What are the challenges faced when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand after previous visas?

DTV Visa Visa Denial Visa Experience Sharing Border Runs Immigration Issues Thai Immigration Policies Student Visa Visa Extensions Workcation Visa Thai Language Proficiency

Jan 17, 2025

19 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

I just wanted to go ahead and share my experience. I have been living in Thailand for two years now initially just doing boarder runs and then on a 1 year student visa. My student visa ended in September 2024. I did a boarder run to Malaysia and came back on on a 60 day exempt and extended another 30 days. I left Thailand December 20th. I applied for my DTV visa in Vietnam was approved under the workcation category. I entered Thailand and was denied entry initially. I had an interview/interegation my Thai language was tested. I do know quite of bit of Thai but didn't understand some of the questions asked and ultimately failed my interview. They asked for my outgoing ticket I didn't have one I bought a ticket on "OnwardTicket" that I have used in the past with no issues. This time didn't work and was denied entry all together. After my case being transferred to another officer and almost deported. I paid an additional 20k baht and was finally let in the country. Don't know if there was really an issue or just wanted bribe money. But Just thought I'd give a warning to those in similar situations.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the author's difficult experience with immigration in Thailand after transitioning from a student visa to a DTV visa. After being initially denied entry due to a lack of an outgoing ticket and language comprehension issues during an interview, the author was forced to pay a bribe to gain entry, raising concerns about potential corruption and stricter immigration policies. The comments reflect shared experiences and advice from others on the nuances of entering Thailand under various visa categories and the importance of proper documentation.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Sean *******

Anonymous participant I take it you're not Vietnamese? Another red flag seems to be people applying in neighbouring countries and not their home country. And they spent a lot of time in Thailand previously and then applied for the DTV. They seem to think you have been working illegally in Thailand.

16 hours ago

Paul *******

@Sean ******

I see. I don't see why anyone would need to apply in their home country. That's not a requirement to get this visa or any other.

16 hours ago

Sean *******

@Paul ******

I agree. This is the last post I remember where they got asked.

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15 hours ago

Reply to

Sean *******

@Paul ******

Yeah I know. I've just seen a few posts on here where people have been asked why didn't you apply in your home country? And are you working in Thailand? They never got denied though just questioned.

16 hours ago

Paul *******

@Sean ******

Not really. That's not a red flag. Having had previous volunteer or education visas and/or a history of back to back visa exempt stays is.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Gael ******

I think flying into phuket is the best option?

16 hours ago

Phil ********

Do not cross land at Poi Pet

15 hours ago

Lee ***********

Absolutely not

@Ga**

16 hours ago

Gael ******

@Lee **********

i heard it's much more lenient

16 hours ago

Lee ***********

Not from my experience

@Ga**

. I've had no end of hassle with them over the years, even had it on my first DTV entry in December.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Lee ***********

Andi ***********

@Gael *****

Why?

16 hours ago

Gael ******

@Andi **********

phuket immigration is pretty smooth i heard.

16 hours ago

Paul *******

@Gael *****

You heard wrong. Phuket is one of the worst entry points. Most of the land borders are OK but don't do same day in/outs (except with the help of an agency at specific borders such as Ban Laem).

16 hours ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Toni *******

I kept my student book with me when i entered with dtv after ed visa, just in case they test my language skill. I planned to ask them to ask anything from the book since they cannot expect more. But anyway they dont need a reason for deny entry, but that was my plan 😅 i was 2 years with tr+exempts before my 9months with ED too, so i was expecting something. The IO indeed looked my passport and said "oh you went school" and i said yea my gf insisted me to, but when he saw dtv visa he didnt ask more

17 hours ago

Leah **********

@Toni ******

Can I get an ED Visa while I’m in Thailand?

16 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Leah *********

yes

16 hours ago

Reply to

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Toni ******

some people are just lucky. I was not.

16 hours ago

Toni *******

Anonymous participant i was lucky before my ED, was almost deported back to vietnam because so many stamps, thats why i got the ED 😅

16 hours ago

Reply to

Toni *******

Alistair **********

I’m sorry I don’t buy this story at all. Seems like anonymous participatant is a salty Thai agent.

17 hours ago

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

@Alistair *********

Technically, it can happen, and it has happened to other visa holders. It is the job of immigration to ensure that you fulfill the conditions of your visa. Add to that a questionable history, and it certainly doesn’t work in your favor.

14 hours ago

AllSabai ******

@Alistair *********

his/her post doesn't state or promote any type of service or guidance to do something or use a certain service.

So based.on what...you think he is a.(Salty ) Thai agent as you called him/ her ?!!!

Plus... a person faced that situation in the airport, it is so expected that he will post himself as anonymous participant.

16 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alistair *********

you don't have to believe me idc I'm just sharing my experience for those in similar situations. I have no motive to lie. I stayed anonymous for obvious reasons... I don't need any more trouble

17 hours ago

Reply to

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

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

Can you share what you believe the officer asked you in Thai? Or it was just basic

17 hours ago

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

Anonymous participant 704 currently I’m on my second year of ED, I’m married in Thai and every time I go out I go with my wife and when I come back I enter as a “Thai citizen with my wife” never had any issues or questions.

17 hours ago

Reply to

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

James ********

This was posted FYI by

@Tod ********

"BEFORE the rule change in July that moved free stamp entry from 30 days to 60 days, people WERE able to stay long term bouncing out and back every 60 days and they really weren't given much scrutiny stamping in at the airports.

I believe this last week between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang they denied over 1000 people (many who thought they'd just bounce out/back to milk another 60 day stamp 😮 ) Those people were shipped back out on their dime.. 😕

They have got a LOT harder on "living here on free stamp entries" since that rule change"

17 hours ago

Bruce ******

@James *******

I don't know the circumstances, but I have seen several farang escorted away from entry area to "office". So was guessing there was some kind of stamp or visa problem. Most were younger and I've seen a few females as well. No words exchange, no fights, no challenges...just kind of the "you need to come with me" type of escort away from the normal entry booth. I'm just standing in line. Also saw several people who I think were Chinese show a QR code on the phone while handing over PP, but none of the immigration officers seemed to care about those. Certainly didn't scan them. I have a friend who is retired immigration officer and asked him about the QR codes and he thought that was some kind of visa, but wasn't sure. Said maybe the visa is also in the passport and also in immigration system.

13 hours ago

Paul *******

@James *******

They got a lot harder on people staying on endless visa exemptions/tourist visas etc years ago, that is, a couple of years before Covid (around 2017 or 2018).

Things have continued to tighten up further in more recent times. However, we've been hearing of the occasional denied entry since at least 2015 and this has only intensified over the past few years except during Covid when almost no one could come in of course, and immigration was more flexible towards those stuck here.

16 hours ago

James ********

@Paul ******

agreed 👍. As both Tod Daniels and I have stated numerous times, the Thai Immigration Officers upon your arrival appear to be more strict now than before with those who have been staying in Thailand using Visa Exempt Entry, extensions, Ed Visa and Volunteer Visas.

10 hours ago

James ********

This was posted FYI by Tod Daniels

"BEFORE the rule change in July that moved free stamp entry from 30 days to 60 days, people WERE able to stay long term bouncing out and back every 60 days and they really weren't given much scrutiny stamping in at the airports.

I believe this last week between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang they denied over 1000 people (many who thought they'd just bounce out/back to milk another 60 day stamp 😮 ) Those people were shipped back out on their dime.. 😕

They have got a LOT harder on "living here on free stamp entries" since that rule change"

10 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

Likewise those who have the Ed Visa or Volunteer Visas in their passport or Thai immigration history, are more subject to be questioned by Thai Immigration Officers. They're cracking down on the fraud obtained Ed and Volunteer Visas.

17 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

แฮปปี้ *******

If you do not want to leave the country, you can renew your passport every 2 years after your student visa expires and you may transfer to a new school if your old school has completed its course.

17 hours ago

แฮปปี้ *******

This problem is common with student visas, my boyfriend had this problem but luckily he left the country with me, we came back to Thailand together and they wouldn't let my boyfriend enter the country but I talked to them and begged them, after that he was allowed to enter the country without paying any money. After that I asked the school why they did this and the school said that they often do this to student visa holders and then say that it is illegal so that they can demand money if they want to enter Thailand.