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

7 days 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.

3,001

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

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.

6 days ago

Charles **********

@Paul ******

just last month the Bangkok post, which is probably closer to immigration and Thai government

Published an article saying DTV promotion to be stepped up

I see very little chance of it being caned, but there may be a small chance the requirements are tightened

5 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Charles *********

Indeed, you're correct.

5 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Jens ********

i don't like this video. it is neither: true, nor kind, nor necessary or at least helpful.

6 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jens *******

Exactly. This is only one of perhaps half a dozen or more similar videos, where he goes on and on about something he knows very little about.

6 days ago

Jens ********

@Paul ******

completely agree! in the beginning of dtv, there was one essential video of a travel blogger, in which he interviewed a deputy minister. this was most helpful. i hope, this guy moves on and publishes a second clip where he asks about getting an account (legally enabled), 90 days, potential permission to work…

6 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jens *******

Yes, I remember that vlogger, Chris from RWFU interviewing an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

6 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Darren ********************

Blatant clickbait title.

6 days ago

Oliver ********

Unquestionably, the DTV is a far superior alternative to many other visa types, which obviously annoys people / groups who earn money from those other visa types.

Looking ahead, it seems likely / possible (nobody knows) that 2 main things could change:

1. eligibility rules could be tightened up, especially for the 'soft power' category, because it's so open to abuse.

2. the DTV and especially the 'workcation' category could become less attractive, if and when the tax authorities get strict tax on global income.

But, both of these are just possibilities, the former is just motivation for anyone considering DTV to get it ASAP, and the latter is just something that those with DTV for workcation will need to consider if and when the time comes.

However, the DTV doesn't come with enough benefits to attract enough people to have the major negative consequences on society that digital nomad visa / residency schemes have had in some other countries, so I don't see what the trigger for it being cancelled would be.

7 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Oliver *******

100%. It still requires border runs, even if they're not as frequent as with existing/previous multiple entry visas. That alone makes it less attractive to many people.

I also agree that they might tighten up or even scrap the soft power category.

6 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Ray *****

Absolute nonsense. The reality is they want people here long term to spend money

7 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ray ****

Exactly and thus it's more than absurd to think they would create a visa class that suddenly can't be used over the course of 5 years as intended for no reason.

7 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Steve ***************

Benjamin Hart reports nothing more than his personal opinion, a classic case of clickbate to drive traffic in his direction.

7 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve **************

What annoys me the most is how he's adamant he knows Thai immigration better than Thai immigration itself.

7 days ago

Steve ***************

@Paul ******

that in itself, if you have spend more than a few years in Thailand is the ultimate oxymoron

7 days ago

Reply to

Steve ***************

Anon*****

Put simply—there's no lawyer needed for the DTV—therefore there's no incentive for him to promote it favorably.

I expect he sees the DTV is a threat to business, where people get 5-year access to Thailand, of which he can't capitalise on like he's done with marriage and business visas.

His entire channel and "news" is around manufacturing fear in his watchers, to try and prospect his own services and generate revenue from legal advice.

Frankly, he's been spreading misinformation about the DTV since day one which has ruined all credibility for me. Much like he was excessively critical towards any of these "new generation" visas like the LTR or SMART visa initiatives.

Ultimately, he's just another foreigner trying to gate keep Thailand, by criticising government action in the Kingdom, when he's not Thai and has no right to.

James ********

Correct ✅

Marcin *******

what makes you think he has no right to criticise?

6 days ago

Anon*****

Common sense. It's in a foreigners best interest not to criticise the exact government agencies that have allowed him to stay here, as an immigrant or non-immigrant.

I'm sure he's well aware of the defamation laws and legal impacts of his constant criticism the MFA or the Royal Thai Police Immigration Buaeu—by constantly slandering their policies and motives—he's not doing himself any favors.

6 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Anon*****

That's a good point. I'm sure the MFA know what they're doing and his constant criticism of them, as if they were a completely incompetent agency for creating this visa is another thing that completely confuses and annoys me. I mean, they're a branch of the Thai government that deals with external affairs, including issuing Thai passports to Thai citizens and visas...they seem pretty competent to me.

6 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

George *******

@Anon*****

exactly!

7 days ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Anon*****

Actually, he is a naturalized Thai citizen, but the rest or your comment is spot on. He's definitely spreading fear and misinformation.

7 days ago