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What are the concerns regarding the sustainability proof for the Soft Power DTV in Thailand?
Soft Power DTVVisa RequirementsImmigration IssuesThailand ExpatsIncome Proof for VisasCrisis Management in ThailandVisa AbuseCooking Classes Visa
Apr 9, 2026
21 days ago
Axel *******
ORIGINAL POSTERNot sure how bad the situation really is but this may become an issue for Soft Power DTV to show proof of being able to sustain oneself for 5 years in Thailand. And yes I am aware that there is no income requirement specified for the Soft Power DTV....yet!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion raises concerns about the upcoming Soft Power Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, particularly regarding the potential requirement for applicants to demonstrate proof of sustainability for five years. Community members express skepticism about the feasibility and enforcement of such a requirement, sharing experiences of visa misuse, particularly with cooking classes. There is a call for stricter income and health insurance requirements to prevent abuses and homelessness associated with overly lenient visa regulations. The conversation reflects on broader implications for expats and the challenges faced within the Thai immigration system.
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Luit *****************
Asking proof of being able to sustain yourself for 5 years is not realistic, just as asking proof for 5 years enrollment in soft power or being employed for 5 year is impossible.
But this is also not necessary because DTV only gives 180 days stay at a time, which means it is technically possible to check for this at each entry, but practically checks are time consuming.
But this is also not necessary because DTV only gives 180 days stay at a time, which means it is technically possible to check for this at each entry, but practically checks are time consuming.
Dermot ***********
I have never seen this happening. Its not about poverty. It's revenue generation. Fear of spending money and being destitute. A misnomer.
Fak *******
Once they go viral they get deported. Don’t worry.
แดนนี่ ****
A crisis is dramatic lol but yea it’s unsightly
Anonymous ******************
Guy in pattaya who sleeps on the beach, 3 months ago asked me for money gave me the sad story , I wasn't being around the bush and said I can't help sorry ... 4 months later I bump into him again this time I was wearing a cap and glasses so he didn't recognize me but I recognize him , gave the the same story but with more detail he's getting creative.. any ways seen him at the beach have a beer and hour later ,, he has his priorities straight
Rich ****
Anonymous participant 281 typical scammer
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Rich ****
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Brandon ************
Lots of embassies have required proof of income and/or an explanation of how you will support yourself for soft power applications already
Marley *********
I'm sorry to Thailand for saying this, but I would rather take my chances roasting on the streets of Bangkok compared to freezing to death on the streets of the UK. I'm not homeless now but I was for a time in the UK and I can kinda compare the two. My family is dead and I have nothing in the UK so don't even judge unless you've walked in my bloody shoes. With the world going the way it is, I'm not surprised this is a rising crisis. Thank you to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation- I hope you get so much support because it's extremely valuable.
rober******
Just deliver any foreigner caught begging to their respective embassy and tell the guard that they are persona non gratia in Thailand.
Marley *********
roberth2309 , how about you walk a mile in their shoes? I'll wait, anonymous coward. People don't beg when they have what they need. There should be a baseline of compassion in society and, if there isn't, then you yourself have a very small table and are probably a self-interested narcissist.
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Marley *********
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Tore *********
The cooking class soft power DTVs are absurd and abused by most that use that route. Nobody continuously does cooking classes for months on end. It’s turning into similar to ED visa and already have a bad rep. At least remote work, long term medical treatment and to a degree Muai Thai makes sense.
Setting a income and insurance requirement wouldn’t hurt for sure.
If I was 4 years older I would 100% do retirement visa instead.
Setting a income and insurance requirement wouldn’t hurt for sure.
If I was 4 years older I would 100% do retirement visa instead.
Luit *****************
@Tore ********
The insurance requirement iare not necessary as long as they enforce the 500K at each entry.I wait with applying for retirement till I stop working.
Morgan *******
@Tore ********
yeah how long does it take to learn to make pad gra pow?Reply to
Morgan *******
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Greg ******
There are consequences of overly easy visas, like homelessness and illegal work. Applications are getting stricter, but will it be enough? These visas may be too general and not specific enough unfortunately.
Luit *****************
@Greg *****
Legally the IO can check at every entry if you have enough money for your stay in Thailand, but practically this might be difficult.Tore *********
@Greg *****
removing cooking class DTV would go a long way lol. That one is absurd and massively abused. Its already getting allot harder get DTV, and some are given METV instead. For a 5 year multi entry visa, setting a income and health insurance requirement would go a long way. (And removing cooking classes lol)
Greg ******
@Tore ********
Agree. 👍Reply to
Greg ******
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