********
On a tourist visa, I think in theory you're "not" allowed to work from Thailand as a remote worker. On the DTV you can, yo sou can go saying out loud you work from Thailand. But, the most important thing, many countries were (and aren't still) elegible for 60-day visa exempt entry, so for us (my country of citizenship is one of those) it is indeed a game-changer. Also, expensive? Nah, like US$300 for a 5 year multi-entry visa? Very cheap, actually.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Elías *******
yea, that is cheap, but you have to have $15,000 in a Thai bank, don’t you?
Elías ********
@Jonathan ********
I don't have it on a Thai bank account. I don't even have a Thai bank account. I applied having the money on my home country bank.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Elías *******
I have a Thai bank account
Elías ********
@Jonathan ********
I mean, you can get the visa if you have the equivalent to 500K bath either on a Thai bank account or another country, doesn't need to be a Thai account. And well, requiring to have that money in a bank account seems like a reasonable condition.
Matthew *************
Cam ********
@Jonathan ********
doesn’t have to be in a Thai account
Raphael ********
@Jonathan ********
that’s not a problem to the majority of the population
Henrik *****
@Raphael *******
Then you don’t know about the majority of the population.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Raphael *******
Are you being a classist snob?
Raphael ********
@Jonathan ********
well, my friend if you do not have the 15k in bank i suggest that you do not come in Thailand and instead work more. This should be your Priority
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Raphael *******
oh, I have the money in my bank you classist $&@*, I’ve worked for over 8 years in Thailand.
John **********
They are cracking down on the border bounce "game". That's no way to stay in Thailand.
Erin ******
Including DTV or not ?
Lewey ************
@Jordan *******
they never checked on it before while people are getting rejected now. There is a big crackdown on that kind of abuse right now, follow the news
Rob *******
@John *********
Been hearing this statement for 10+ years now 😂
James ********
@Rob ******
and it's happening NOW
Lewey ************
@Rob ******
they're already demanding that tourists book an outbound flight if they want to enter the country. I know that some tourists were denied entry for this reason.
Henrik *****
@Lewey ***********
That has also been a requirement for a long time ( years ) for short stay visa ( tourist ) that you should prove that you intent to leave, within the number of days, the tourist vise scheme you arrive on allow.

Hence all the talk of onward tickets.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lewey ***********
they never asked me, but my passport is full of non -Immigrant B visas
Jordan ********
@Lewey ***********
this has always been a requirement. They don't always ask but anyone who is smart has a ticket out of the country when they arrive. Anyone who was denied for this reason is an idiot and didn't come prepared.
Jonathan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jordan *******
um, I’ entered the country legally without a return flight in 2014 and stayed legally working for the next 10 years. Was that stupid? Am I an idiot for holding a teaching job down for five years? Stop projecting!
Ivan ************
@Jonathan ********
you don't need a return flight with a non immigrant visa. If you have a non immigrant long term visa you don't need the DTV. What's not an option is continually border bouncing on tourist entries. Non immigrant B is not a tourist entry.
Franciszek *********
@John *********
yup after two border bounce last year I needed to buy ticket back home even when I arrived by air. They told me they will not let me in if I will not do so.
Erin ******
@John *********
they are ?
James ********
@Erin *****
YES they are cracking down on the border runs.
Tod *********
@Erin *****
when was the last time you bounced out & right back to get in on a new free stamp 60 day entry stamp?
Jennifer **************
@Tod ********
last month
Tod *********
@Jennifer *************
what border did you use, what was your previous entry stay history like here on free stamps?