What are the community's thoughts on the future of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

Sep 2, 2024
3 months ago
Tai *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just curious, what’s everyone’s thoughts about when DTV will either pause or cancel. I.E. stop issues DTV’s
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The future of Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) remains a topic of heated discussion among expats. Many believe that the DTV, praised for its accessibility and attraction of long-term visitors, may face stricter regulations soon. Some participants express skepticism about whether this visa will continue without significant changes due to its popularity and exploitative tendencies by some applicants. Others argue that the DTV is already benefiting Thailand's economy by attracting high-spending visitors and should remain unchanged. The conversation also touches on the nature of expats in Thailand, contrasting young travelers and older retirees, along with the perceived issues of visa compliance and its implications for the future.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Ben **************
What does DTV mean?
Don *****
Fear mongering… face your fear by executing now
Tai *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry everyone I accidentally deleted “Never”. Good tip, “never” check any surveys created on a small mobile device. 😞
Christopher *************
Look into a crystal ball lol
Sam *********
when i saw someone got the DTV for a 2 week cooking class it made me think it is only a matter of time before it changes. im sure that they will change so they need to rebook a course for each extension or entry.
Terary **********
@Sam ********
If you do a class, or "soft power" for DTV, each extension requires you're still involved with the activity?
Sam *********
@Terary *********
nobody knows yet, but this is what i think will happen
Bo ******
We will see what happens with at extension time. Will they require the 500,000THB to have been there for the first period? I am surprised they did not add an insurance requirement as with a number of other like visas. This group will have motorcycle accidents. Lastly, many will get caught with taxation and cry about it.
Сергей **********
@Bo *****
I think insurance is a personal matter. No one should tell you whether to get it or not. Besides, you show that you have 500k, can't you solve your health issues? I've never used insurance, I don't understand it
Roland ********
@Bo *****
They'll get over it.
Sum *****
untill they figure out that they actually imported poverty
Jim ***********
Cannot believe people get 5 years visa on hospital appointments. My Non O expire April next year if still easy get DTV I'm going that route
Roland ********
@Jim **********
I get 10 years visa on hospital appointments. The easiest way to go.
Frank **********
I see them tightening the "soft power" category as it is too easy and subject to different interpretations by the Thai Embassies.
Beverley *******
Couldn’t agree more
Greta *****
@Beverley ******
Couldn't agree more with what?? There was no statement there. Just a curious question that is irrelevant anyway
Greta *****
What's the purpose of this post? Trying to predict the future??

I don't understand all the doubts and sceptism about the DTV. The Thai government DO NOT CARE how long you stay in the country and spend your money there as long as you DO NOT WORK there and steal the jobs from locals. It's a CLEVER move, not a silly one!
Greta *****
@Elías *******
That's if you're concerned they might change the conditions or cancel it. But there is no reason why they would. It generates money (both from application fees and money spent in the country)
Christopher *************
@Greta ****
and generates tax income from those staying over 180 days so it's a winner for the Thai government too
Greta *****
@Christopher ************
Exactly! That's why I don't get why people are in such awe to why they do it. They are smart! They know that Thailand is highly popular amongst expats so they capitalising on it!
Elías ********
@Greta ****
I personally see the post as an encouragement to apply for the DTV right now 😂
Elías ********
I don't think they'll cancel the issuing of it, but I'm pretty sure they'll add some more strict requirements in the near future.
Martin *****
60days + 30 extension unlimited amounts of times has made everything obsolete
Graham ******
@Martin ****
good luck with that
Tin **********
@Martin ****
wat visa
Немања **********
It’s frustrating to see how the system seems to favor those who misuse it, especially when so many people have exploited the ED visa for purposes it wasn’t intended for. Now, with the introduction of the DTV, it feels like those same individuals—who often work illegally and bypass regulations—are being given even more opportunities.

Meanwhile, for those of us who are married, living here legally, and respecting the laws, the situation only gets harder. The multi-entry Non-O visa has been canceled in many places, the paperwork for a one-year extension has become overwhelming, and yet, no allowances are made for those who are genuinely trying to contribute to society here.

It’s disheartening that the system seems to make life easier for those who exploit it, rather than supporting those who follow the rules.
Sam ******
Quite true, but all these money-grabbing policies are quite normal amidst such widespread corruption.
Ručman ***********
@Немања *********
tačno! Pretačno
Steve *******
@Немања *********
most of them get misused.

Get a visa and overstay

Get a marriage visa on a marriage of convenience

Get a retirement visa and lie about income

Get a employee or business visa from a dodgy nominee company

Thai is second only to the US in unnecessarily complicated and messy visa procedures. The bureaucracy to support them must be enormous. To make it worse, every time they improve it they just make it more complicated and messy
William **************
As in all things Thai. They will try and maximize how much money it brings in and amend to entice the wealthy to consider it.
David ****************
Get it quick !
Brent *******
What’s the requirements for a DTV??

🤷‍♂️
Ben *****
@Brent ******
you have to eat pad krapao ped ped at the airport. If you finish it you are allowed in. If not, next plane home 🫡
John ******
My 10 year old thinks that's funny.
Ben *****
@John *****
lighten up John, we’ll all be in the ground one day 😁
Brent *******
@Ben ****
that would do it 🤣
Kevin ******
@Ben ****
🌶️ 🌶️ 555 good one
Carlos ********
This visa is amazing because it attracts young people. Hopefully Thailand keeps it for long time so instead of attracting old guys looking for girlfriends we get a more diverse profile of expats. All the profiles of people I saw they were approved seemed to be interesting.
Neil ******
@Carlos *******
young people typically have less money to spend and buying street food and staying in condos that aren’t hotels, that’s zero tax revenue to the government.
John **********
@Carlos *******
young people do not have money for the most part and alot of the old people actually do .

Retired will spend far more money in Thailand than the younger crowd that has limited funds

Sure there are old people with no money, primarily ones that moved there years ago because they couldnt survive in their own countries due to lack of retirement planning ,but most newer retired have money and fairly well off

Younger people are going there for the party and it's cheaper to live compared to their own countries where they scrape by
Elías ********
@John *********
that's not always the case. There are young people (remote workers) with good salaries and old people with very small pensions (who actually fake income requirements for being able to get visa extensions). I mean, there's rich and poor in both groups.
John **********
@Elías *******
something to consider for the younger crowd ...

Those of you trying to be influencers online ,and making some income , will be short lived

One day you're going to realize it did not last play out and then realize you wasted all those valuable younger years when you could of been actually following a career path with an end game for retirement

Younger days is where you need to make it happen and get into a long term career path because influencing, as I said ,will be short lived and then you'll find yourself in Thailand with no good source of reliable income for the future ...a bad place to end up in the circle of life
Elías ********
@John *********
I've never ever considered being influencer or YouTuber as a job. I know some people make big money with that, but they're rather exceptional cases, not the norm.
Dan *********
@Carlos *******
good point
Mark ********
@Carlos *******
Yup so thailand can be flooded by penny pinching millenials rather than retired money spenders😂
Elías ********
@Mark *******
this is not true, as there are some income requirements for the DTV. They could also increase the amounts if they want, it won't stop young people who are remote workers and earn good money.
Neil ******
@Elías *******
there are no income requirements for DTV.
Elías ********
@Neil *****
there are, not like monthly income yeah, but you need to have a certain amount (500K baht) in a bank account, so that can be seen as income requirements, or if you prefer, call it "money requirement". I know it's not a super high amount, but still it does act as a filter for youngsters who don't have that money.
Neil ******
@Elías *******
it’s a financial requirement, not an income requirement. It’s not a lot of money, especially for a 5 year visa. It’s not seen as an income requirement. Look at other visas like retirement and LTR. There are 2 financial requirements, monthly income and financial health.
Elías ********
@Neil *****
got it. Still, belive or not, according to official and recent surveys, 60% of American people don't have more than US$500 on their bank account, and in other countries might be similar (not in Korea or Japan, where saving is a very common thing). So like, an average American youngster wouldn't be able to meet that requirement. BTW, the survey was not done with unemployed people... rather the general population.
Mark ********
@Elías *******
Not about if they earn its about if they spend. Young saving for the future. Older spending everything they have.... They don't want you here earning just spending!
Elías ********
@Mark *******
I see. That's a point, yes.
Mark ********
Well i am retiring and fall in the highest spending bracket...
Ivan ************
Sean *********
@Ivan ***********
FFS I'm a millennial and I didn't know it (1981) 😳😱
Terry ********
@Carlos *******
why are you resorting to insulting stereotypes (old guys looking for girlfriends)? Not all or most older expats are looking for girlfriends, but a nice place to retire to. You could have easily left that part out or rephrase it as to not be demeaning.
Carlos ********
@Terry *******
I do not know a single old guy that does not have a “girlfriend”. Maybe the ones that belong to the lowest income bracket. Moreover, saying that old people comes here looking for a girlfriend is not insulting. It is a fact. I am also not judging. If you want to use your money to get a girlfriend is fine, it is hard earned money and you can spend it however you want. As long as you are aware you did not get her for your handsomeness or charisma … Try to get a gf in your own country 🤣 You have more chances to get the lottery. Money talks in this world.
Terry ********
@Carlos *******
Thailand is great for both young and old men and women for many different reasons and that is why we love it here!
Andy ************
Doubt it's going to stop. Everyone's getting one. It's achieving its goal of getting people into the country and the government is picking up 10k baht for each one.
Lili ********
@Andy ***********
paid 16,457 baht yesterday in Ottawa.
Lili ********
Do people get deported in Thailand or they just bounce somewhere else n which country do they go? Laos or Vietnam or Cambodia?
Andy ************
@Lili *******
Bargain!
Sean *********
@Andy ***********
more than 10k with soft powers. Because you have to book for classes and so the companies pay taxes
Andy ************
@Sean ********
But it's still a bargain-priced visa, and a two week cooking course won't be that expensive!
Sean *********
@Andy ***********
for sure. Usually, i would say that the average soft power applicant spends between 25 and 40k in total, depending on what classes/medical treatment and how long it stands. It can be more of course
Andy ************
@Sean ********
So about the same price people have been paying to Visa Agents for dodgy visas, but getting nothing in return?
Sean *********
@Andy ***********
yes that's essentially scams concerning dtv, they can't do more than you can
Brandon ************
@Andy ***********
10k for 5 years is a terrible deal for the government if they're trying to make money. A one year extension with re-entry permit will have paid more than that in 2 years.
Andy ************
@Brandon ***********
Correct. The 10k is not the deal clincher, but bumping up the number of longstayers by creating a visa which allows this, is the winner. Sure, there's going to be the Cheap Charlies, but there's also a lot who are happy to spend and to travel around Thailand at their leisure, rather than under any time constraints. The DTV was designed to bring people in, and it looks like it's achieving that
Ručman ***********
@Andy ***********
I know. People like you are ruining DTV. And will destroy whole system.
Andy ************
@Ručman **********
What are you talking about? How am I destroying it? If I meet the criteria, am I not allowed to apply for it? It's a better visa for me than the non-O, so I'm going to take advantage of it.
Ručman ***********
@Andy ***********
I know you are taking advantage of it thousand are doing this. But you are NOT digital nomad so this visa is not for you. People like you will destroy whole system because they are abusing it.
Andy ************
@Ručman **********
Why shouldn't people take advantage of a better visa? That's not abusing it at all. I'm not paying an agent to meet the criteria by paying bribes like many people do with other visas. If I can meet the criteria, I'm entitled to apply surely? What is a "digital nomad"? Someone who uploads meaningless videos onto YouTube, and sits for hours in coffee shops playing on their laptops? Jesus, anyone can do that with half a brain cell! The more people get this visa the more successful it is. That's its whole point
Ručman ***********
@Andy ***********
because it is unethical and is destroying system. And because people like you rules going to be much more stricter, Thais are not fools to not notice decline in retirement visas. Why would anyone want to have it now since they have DTV. This visa is for digital nomads and not for people who are like you. But of course anyone can abuse system. Which will have consequences
Andy ************
@Ručman **********
So you say, but bottom line is anyone who meets the criteria can apply for it. Nothing unethical about it at all. Many "digital nomads" are 50+ and live in Thailand on retirement visas whilst still "creating content" or working remotely for overseas businesses. Technically they are currently unethical, as any employment on a retirement visa is strictly forbidden, whereas on a DTV is totally legal. And yes, you'll be seeing a massive decline in retirement visas, but hey ho that's life. You take the opportunities. Bring on the "consequences"!
Ručman ***********
@Andy ***********
like I m saying people like you will bring consequences longterm.
Andy ************
@Ručman **********
If that's how you think I guess you just have to suck it up!
Brandon ************
@Andy ***********
Actually more than anything it's taking away people from other visas where they were spending more money to maintain them to this easier visa. People are switching from retirement visa, education visa, and many others in droves because of how lax this one is. But when it tightens down, which it will eventually, they might be high and dry.
Ivan ************
@Brandon ***********
the purpose of a visa system isn't to make money on the visa fees, they make money by having people in the country bringing money in from abroad and spending it here. That's the explicit stated purpose of this visa.
Brandon ************
@Ivan ***********
I'm addressing a specific point to the person I replied to. He stated that the government was making 10k for each visa. Which is less money than they would be making from other visas. So that point is irrelevant in his argument.
Andy ************
@Brandon ***********
The 10,000 is the bonus, it's not the core. Governments are generally very short-sighted. It's all about NOW. If 30,000 people apply for this visa in the first year that's over 300 million Baht, and it's likely to be a lot more than that. From what I can see embassies and consulates are being swamped with applications.
Elías ********
@Brandon ***********
I think it's also a thing of scale economy. Yeah, there are way more expensive visas (which would mean more income for the government for each visa) but with the DTV, I'm pretty sure the government will get even more income, as the number of applicants is crazy massive. So, less income per visa, but way mooore visa applications.
Brandon ************
@Elías *******
no, because as I said most people applying for DTV are not new. They are people switching over from some other visa. Which would result in a net loss overall. But doesn't really matter in the bigger picture.
Luit *****************
@Brandon ***********
I not agree with this. I am almost retired, and can work remotely. Up to now I just used visa exempt and stayed up to 2 times a year one or two months in Thailand. Now with DTV I certainly will stay longer, because it is much easier to stay longer now.

This certainly will also mean I spend a lot more money in Thailand.
Andy ************
@Brandon ***********
Yes that's true, but the criteria for the DTV is such that to make it accessible for remote workers, means it's also available for non-O retirement and non-O married to a Thai (except for those who need a work permit). Can't see how they're going to be "high and dry", the basic conditions of five year ME and 180 day stamps won't be changing as that's what appeals to digital nomads. You seem convinced it's going to change, I'm equally convinced it won't. The advantages for the government far outweigh any disadvantages
Ručman ***********
@Andy ***********
why would anybody apply for retirement visa. If they have DTV option? Or Elite?
Andy ************
@Ručman **********
I'm on non-O retirement visa but I'll be switching to DTV next year. The DTV suits me better. I'm in and out of the country
***
times a year, and with 180 days each entry, I reckon I'll never have to visit an immigration office again. Plus the DTV is cheaper which is an extra bonus
Walker *********
@Ručman **********
To avoid having to do visa runs altogether.
Ručman ***********
@Walker ********
you don't need to do visa run. After 180 days you can extend at immigration for other 180 days.
Elías ********
@Ručman **********
but only once, so you'll eventually need a visa run after the 1 year.
Andy ************
@Elías *******
The visa has a validity of five years, so you don't need a visa run. A simple border bounce will suffice. But many people, such as myself travel overseas regularly, so these trips will in effect be the border bounce.
Elías ********
@Andy ***********
yes, that's right. I wasn't sure to use the term visa run. As long as you travel anywhere before 180 continuous days, you can be there for 5 years in total without any especial extension or visa run.
Andy ************
@Elías *******
Correct. I usually travel overseas
***
times a year (last time I filed a 90-day report was during during the covid restrictions), the DTV is a Godsend for me. Five years and not required to visit immigration! That has to be a plus!!
Keith ************
@Ručman **********
but then you have to leave the country. With a non-o for retirement, you never have to leave.
Ručman ***********
@Keith ***********
but you put money in interest fund and get profit. For non o you need 400.000 THB seeded for 3 months on Thai bank account you are loosing interest
Andy ************
@Walker ********
For someone who stays in Thailand the whole time the non-O is still the best, but for frequent travellers, the DTV wins hands down
Steven *******
The visa is too good and makes all the other visas look rubbish now, my guess is they will make it a lot more difficult to apply and qualify.
Nigel ********
@Steven ******
it also makes the retirement visa unappealing as you have to put 800,000bht up front in a almost 0% bank account
Andy ************
@Steven ******
Why would they do that? The visa was brought in to get people into the country, to stimulate the economy. It's achieving that.
Steven *******
@Andy ***********
as the other person said, it makes the other visas look stupid now and they will lose all that visa money. I hope I am wrong but I bet they will make it more difficult. Why would anyone pay for the Elite visa now when you can have this visa at a fraction of the cost, why apply for the retirement visa with all the stupid requirements and 90 day reporting, why do border runs on the TR (multiple entry) visa every 60 days.
Lili ********
@Steven ******
DTV not cheap in Canada. I paid 16,457 baht yesterday n they need more documents.
Don ******
@Steven ******
I thought DTV still required 90 day check in.

Perhaps I read it wrong.
Steven *******
@Don *****
not as far as I know, it doesn't say anything like that on the visa or in anything I have seen. I'll let you know in 90+ days 🙂
Don ******
@Steven ******
I think u still have to do check in @ 90 days.

Found this article:
Ivan ************
@Steven ******
if it's not specifically exempted, which it's not, it requires 90 day check in. You won't be questioned about this unless you need something from immigration in country though, the airports don't check it.
John **********
@Andy ***********
but they are catering to people that really do not have alot of funds . Retired people have far more money in alot of cases in comparison and spend more more money than most DTV applicants ... typical Thai not looking at the big picture and going on the fly , this will backfire
Ivan ************
@John *********
remote worker DTV are actually still earning money, which retirees are not, plenty of these would be spending money in Thailand.
John **********
@Ivan ***********
, a lot of retires still have monthly company pension income payments that remains for the REST of their lives and actually increases yearly and in some cases its more than most DTV visa holders income .... just depends on what their career was
Ivan ************
@Jo**
anyway I think people would be far happier if they looked after themselves instead of grousing that some younger people have a new visa option. Nothing stopping an older person from applying for this, or if they prefer the existing retirement options, or if they are actually loaded, the LTV which is still the best option.
Ivan ************
@John *********
some, but many retirees are in Thailand on very meagre pensions (that in the case of the UK, for example, *don't* increase) because it's cheaper and even then they can barely meet the requirements. Huge agent business faking retirement renewal requirements.
John **********
@Ivan ***********
mostly those are the expats that have been there for years when the requirements were relaxed .

There are alot there that struggle but most that are applying now did fairly well and owned properties worth considerable values

I think we may see the retirement visa slow down now as most are looking at how much money they may be taxed on and the amount of new loopholes and hoops they will have to jump through to try to retain their money

The DTV will flop in the long run , watch and Thai govt will have to figure out how to clean up the mess ... its going to be interesting to watch
Andy ************
@John *********
I see it the opposite way. I see the DTV becoming the major visa in the years ahead, it's the others which will diminish in popularity. The DTV is a visa which will fit many situations and will streamline the whole process.
Rogerio ******
@Andy ***********
but it's making all other visa options look like a poor choice, especially the Elite 5 year. People who didn't want to do visa runs every 3 months, could accept doing it once a year on the DTV.
Andy ************
@Rogerio *****
It's dependant on each individual's personal situation. I'm on non-O at the moment and I travel frequently out of the country, so the DTV is a far superior option for me. I don't know who does visa runs every 90 days? That's a new one on me, but the Elite and LTR visas are just about done, other than for people who just want to stay in Thailand year after year. Each situation is different
Tommy ********
There are already some concerns within the government about it. So I would say it’ll change in the future
Jim ********
@Tommy *******
The only thing which might change is this soft power option. I can't see how a three week cooking course gets a five year visa, but maybe the government is hoping this will entice people to come back frequently for long stays. If they're in the country spending money, I guess the aim has been achieved
Tommy ********
@Jim *******
that’s your opinion, but unless you have legit sources like I do, it’s just a wishful thinking opinion.

It’s looking very likely to be changes to it all. Let’s keep this threat open and we’ll come back to it.
Jim ********
@Tommy *******
I don't know. If someone stays five years they're going to be spending money somehow. I know people who have got the five years just on dental treatment. The visa doesn't have the reason mentioned. Just the finish date, which is five years. All you have to do is keep bouncing and stay away from immigration! The sources I have are people who are doing it, not talking about it!
James *****
@Jim *******
kinda ridiculous, should have made the “cooking” 12 months max. 5 years nomad makes more sense
Randy ******
DTV was born FLAWED. Should had’ Learn Thai’ for soft power. Old farts like myself can’t even walk , let alone learn Thai Karate. On the other had, learning Thai is helpful in living in Thailand. Getting automatic visa is the icing on the cake
Greta *****
@Bob *********
I believe whatever the conditions of the visa are. Why is it so hard to believe that you can stay in a country for a long period as long as you DON'T work there? If you want to spend your own savings or make money from overseas company why would the government care??
Greta *****
@Randy *****
You can still learn how to cook
Bob **********
@Greta ****
but you don’t believe you can re enter Thailand for 5 years on a 3 month cooking class do you not to mention you’ll have to show the 500 k on each entry
Rogerio ******
@Randy *****
I got mine on medical appointment.
Martha ****
@Rogerio *****
what kind of medical treatment?.
Rogerio ******
@Martha ***
a follow up consultation at the hospital. Simply showed the follow up appointment paper.
Lena *******
Also
@Rogerio *****
the embassy you used.
Lena *******
@Rogerio *****
Can you tell me what evidence as I am having dental implant work and thinking of doing it since it's long term treatment.
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