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What are the experiences and challenges faced by expats with the DTV e-visa in Thailand?
DTV VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Entry ProceduresSoft Power VisaExpat ExperiencesTravel in ThailandVisa Approval ProcessThai Visa Regulations
Jun 27, 2025
10 months ago
Stephen **********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhen I presented my DTV evisa at the Chiang Mai airport today I was led away to a separate area. It seemed like they were taking all the DTV visas to a separate area. When I was filling up my form I had a question and when she realized that I was on a workstation she let me go over and process my stamp. I think they are focusing more on questioning the soft power applicants. Just a fyi to be prepared to answer some questions.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This conversation details an expat's recent experience with the DTV e-visa upon entry at Chiang Mai airport, where they were separated from other travelers for additional questioning. Participants discussed growing scrutiny on DTV visa holders, particularly those entering via the 'soft power' category, and shared insights on the complexities of visa regulations, application processes, and potential issues with compliance. Comments reflect a mix of personal anecdotes and warnings regarding the importance of clarity and documentation in visa applications, suggesting that applicants may face further inquiries about the legitimacy of their claims related to ongoing educational engagement.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Anonymous ******************
This has been happening for ever at Chiang Mai, but as you say they are focusing on soft power. And they are looking hard to catch the frauds
Anonymous ******************
As a man I got soft power dtv way back when it was first offered (so requirements were much easier) by showing I signed up for a PRP treatment for hair loss, which I actually use (in fact going to my clinic today).
At the time only had to show a bank statement and the clinic letter stating I signed up for the treatment. I could’ve done remote worker but showing company forms seemed more of a pain. I did it online as a USA citizen.
Costs me 7000thb for 10 sessions spaced every 2-3 weeks. My hair stopped falling.
So for the one comment about how if you’re on soft power can you show continuous need, that’s one way.
At the time only had to show a bank statement and the clinic letter stating I signed up for the treatment. I could’ve done remote worker but showing company forms seemed more of a pain. I did it online as a USA citizen.
Costs me 7000thb for 10 sessions spaced every 2-3 weeks. My hair stopped falling.
So for the one comment about how if you’re on soft power can you show continuous need, that’s one way.
Guillermo *********
Anonymous participant 664 wow brother well you can always get a haircut and explain that you might need more sessions as you have less hair. In your specific scenario it may me pause for a second as maybe you do qualify for long treatement and thus the dtv. But for those that want to learn muay thai for a month its harder for me to justify their dtv status in a continous basis
Anonymous ******************
@Guillermo ********
i don't "might". I really do need it 😃 (it works)If all you need is muay thai for a month, then just get the regular tourist visa.
If you want the DTV just out of convenience, and you don't have/don't want the remote worker option, then the hair loss treatment (or some other, I don't know, IV vitamins drip?) is something to consider. I don't have to go every 2-3 weeks, I could go every 2 months and so the 7000 thb package would last a whole year, if it came to showing any sort of "proof".
Which we're presuming it's required, I haven't even really seen any posts about "when i entered last time on dtv on soft power they made me verify xyz..'?
Guillermo *********
Anonymous participant 664 just keep traveling every 90 days. I would not do any kind of formal paperwork with the soft power things . You dont want to be the first that gets into trouble. My 2 cents 🙏
Reply to
Guillermo *********
Reply
Jimmy ****
What were the questions?
Paulie ********
Filling what form?
Peter *********
Been happening at Chang Mai for a while, nothing to do with how you applied for the DTV.
Guillermo *********
I have been saying this for sometime. Yes its easier to get this visa via the soft options but there will be checks. MARK MY WORDS AND SAVE THIS POST. Welcome to Thailand my friend 🙏
Greg ********
@Guillermo ********
Yesterday they were def pushing Workaytion over SP.Guillermo *********
@Greg *******
when i heard of this visa i really thought this was the only way you could apply for this. Than i decided to apply and saw all this nonsense. If you want to learn how to cook thai food or Muay Thai go with a student visa at least that would be the common sense. I dont see how registering for a month of classes can contribute overall to the thai economy. I think they will close the loophole soon and just limit the scope to just remote workers/business owner etc. As for the people that were given this visa already with any of the soft routes i anticipate an interface where those would need to upload their classes to remain in status for the validity of the visa thus making people pay every for classes 6 months to remain in status. My 2 cents 🙏Anonymous ******************
@Guillermo ********
well imho the DTV was not needed at all to begin with for soft power as the regular tourist visa + extensions had enough timeline to cover most needs, or, for longer, then a proper student visa.So whoever thought up DTV to include soft power clearly had some other rationale or metric in mind.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 664 You have to remember politics pays a big part in all of this. No doubt it will going forward.
Guillermo *********
Anonymous participant 664 true now that i see your comment it totally makes sense. I mean i have nothing agaist those that got the visa with those routes but if you want to go to the gym for a month . I would give you a normal visa up to 60 days and keep the dtv fee. I think i have seen some people where this happened to them. They did not get rejected instead they got a different visa
Greg ********
@Guillermo ********
I think it is just a case of wait and see. The DTV was a scheme drawn up by the previous PM and the MFA. Politics change in Thailand quickly. What seems to matter most at the moment is visitor numbers then effects on GDP. The,Workaytion is easier to prove ongoing activities without paying for further courses.Guillermo *********
@Greg *******
agree i really hope to be wrong but i just dont see the DTV with soft routes sustainable in the long run. I dont see nobody wanting to come to Thailand applying for any other visa . Why would they? If the rules are so relax even retirement visas in theory need continous income to remain in effect. This visa just killed all other visas in this sense and thus dont see this sustainable 🙏Reply to
Guillermo *********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
pushing, how?Greg ********
Anonymous participant 664 Reccomending it was the best option ie if you are a remote worker apply for that option.
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
yes, but who was recommending/where?Greg ********
Anonymous participant 664 There were DTV promotions organised by TAT and presented by a Consultant in Chiang Mai yesterday. Part of the Digital Nomads week in Chiang Mai.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Peter *********
@Guillermo ********
Do you have a date in mind when you will stop saying it? How about July 2029 when the DTV is 5 years old?Guillermo *********
@Peter ********
The thais always figure it out if you give them time and i anticipate the change to be EXTREME as per the whole dtv thing. I trully feel the MFA had good intent when they created this visa. But they did not take into consideration the costs and trouble other visas offer . I have seen countless of cases people switching to DTV even when they dont qualify as they want to save the complexity they face with other products. At this point i dont see nobody going to investment , priviledge even retirement has more requirements and a financial requirement that you must keep for the entire duration of the visa. EVERYONE IS GOING AFTER DTV we might even have some thai people give up their citizenship and sign for some soft power etc its crazy 🤣Peter *********
@Guillermo ********
Especially when it's from neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar.Reply to
Peter *********
Reply
Guillermo *********
@Peter ********
soon my man once they see all the madness this has created they willl make adjustments just look at what happened to the banks. From one day to the other “NO MORE BANK ACCOUNTS”. My 2 cents 🙏Wannikea *********
@Guillermo ********
totally unrelated to DTV. Mule accounts at a branch being used as an account and money laundering mill.Peter *********
@Guillermo ********
They're more suspicious of people who didn't apply in their home country than what route you used to apply. FYI.Reply to
Peter *********
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Shandy ********
Was it your first entry on the DTV?
Anonymous ******************
@Shandy *******
The author posted he got the DTV on 17th June. So it should be the first.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Rob ******
Immigration often check any visas of all kinds, No visa is a guranteed entry to any country, Its all discretionary
Guillermo *********
@Rob *****
true and there will be a check options to “maintain people in status” just give them time the thais always figure it outAnonymous ******************
@Rob *****
Correct. Happened to me on a Non-B. ED is also known for it.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
So if they are to ask us about what are my plans and reason of DTV,, do we saying to take cooking classes?
Anonymous ******************
Participant anonyme 346 Well you better tell the truth as it is highly likely they have it in their database already... What they may ask is if you're still participating in such classes.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 826 I will be entering for the first time so I’m just curious if they ask people what’s the reason of your visit . I am on soft power DTV enrolled in cooking classes but I just want to know exactly what do I say because yes I will be in cooking classes but I’m hear to explore Thailand as well 😫
Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant 346 holiday
Anonymous ******************
Participant anonyme 346 It shouldn't be an issue... I would be careful the day you enter when not taking part in any classes anymore. Have some proves you're going to attend it and that should be fine.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Greg ********
I have been at 2 DTV presentations in Chiang Mai today. TAT and a Consultant hired by them. They asked the audience in each about their DTVs and any issues. None mentioned. There is another event tomorrow with a panel taking questions. If I get the chance I will mentioned this. TAT are really pushing the DTV. Paid for the buffet tonight :-)
Paul ********
@Greg *******
So you finally got a DTV or still thinking about it? :)Greg ********
@Paul *******
One of the reasons I went to was to discuss option. No decision yet. We discussed LTR and BOI Smart S too as a few others are considering that as 1) They might want to work with Thai Business 2) Tax benefitsReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
wait so does it mean they actually want you to get it? Do you know the percentages of approval vs denial? It seems that alot of people get denied for no reason ie they have the funds but still got denied-rejectedGreg ********
Anonymous participant 406 Numbers were not forthcoming. I asked about total numbers and not officially available. Advice exactly as you get on here. As different embassies and Consulates have different requirements research well. Ask for advice and prepare your application well. The person first reviewing you application in all probability is local clerical hire. They are not Thai MFA people. Those make the decision but the document checks are done first. This is the case in most embassies I know for most countries though. Clarity in your application is key. As for funds it was mentioned a personal account with normal transactions looks best. Depositing 500k into an empty account and letting it just sit there is not a good look
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
regarding the review that is exactly what Taipei told me - local admin check first and Thai MFA make final decision.Greg ********
@Andi **********
Same in most embassies When the BritEmbassy used to do visa a local hire does first review. Mostly just checking all papers in order. Then Consular Officer has final say so. Has to be remembered for most of the applications English is not their native language and most applications are in English. If it is not clear to them they can ask for clarity or more documentation.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
You can’t cook Thai curries for 5 years … or can you ?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 263 also mango sticky rice
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 263 I can not say who said it at 2 DTV events I was at today but Workaytion was being pushed as the preferred and best option.
Golden ****
@Greg *******
Fortunately, my DTV visa is for remote workers.Greg ********
@Golden ***
I have said from the beginning it is the best option 1) Easier to extend in country 2) if border checks on activities are implemented you just show you are working remotely. No need to book and pay for more SP courses etcGolden ****
@Greg *******
I am actually a real remote programmer, and I can work with just a laptop. So I submitted the remote worker directly and obtained a DTV visa.Reply to
Golden ****
Reply
Guillermo *********
@Greg *******
it has the less abuse as they really go deep into the financials of the applicants. With the soft options you could go for cooking school for a month and potentially stay in thailand for 5 years . I really dont think this is sustainable at least not in its current form 🙏Reply to
Guillermo *********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Participant anonyme 263 If you could please tell that to my thai wife 🙏
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Ray *****
The visa issued does not say "workation" on it so they must take people at their word that it is
Peter *********
@Ray ****
Some do have it in the remarks but most are the same.Anonymous ******************
@Ray ****
my E visa says ‘Remote Worker’Anonymous ******************
Participant anonyme 879 Right. Some others Muay Thai have it written next to "remark".
Ray *****
Anonymous participant 826 Not in mine. Only remark says employment prohibited
Golden ****
@Ray ****
I have applied as a remote worker, and the note also states: 'Employment prohibited'.Luit *****************
@Ray ****
When it is not in the remarks, that does not mean it is also not in their system. I don't expect Thai authorities to remove your file as soon as you are approved.Tom ***********
@Ray ****
mine says "Workcation" in the remarks on my visa just above the valid dates and below the number of entries allowed.Reply to
Tom ***********
Reply
Paul ********
This whole story is suspect. ‘When I was filling up my form…’ What form was that exactly ? Your TDAC which should have been completed before immigration ?
Nowhere do you have to specify that you are workcation or soft power so I don’t know what you are going on about…
Nowhere do you have to specify that you are workcation or soft power so I don’t know what you are going on about…
Stephen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
I would say that's a very good question, but you didn't actually ask a question so I'm going to pretend that you did. It's a separate form from the tdac but it asked basically a lot of the same questions. When I was reading it I tried to give them my tdac qr sheet that I printed out but they didn't want it.
It basically was asking name, address in Thailand, purpose for being here, etc. The same stuff that is on the tdac. There were three lines where it was asking something about financial support and that is where I didn't understand what they wanted me to put. So I asked the lady. After asking me what my purpose was in Thailand and I said vacation and that I had a company she told me to go to Lane one and they processed my stamp.
You seem to think this is a lie and I'm not sure how that would benefit me or be a detriment to anybody else. Your comment seems a bit ridiculous. Though I do find it, funny that a man with a cartoon character as a profile picture finds other things suspicious.
I wasn't giving anybody. Any advice on doing something different only being prepared when they come through the line..... Which seems like everybody should be doing anyway.
Anonymous ******************
@Stephen *********
Don't worry. Anything that goes against the dream of an easy, cheap visa allowing 5 years entries with zero questions, no requirements, and full benefits (whether written by a named person or anonymous) will get the same kind of pushback, often with no real argument. Most people here are new to Thailand and have no clue how immigration or the government actually works. Yet you'll still see plenty of self-proclaimed experts calling you a liar just for explaining that visas come with rules and requirements. Things are getting stricter (extension rules, bank rules, and more) but they prefer to keep their eyes closed to it.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Luit *****************
@Paul *******
Why is it suspect when an IO just does his job?Paul ********
@Luit ****************
you missed the point. The OP story was the suspect oneLuit *****************
@Paul *******
OP describes an IO doing his or her job, what is suspect?Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Guillermo *********
@Luit ****************
next come an interface where they have to upload classes to justify and remain “in status” it wont be pretty but again this is what i think will happen. It will make alot of folks mad i anticipate. Paying for classes why ITS NOT FAIR and than the whining as of why just explain me why they have to change rules all of the sudden its coming . Lets hope in wrong 🤣Luit *****************
@Guillermo ********
I think rules are already clear, it is just about how they are enforced or not, and that can indeed chang all in a sudden.When you use a visa correct that will not have a big impact, it might cost a little of your time and maybe some administration.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Paul *******
Immigration has already your DTV profile in their system and even before you arrive for the first time. I highly doubt they don't know what type of DTV you're holding. Some people had it written on their DTV papers.Anonymous ******************
@Paul *******
I hear this happens at the Chang Mai airport mostly this is not the first time this is like the 20th timeBobby *********
@Paul *******
officers see your visa info when you arrive. I was not even asked to show mine this week.Tim *********
@Bobby ********
they don't. they see dtv but not for whatLuit *****************
@Tim ********
How do you know what they see?Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Seun **********
Interesting
Tom ***********
It should stand to reason that given the past abuses of the educational visa (according to this board) that it would be a better idea to apply via workcation/remote worker than soft power if you can, as you could easily be asked over the course of the next five years about your current enrollment and progress in 1. Muay Thai or 2. Thai Cooking if that's the route you choose.
Paul ********
@Tom **********
Was there ever a suggestion/requirement that you need to be enrolled in a cooking course for the 5 year period ?Tom ***********
@Paul *******
if you look at this or the previously mentioned EV, immigration officials have asked for updates and as one poster here noted who was taking a Thai course, spoke to them in Thai only presumably to gauge whether they were taking it. You're welcome to FAFO as they say but if you can hold a remote job or earnings from abroad I don't see why you would choose to sign up for and possibly be asked about proof of your ongoing classes any time you return to the Kingdom especially as Thailand is known to pivot off previous decisions (see the current change in weed legalization proposed).
Anonymous ******************
@Paul *******
Immigration is asking for it when extending in Thailand though... That's not a suggestion, that's a fact. And that was decided months after the issuance of the first DTVs.Paul ********
Anonymous participant 826 Tell me anon, what is your interpretation of the DTV regulations. How often should we be engaged in cooking classes to satisfy immigration? I’d be interested to learn
Peter *********
@Paul *******
Just ignore the clowns who think their DTV is better just because they applied via workation. Even though it's no different unless it says it in the remarks.Anonymous ******************
@Paul *******
What's about bringing relevant argument to support your suspicions instead of focusing on my name?! I mean your avatar isn't much better isn't it 😂. And yes, immigration is asking for ongoing classes when extending with them, feel free to get informed. I don't need to interpret it.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Guillermo *********
@Tom **********
the abuses are still current there have been plenty of cases that i have seen and i have been here only a couple of days 🙏Reply to
Guillermo *********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Good to know.
Jordan *******
Good news
Reply to
Jordan *******
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