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What are the differences between the DTV and soft power visas for working in Thailand as a scuba diving instructor?

Thailand VisaScuba Diving InstructorDTV VisaWork PermitSoft Power Visa
Mar 27, 2025
a month ago
Alex ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi 👋🏼

I am new here and starting to look into moving to Thailand.

I am a scuba diving instructor and last time I worked in Thailand, I had a visa and work permit through my employer but looking to find work after arrival in Thailand this time.

I have seen mentions of DTV and soft power visas but trying to understand the difference and what might be best for me to apply for? Thanks in advance ☺️🧜🏼‍♀️
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user, considering relocating to Thailand as a scuba diving instructor, seeks advice on the differences between the DTV visa and the soft power visa for employment purposes. Comments clarify that the DTV visa does not allow for working in Thailand, emphasizing the need for an appropriate visa and work permit to teach scuba diving.
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Alex ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone 🙏🏼
a month ago
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Wayne *********
If you want to do scuba diving as an instructor you will need the appropriate visa and work permit. You can't do that on the DTV
a month ago
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John **********
You can't work in Thailand on a DTV.
a month ago
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Alex ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 not even as a freelance diving instructor?
a month ago
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Wannikea *********
@Alex *****
 only remote online work, can't interact with Thai business or customers in Thailand
a month ago
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Anna *********
@Alex *****
 not even
a month ago
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John **********
@Alex *****
 absolutely not. You would be working in Thailand for a Thai company. You need a Non-B visa and work permit for that
a month ago
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James ********
@Alex *****
 not allowed to work in Thailand with customers in Thailand... Period 🩸 under the DTV Visa.
a month ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Alex *****
 Not even. You can't work at all for any thai entity.
a month ago
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Luit *****************
@Alex *****
 No
a month ago
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Luit *****************
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