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What are the differences between 'workstation' and 'soft power' visas in Thailand?
Dec 16, 2025
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERGot approved Jakrata on sunday. I got workstation one but no where on visa it's mentioned workstation, any difference between soft power and workstation? Since workstation would be stronger in eyes of immigration instead of dodgy 6 month cooking ones.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion explores the differences between 'workstation' and 'soft power' visas in Thailand, particularly the implications of visa annotations for expats. It highlights that most embassies do not specify the purpose on the visa itself, leading to various interpretations among users. It clarifies that 'workstation' refers to a visa category allowing individuals to work remotely, while 'soft power' generally permits participation in cultural activities without direct employment. Additionally, there is mention of how responses to immigration queries may vary based on visa type.
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Anonymous ******************
How long did it take to get approved in Jakarta?
Anonymous ******************
Thanks , I applied here yesterday 😅 looks like I’ll be here a few weeks lol
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 408 over 15 days
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Anonymous *************
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Toni *******
Are there people on soft power without mention on the visa? Or people on workcation with the mention? Got interested in this now 🤔 im on workcation and dont have it on the visa
Humble******
@Toni ******
There are a few embassies that DO annotate the purpose of the DTV under remarks. However, the majority just add "employment prohibited" as a generic remark regardless of the route you applied under.Reply to
Humble******
Reply
Humble******
Very few embassies annotate the DTVs with the purpose. The vast majority of DTVs are just DTVs.
AC ******
I think it shows in the system on their screen, because the first time I came in with my Workcation DTV at BKK, the IO asked "you work here?". So I assumed she could see something about the nature of my DTV.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@AC *****
what actually was your reply?AC ******
I just said "I don't work in Thailand. I work online for my clients from my home country"
Reply to
AC ******
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Andi ***********
@AC *****
I had the same experience...not surprising that they'd know anyway..Reply to
Andi ***********
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Bob **********
Just carry your documents when entering you should be fine
John **********
Of course there's a difference. Workation is issued to allow you to work remotely from Thailand, soft power is issued to allow you to follow a soft power activity but without working.
Khun ******
Anonymous participant Nah, my course finished in March. No problems.
Khun ******
@Andi **********
Yeah. Maybe one day we'll know for sure.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I am talking about when immigration sees it, first impression they don't know it's soft power or workcation.Mike **********
Anonymous participant they see in their system. I see in the future that the softpower will go away as it is mostly BS.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *********
Most probably they have to keep enrolling with courses from bs institutions. Might be more check like recently someone guy was held on phuket airport, sent into room asked to show proof of active enrollment with muai thai gym.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant muay*
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Anonymous *************
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Khun ******
Anonymous participant They don't know they just have what's on the visa in the system. The application info is in the MFA database.
Andi ***********
@Khun *****
You think the MFA is just going to keep that info and not share it?Khun ******
@Andi **********
Separate government departments and computer systems. Regardless, no one knows for sure. I just like getting a rise out of people who think their DTV is superior to others.Andi ***********
@Khun *****
Separate, but they do work together, as in Taipei there is someone from Thai immigration who conducts interviews and decides if the DTV is issued. They had the record of all my visits to hand inc transits and it is included in my file. Upon arrival i was asked about the work i do online. From a basic security view, it imakes sense info is shared.Reply to
Andi ***********
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John **********
Anonymous participant I somehow suspect it will be recorded in the computer system
Reply to
John **********
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Brandon ************
It's workcation, not workstation. Work + vacation = workcation.
Khun ******
Then you got a DTV the same as 90% as everyone else. Except you are tied to a workstation which is extremely boring.
ElÃas ********
@Khun *****
OP better have a back up serverReply to
ElÃas ********
Reply
Pete *******
Nothing dodgy about soft power DTV, all same same but different.
Mike **********
@Pete ******
whatever. They are giving you a 5 year visa for cooking. Come on you know its 3-6 months at most. What you doing for the next 4.5 yearsPete *******
@Mike *********
being a tourist on a tourist visa?Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Bob **********
@Pete ******
it’s not going to hold up look what’s happening alreadyAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
It's ticking time bomb like ED visa, soon or later it will be under scrutiny.Bob **********
Anonymous participant yes a 6 month course is not going to get you stamped in down the road
Reply to
Bob **********
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