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What are the differences between 'workstation' and 'soft power' visas in Thailand?

Dec 16, 2025

a day ago

Got 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.

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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?

11 hours ago

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

Thanks , I applied here yesterday 😅 looks like I’ll be here a few weeks lol

11 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 408 over 15 days

11 hours ago

Reply to

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

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

15 hours ago

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.

12 hours ago

Reply to

Humble******

Very few embassies annotate the DTVs with the purpose. The vast majority of DTVs are just DTVs.

18 hours ago

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.

20 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@AC *****

what actually was your reply?

15 hours ago

AC ******

I just said "I don't work in Thailand. I work online for my clients from my home country"

15 hours ago

Reply to

AC ******

Andi ***********

@AC *****

I had the same experience...not surprising that they'd know anyway..

16 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Bob **********

Just carry your documents when entering you should be fine

20 hours ago

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.

20 hours ago

Khun ******

Anonymous participant Nah, my course finished in March. No problems.

10 hours ago

Khun ******

@Andi **********

Yeah. Maybe one day we'll know for sure.

14 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I am talking about when immigration sees it, first impression they don't know it's soft power or workcation.

20 hours ago

Mike **********

Anonymous participant they see in their system. I see in the future that the softpower will go away as it is mostly BS.

12 hours ago

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.

11 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant muay*

11 hours ago

Reply to

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

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.

20 hours ago

Andi ***********

@Khun *****

You think the MFA is just going to keep that info and not share it?

16 hours ago

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.

16 hours ago

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.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

John **********

Anonymous participant I somehow suspect it will be recorded in the computer system

20 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

Brandon ************

It's workcation, not workstation. Work + vacation = workcation.

20 hours ago

Khun ******