What are the main criticisms and potential future outcomes of the Digital nomad visa (DTV) in Thailand?

Digital Nomad Visa Thailand Visa Visa Rules Benjamin Hart Expatriate Issues Visa Policies Immigration Public Opinion on Visa

Nov 7, 2024

a month ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Requesting permission to post this video from Integrity Legal. Seems like Benjamin Hart has a real problem with this visa (and by extension, his friend, Barry Kenyon from the Pattaya Mail), believing such things as, 1) no in-country extensions will be possible; 2) it will lead to an influx of Westerners and other foreigners that will "disrupt" the Thai way of life and 3) that it can't be used for de facto residence in Thailand. 4) That Thailand based employment would be allowed when this visa was first announced (I don't remember that claim at all).

Firstly, for 1) it's too early to say what will happen. Let's wait and see and stop with the endless back and forth speculation. For 2) that's complete nonsense; only a few thousand DTVs have been approved, that's a drop in the ocean compared to the millions of tourists that have entered Thailand since the DTV became available in mid July. Not to mention there have probably been thousands more agent assisted extensions of stay for retirement, marriage and other purposes issued in that time. 3) Why would the DTV be different to a multiple entry non-imm visa? Other than some land borders possibly insisting on a night or two outside of the country between visits (especially if you "max out" the nearly 6 month stay limit) I don't see why DTV holders won't be able to come and go as freely as multiple entry non-imm B and O holders have been so far. 4) Sounds like he's making that up or has misunderstood something.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion centers around Benjamin Hart's critical views on the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, where he expresses concerns over its implications for foreign residency, potential disruptions to Thai society, and the legality of using the visa for local employment. Community members counter these points, arguing that the number of DTV approvals remains low and that the visa offers considerable advantages. They speculate that Hart's commentary may stem from self-interest, as it challenges traditional visa routes he advocates. Participants call for a more measured approach, urging patience to observe the DTV's impact without succumbing to sensationalism.

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.

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Why would this visa be canceled? What rationale is there for making such an assumption? Because one or two people such as Benjamin Hart and his buddy Barry Kenyon don't like it? So far at least, I have not seen a shred of evidence that even one of the few thousand individuals who've been issued with one have done anything against the law or acted in such a way that this visa would need to be reviewed.

Consulates are gradually tightening up on the application criteria and the very nature of the visa seems to exclude a large number of people anyway.

Last I heard, only 2500-3500 of these visas have been approved since their launch on July 15? That's nothing really. Nothing to get upset over. Nothing to hold a grudge over.