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What are the experiences and rules related to entering Thailand on a DTV after applying from abroad?
DTV VisaVisa Application ProcessThailand ImmigrationBorder CrossingVisa RegulationsTourist VisaExperiences with Immigration Officers
Feb 1, 2026
3 months ago
Dust ******
ORIGINAL POSTERFunny experience with DTV. Applied December 16 from Bali. January 6th return to Thailand as a tourist(never had a border run or over stay), January 13 get DTV approved.
I went to Padang Besar by train with an idea of the same day return as I changed my status from tourist to DTV. After arriving in Malaysia I immediately went to the walking border and got rejected to enter with an explanation that I should stay in Malaysia for at least 24 hours π. Went back to the train station as I had a return ticket with the idea of changing for the next day. Decided to take a chance and spoke to Thai IO at the train station, she checked my passport, told me to buy a ticket to the first train back to Hat Yai and let me in without any problems π. 7 hours exploring Hat Yai and getting on my train back home without any issues and additional questions. Pretty budget trip by the way, overall everything was around 70 USD for the trip.
I went to Padang Besar by train with an idea of the same day return as I changed my status from tourist to DTV. After arriving in Malaysia I immediately went to the walking border and got rejected to enter with an explanation that I should stay in Malaysia for at least 24 hours π. Went back to the train station as I had a return ticket with the idea of changing for the next day. Decided to take a chance and spoke to Thai IO at the train station, she checked my passport, told me to buy a ticket to the first train back to Hat Yai and let me in without any problems π. 7 hours exploring Hat Yai and getting on my train back home without any issues and additional questions. Pretty budget trip by the way, overall everything was around 70 USD for the trip.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares a humorous and insightful experience about applying for a DTV visa while in Bali and attempting to return to Thailand. Despite the official requirement to stay outside of Thailand for at least 24 hours after applying, they managed to enter Thailand the same day by explaining their situation to an immigration officer at the train station in Malaysia. Comments highlight various opinions on immigration rules, the experiences of others with border runs, and the risks of violating unofficial rules set by local immigration officers.
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.
Pelle Erikssonβ
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Luca G.β
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Ian **********
You were lucky the DTV was not cancelled as you have to stay in the country where you apply until it is issued
Fleace ********
@Ian *********
I do not think you have to remain in the country where you applied, just out of Thailand. With that being said, It is a good idea to remain in case an interview is required. There is no guarantee one will be allowed re-entry for a required interview. Not worth the risk.Reply to
Fleace ********
Reply
Dany ********
why not just fly? same same cheap
Dust ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
it's boringJohn *********
@Dany *******
because there are many cheapskates who borrowed 500k for the application and have a few Bahts left and are supposed to be either doing a course or working remotely or generally up to no good π€¦π»ββοΈπ€·πΎββοΈDust ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
you are such a Karen, OMG πJohn *********
@Dust *****
so you've blown the 500k already π
Reply to
John *********
Reply
Colin *******
Officially you have to leave the country for 24 hours but its Thailand so money talks
Prasun *****
What does 60-17 on the top-left corner mean?
Andi ***********
Prasun Roy it is the 60 day visa exemption stamps.
Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Scott ********
I've had the DTV nearly 1yr , the visa agent I got it from told me I am only allowed to enter and leave from Suvarnabhumi Bangkok, can't enter any other port, and done it all the correct way, money in account, 7 months pay slips 3x the the requirement,
Luit *****************
Scott Garden You can enter on all border crossings where tourists are allowed.
Scott ********
@Luit ****************
Thatd what I thought, but since got the visa and the agent used said that, haven't wanted to try it, didn't make much senseReply to
Scott ********
Reply
Marek ************
the 24h is for visa exception - if you have proper visa (6-months tourist, dtv, you name it) they will let you go - or if you have no history of border runs same year too to be honest (happened to me) - yeah that was my favorite road for border run on my 6months tourist visa every 6 months - if you like sleeping in the train its perfect - sleeper - visa - dinner - sleeper - hello bkk.
Luit *****************
@Marek ***********
The 24 h is nowhere in immigration law, just an "invention" of local IO.Marek ************
I agree but it exists there to some extend :)
Reply to
Marek ************
Reply
Reed **********
Same the land crossing wants you gone a day the train station lets you in if you have reasonable history
Phil ******
Dust the 24 hour rule applies to tourist entries not DTV. make a complaint. Next time xp I int out the DTV stamp
Luit *****************
@Phil *****
I think complaining in this case is not a wise idea.Complaining might cause checks and in this case visa rules were clearly broken by not staying in the country where applied.
Exit on visa exempt and entrance on DTV at the same day could cause frown eyebrows....
A 24 hour rule not exist anywhere officially, it is just an "invention" of local IO's
Phil ******
@Luit ****************
its my opinion to OP so why not give your opinion to the OPLuit *****************
@Phil *****
I only say your advice might bring OP problems without the possibility of gaining anything, so it is a very bad advice.I wonder how you can give such an advice.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Luit *****************
2 years ago I had same experience at Pedang Besar on visa exempt, wasn't even meant as borderrun but just for some shopping.
Also have the same VOID stamp now in my passport.
It seemed to me Malaysion IO was not surprised, so I guess it happens more.
For us it was a bad experience, we went by Malaysian taxi to the Sadao border crossing, then needed to go to Pedang Besar again to get our car and drive home.
Also have the same VOID stamp now in my passport.
It seemed to me Malaysion IO was not surprised, so I guess it happens more.
For us it was a bad experience, we went by Malaysian taxi to the Sadao border crossing, then needed to go to Pedang Besar again to get our car and drive home.
Ted *********
So you applied for the DTV outside the country and then went back into Thailand to wait for the approval?β¦ hacked the system π€―
John *********
@Ted ********
he wonβt last long, they are starting to round up all the undesirables, law breakers, criminals etcJames ********
agreed... NOT a Wise thing to do.
Luke *******
@Ted ********
he got lucky they didnβt request an interview. good for him!Dust ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ted ********
life is simple βπ»Reply to
Dust ******
Reply
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