What are the differences between the Workcation and Softpower visas in Thailand and their ongoing requirements after the initial application?

Workcation visa Softpower visa Thai visa rules Visa extension Reentry procedures Muay Thai course Business ownership requirements

Jan 24, 2025

5 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do has any one figured out the actual difference between the Workcation and Softpower versions AFTER getting the visa? Usually people here are showing a Muay Thai course for 6 months but what about after a year? Are they going to want you to continue Muay Thai or something for 5 years? Will they want business owners to prove they still run that business or are still employed?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the differences between the Workcation and Softpower visas after they've been obtained. A key point of confusion is whether visa holders will need to continue specific activities, such as attending a Muay Thai course, to maintain their visa status after the initial period. Users speculate on extension requirements, indicating that reentry may be straightforward without document submission for the time being, but extension procedures will likely necessitate documentation. Overall, the future of visa validity based on ongoing activities remains uncertain.

Rory *********

I am on medical and I plan to just exit the country and then return every six months no questions asked

4 days ago

Greg ********

@Rory ********

How do you know "No questions asked"? They might ask you to prove attendance and next appointments. Medical is probably quite easy to do though if ongoing

2 days ago

Rory *********

@Greg *******

I show them my visa and I do have a three treatment plan

2 days ago

Greg ********

@Rory ********

Yes, they may ask you to show you have been attending and that your treatment plan is continuing.

2 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

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

No one knows the future of reentry; for now, it works without showing documents. Extensions, however, will require documents to be presented again.

4 days ago

Greg ********

That is the 64 Million Dollar question. Will you have to continue with Aoft Power activities to ensure continuity and validity of the visa? The fact is nobody knows one way or another.

4 days ago

Marc **********

@Greg *******

amazing that they haven't thought this through....a chance to tick off lots of people if you have to continue to prove powers, etc....some may have opted for a different visa.

3 days ago

Greg ********

@Marc *********

It was implented very quickly and it is pretty obvious all stakeholders ie other departments effected were not consulted. It ypu think this is a great visa, I do, it probably would not have been live as yet if all had to agree on rules etc.

3 days ago

Marc **********

@Greg *******

so true ..seems dumped on immigration....thus the variability interpreting it, etc. haha.

3 days ago

Greg ********

@Marc *********

Yup - I thinks the distaste for it is quite obvious. I was seriously considering the DTV - this week I am taking the next step for BOI Smart "S" which is to put together a business plan/pitch deck. It needs more documentation but the advantages might just outweigh the initial documentation hurdles.

3 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Wannikea *********

If applying for an in country extension then all the original application requirements will be needed to be fulfilled it seems. However it appears and has been the practice so far that exiting before 180 days and re-entering Thailand will get you another 180 day stamp free of any hassle. Who knows what might happen entering the border in a year or two.

5 days ago

David ********

@Wannikea ********

that varies as far as l have seen so far. The immagration office l went to just said complete extension paper and pay 1900 bht hope that is consistent. They said it's a new visa so they don't know just complete the form copy and of passport done ✅

5 days ago

Wannikea *********

@David *******

you're seriously just going to leave it at "the immigration office I went to"?

4 days ago

Sean *******

@David *******

Where was this?

5 days ago

Reply to

Sean *******

Will I need to purchase a new course when re-entering Thailand after 6 months on a soft power visa?