Answered8 days ago
What are the current challenges for travelers with a DTV visa in Thailand?
Gents, I’ve had the DTV since 2025 and normally stay in Thailand for a maximum of 2 months at a time. I was there in August and September 2026, and I plan to return in January 2027 for 3 months. I will book the Muay Thai course and have plenty of funds across my savings and debit accounts. But despite all that, rumors are circulating that people are being turned away. To be safe, I won't fly directly from my home country in Europe; I'll route through Vietnam first. That way, if they deny me entry, they send me back to Vietnam instead of all the way back to Europe. It's ridiculous that even with a European passport, a valid DTV, and sufficient funds, we still have to worry about whether we'll be allowed in or not. Something is wrong with Thailand
Answer summary
A traveler with a DTV visa expresses concern about being denied entry to Thailand despite having sufficient funds and a booked Muay Thai course. They plan to route through Vietnam as a precaution against potential entry denial. Comments suggest that the likelihood of being turned away is low if all documentation is in order. While some share experiences of strict immigration checks, others urge a more relaxed approach, reinforcing that showing proper travel intent and documentation should suffice for entry.
113 repliesnewest first
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Freddie *********
Just my personal experience but I spend most the year consecutively in thai except a few months in the summer. Passed through BKK two day ago, said pom me dtv visa krup with print outs tucked under my arm and they just nonverbally stamped me through in 2 seconds
Freddie *********
Want to add it was female officer as people have said they are strict but not my exp
GentleHa*********
"Something is wrong with Thailand". Well then maybe don't come back if this is your opinion. Maybe you should be turned away if thsi is your opinion.
Anyway what a fear mongering post. There's little no reason to make a whole detour. What a joke
Anyway what a fear mongering post. There's little no reason to make a whole detour. What a joke
Locked ********
Im af the point that if you want to waste money please do 😆
Pekka **********
Flying through Vietnam will only make it more suspicious
Ryan ***********
😂
Khun ******
You will be fine don't worry. Be careful of stories of denied entry with no proof
Khun ******
@Za ******
Talking of f.ake accounts do you have one with pictures of a Mexican opera singer?Za *******
@Khun *****
I have 2 accounts both called Fixer but with a slight difference how is writtenZa *******
@Khun *****
you never reply on your f”ake account🤷♂️Khun ******
@Z*
DM me I will give you addressKhun ******
@Za ******
Why do you want to come and find me and fix me up? As the great OASIS said, stop crying your heart outZa *******
@Khun *****
would love toZa *******
@Khun *****
you seem very brave using faceless f*ake account😉Za *******
@Khun *****
yes we know your passport, you are showing it to us every week. It’s the perfect example of DTV abuse living on it full time in Thailand😉Khun ******
@Za ******
Have you stopped crying after the last time you tried to enforce your imaginary rules on me? 😆Za *******
@Khun *****
getting defensive again? As far as I remember, you were the one who started crying and insulting since you don’t like to hear the the truth😉
ข้าว ********
@Za ******
what a clown you areZa *******
@ข้าว *******
and here is another one🤭, 🤡no.3. the real clowns are showing their faces😂
Elías ********
@Za ******
An "abuse" approved by Immigration officers, you clown 🤡Za *******
@Elías *******
I wouldn’t call it “approved”, it’s more like tolerated and we will see for how long. And since you are calling me a clown it becomes obvious who is the second abuser, you 🤡. 🤭. I love it how you guys suddenly get defensive when you feel like you’re being addressed.😉
AsianInsider **************
All these idiot's saying nothing to worry about. It's a less than 5 percent chance you will get fked with it's all luck of the draw and avoid female immigration officers. Everyone I know including me it was from a female. My friend was forced to buy them chocolate but luckily they let him in. I had show my ticket and bookings. Then let in .
pumpkincra***********
@AsianInsider *************
in my experience i avoid the male 😂😂😂AsianInsider **************
pumpkincranberryjuice in Vietnam avoid male because they work slower.
Stunning********
The fear mongering is getting out of hand 🙄 This is ridiculous.
Thai immigration isn't seating there all day trying to kick people out of its country for no reason.
You don't need to do all this nonsense.
I've been in and out of Thailand with my DTV without any concerns, the people I know too.
But if you have time and money to waste, please do you 👏
Thai immigration isn't seating there all day trying to kick people out of its country for no reason.
You don't need to do all this nonsense.
I've been in and out of Thailand with my DTV without any concerns, the people I know too.
But if you have time and money to waste, please do you 👏
Khun ******
Stop lying Luity. I got my DTV with a Dental appointment
Khun ******
StunningDeer1930 Exactly. So many clowns on here trying to police everyone with "their" rules. And half of them don't even have a DTV
Luit *****************
@Khun *****
You are just one of the clowns abusing the visa by entering for another purpose than for which the visa was issued.Those clowns make IO check more often.
Luit *****************
I have no reason to worry, I just ente the country with the correct visa.
You already told several times you can enter on your softpower DTV without being enrolled in a training.
That is nice for you, but just don't promote it for others to do the same.
You already told several times you can enter on your softpower DTV without being enrolled in a training.
That is nice for you, but just don't promote it for others to do the same.
Khun ******
@Luit ****************
Stop worrying about your imaginary rules. And let's both just enjoy our 5 year multiple entry visas. Cheers 🍺Khun ******
@Luit ****************
Stop crying lad no abuse here.Luit *****************
StunningDeer1930 As it looks OP just complies to the rules and has nothing to fear.
The reports of denied entry are a result of people not complying with the rules, and some here think DTV has no rules and requirements, and they will be proven wrong every now and then by reports of people denied entry.
The reports of denied entry are a result of people not complying with the rules, and some here think DTV has no rules and requirements, and they will be proven wrong every now and then by reports of people denied entry.
Peter *****
"Something is wrong with Thailand".
Entitled foreigner trash telling Thailand who to admit as usual.
If they have any reason to suspect you are living in Thailand on a flimsy excuse they WILL deny you entry. You'll be the first to know.
Entitled foreigner trash telling Thailand who to admit as usual.
If they have any reason to suspect you are living in Thailand on a flimsy excuse they WILL deny you entry. You'll be the first to know.
Michael *************
Nothing is wrong with Thailand!!!! Something is wrong with the game players on Facebook. Be prepared with bank info, course registration and look appropriate and be respectful and you will be fine. Also main immigration at BKK probably makes it much simpler. Best of luck.
Adam *******
OP
David *******
There is nothing wrong with Thailand and the way they handle DTV travelers. Yes, they are getting strict on Muay Thai entries because too many people expect a 5-year visa on a 6-month course.
It sounds like you are being wise with the plans you have outlined
It sounds like you are being wise with the plans you have outlined
Henrik *****
Be aware that savings accounts can be a problem, since many of them have restrictions that prevent you from accessing the cash immediately, which you should be able to do, with DTV. Example: you have an accident, and you have to pay upfront before you get treatment at the hospital. That’s one of the reasons for the deposit, so make sure your funds are in a debit account only. Remember good guys in, bad boys out is the philosophy, in Thailand as in most other countries.
Proficie*********
U tweaking
Henrik *****
Be aware that savings accounts can be a problem, since many of them have restrictions that prevent you from accessing the cash immediately, which you should be able to do, with DTV.
Example: you have an accident, and you have to pay upfront before you get treatment at the hospital.
That’s one of the reasons for the deposit, so make sure your funds are in a debit account only.
Remember good guys in, bad boys out is the philosophy, in Thailand as in most other countries.
Example: you have an accident, and you have to pay upfront before you get treatment at the hospital.
That’s one of the reasons for the deposit, so make sure your funds are in a debit account only.
Remember good guys in, bad boys out is the philosophy, in Thailand as in most other countries.
Adam *******
OP@Henrik ****
I m aware of that..thank you
Proficie*********
U tweaking
Upadhyay *********
Follow
Upadhyay *********
If you got everything sorted including funds, there is nothing to worry. Why worry when you aren’t doing anything wrong or hiding anything.
GenuineF*********
Another question is if they deport you, will they send you back to the country where you boarded the plane or your passport country. Because Vietnam does not need to accept you, if you are not a citizen. But the country that issued your passport will most likely have to (even in case you have no more ties to it). But stories here vary. Some say they were allowed to book a cheap flight to a third country, others say, immigration insisted they go “home”.
GenuineF*********
Another question is if they deport you, will they send you back to the country where you boarded the plane or your passport country. Because Vietnam does not need to accept you, if you are not a citizen. But the country that issued your passport will most likely have to (even in case you have no more ties to it). But stories here vary. Some say they were allowed to book a cheap flight to a third country, others say, immigration insisted they go “home”.
Elías ********
GenuineFalcon2457 people confuse deportation and entry rejection. It's not the same.
Ben ********
Not really. A visa doesn't give someone the right to enter a country. But you should be fine, the people who get turned away get turned away because the IO feels something wrong / fishy with the person trying to enter. Be presentable
Winston ************
I'm in and out frequently and have never been asked anything, except one time he just asked how long I'm staying. I said 2 weeks but still stamped the usual 180 days. Some say your passport matters. I don't know if that's true as I have an African country one. Poor country at that. Still, always smooth sailing when I arrive.
John **********
No such thing as a European passport, your passport is issued by whatever country you are a citizen of
Ben ********
Not really. A visa doesn't give someone the right to enter a country. But you should be fine, the people who get turned away get turned away because the IO feels something wrong / fishy with the person trying to enter. Be presentable
Winston ************
I'm in and out frequently and have never been asked anything, except one time he just asked how long I'm staying. I said 2 weeks but still stamped the usual 180 days. Some say your passport matters. I don't know if that's true as I have an African country one. Poor country at that. Still, always smooth sailing when I arrive.
Kf ********
@Winston ***********
you must be very handsome! Hey hey…
John **********
No such thing as a European passport, your passport is issued by whatever country you are a citizen of
Mathieu *****
@John *********
I see a few comments saying we aren’t supposed to stay whole year in thailand with DTV. Is that true? I never read that anywhere in the rules and it’s a 5 years visa so why wouldn’t we be allowed to stay 5 years if we want to? As long as we leave once a yearJohn **********
@Mathieu ****
you get stamped in for 180 days each entry on a DTV then you have to leave, unless you apply for a 180 day extension which you can only do once per entry. But that extension isn't straightforward, you basically need to show everything you did when applying for the visa but updated to the time you apply for the extension, and immigration aren't keen on these extensions so they don't make it easy. Most people just leave before the 180 day mark and return later, but you can still need to show you continue to meet the requirements on your return. It's not a 5 year visa per se, it's a visa that's valid for 5 years in 180 day chunksJohn **********
@Mathieu ****
nowhere
Janet ********
@Mathieu ****
You are correct.Mathieu *****
@John *********
yes i mean i am planning to leave every 180 days and comeback, but where does it say that we can’t stay most of the year if not whole? apart from having to leave every 180 days for 1-2 daysJames *******
Good idea
Lon *******
Have you seen the news of Europeans (West Countries) in Thailand. Being European may have been synonymous with wealth and prosperity 3 decades ago but the current wave situation it is a big liability.
krazye******
I saw a yt video of a guy with italy passport flying from Malaysia and they still forced him to buy a ticket back to Italy when they denied him entry
krazye******
I saw a yt video of a guy with italy passport flying from Malaysia and they still forced him to buy a ticket back to Italy when they denied him entry
Lon *******
Have you seen the news of Europeans (West Countries) in Thailand. Being European may have been synonymous with wealth and prosperity 3 decades ago but the current wave situation it is a big liability.
James *******
Good idea
Brittle********
Shower, wear a button up shirt and be clean shaven. No issues.
Raphael *******
Immigration officers are mainly concerned about two things: people trying to live in Thailand year-round or work illegally without the proper visa. So, if you don't plan to spend more than 6–7 months in Thailand each year on your DTV, you shouldn't attract unwanted attention from immigration.
Raphael *******
Immigration officers are mainly concerned about two things: people trying to live in Thailand year-round or work illegally without the proper visa. So, if you don't plan to spend more than 6–7 months in Thailand each year on your DTV, you shouldn't attract unwanted attention from immigration.
Khun ******
@Za ******
But how will they know your imaginary rules tho 😆Za *******
@Khun *****
they will tell them to you, trust me😉Khun ******
@Za ******
Maybe you should tell the IOs who stamp me in about your imaginary rules 😆Za *******
@Khun *****
maybe the IO will tell you himself next time😉Za *******
@Khun *****
yes, the truth that you’re a visa abuserElías ********
@Raphael ******
you can live 5 years and a half with the DTV in Thailand 🤦🏻 I've here since October 2024.Raphael *******
@Elías *******
Well, good for you. It will be interesting to see what happens when you leave Thailand and try to re-enter in 2027.Elías ********
@Raphael ******
I'll keep you posted 😉Za *******
@Elías *******
yes, clearly an abuser😉
Lew *****************
@Za ******
abuser of what ? Having a 5 year visa? If you have 5 year visa you can stay for 5 yr….Za *******
@Khun *****
the truth hearts, I know😉Khun ******
@Za ******
Stop crying lad
Welsh******
@Raphael ******
you know that because? Guessing.
Brittle********
Shower, wear a button up shirt and be clean shaven. No issues.
Adam *******
OPBrittlesmoothie 🤣🤣😤🤣😂😂😂
Justin ********
Brittlesmoothie Alternately: dress like a rocker with torn-distressed everything. If we're running with confirmation bias, this has worked for me now going on 5 years
Welsh******
Brittlesmoothie 😂 Wear a suit. Fresh aftershave. ? Omg
Brittle********
Welsh_Mo666 He’s trying to avoid being questioned or denied, not chance a date with a female IO. That being said, the date approach might work for him long term 🤔
SugarFree*********
Welsh_Mo666 a little exaggerated. More like just don't look like you just rolled out of bed.😂
Elías ********
Welsh_Mo666 a lot of prejudices in one sentence.
SugarFree*********
Brittlesmoothie That actually does indeed make a difference in decreasing your chances of being overquestioned or sent to secondary. If you look like a vagabond bum, they are more likely to start digging a little bit into your use of the DTV.
Darcy ************
SugarFreeTruth2026 yes, looking like yiu have some pride always pays, but entitlement seems to have replaced common sense in recent times. Sigh
Elías ********
Nobody is being turned away
Greg ********
The amount of people questioned is very small indeed and there are usually other triggers. The number of confirmed cases of entry denied is even smaller. Has it happened - probably. However the likelihood is extremely rare. You will be fine.
Sasha *********
apply anyway
John *******
Nothing wrong with Thailand or the DTV. No DTV holders are being denied entry. Neither are there problems with both Soft Power and Workcation applications. All troll stories.
Angelo ***********
@John ******
Denied entry happens all the time. You are misinformed.Za *******
If you have your Muay Thai Course booked,as you say and can show more than 500k in your bank account, there is nothing to worry about. These checks at the immigration are very random and rare and the possibility to be checked is very low. If you have everything in order flying to Vietnam first just because of that is a waste of time and money
krazye******
@Luit ****************
I didn't tell you to listen to me. As usual I wasn't even adressing you🤡Khun ******
krazyeyez999 He is the biggest clown in this group by a country mile
krazye******
@Khun *****
yeah both are Angelo and Luit🙈krazye******
@Luit ****************
as usual you don't read properly. As I said BS talker. First open mouth and talk before thinkingAngelo ***********
@Carlos ********
There are like 4 stupid answers on the internet - as I am into martial arts, some of them overlap: - no one attacks like that, that is absurd stupid
- never happend to me, that is your stupid story
- does not work in the street, just as if gravity and human body mechanics is different "in the street" versus "a Dojo"
- he is holding the knife wrong ... up to you to discuss with your opponent, if he is holding the knife wrong, or to discuss with your immigration officer of the day, if you need a proof of onward travel ...
I am not really sure, but at the moment #1 stupid answer for me is: "never happened to me".
krazye******
@Luit ****************
the ticket to vietnam is BS. He can totally fly in from Europe. Not necessary in this case. The second biggest BS talker after Angelo is youAngelo ***********
@Za ******
It is not, as he has to show a ticket of onward travel when he enters Thailand ...
Carlos *********
@Angelo **********
wow really? Cool! And thanks for your clarification and opinion dudeCarlos *********
@Angelo **********
no, you don’t have to with a DTV visaZa *******
@Angelo **********
I was not talking about any onward ticket herekrazye******
@Za ******
Angelo is so much of a BS talker don't mind himAngelo ***********
@Za ******
Yepp, but it is cheaper to fly to Vietnam, and buy a two way ticket from there, than buying a 2 way ticket from Europe.Because it would suck to pay the 2 way price from Europe ... and an onward ticket would be about the time he wanted to leave, and does not help in: denied entry.
John *******
@Za ******
For entry purposes only, booking a further Muay Thai Boxing course is also unnecessary. 500,000 THB is an application requirement. Possession of 20,000 THB cash or equivalent is the entry requirement although very seldom required of DTV holders.Za *******
@John ******
wrong, Christopher Kilcorse, exactly for these kind of information you were banned already for more than 10 times from this group. But it seems that you never get tired and keep creating new f*ake profiles. You must have a very miserable lifeActivity
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