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What are the potential future enforcement measures for DTV visa holders in Thailand?
DTV VisaImmigration RegulationsProof of FundsRemote WorkSoft Power VisaVisa EnforcementThailand Expat Community
Apr 18, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone,
As many of us who have lived in Thailand for a number of years know, immigration rules can shift without much warning. I wanted to hear your thoughts on the new DTV visa, particularly regarding future enforcement.
How long do you think it will be before immigration officers at airports or land borders start requesting more detailed proof from DTV visa holders—such as:
– Proof of ongoing funds (e.g., showing that the 500,000 THB minimum is still available)
– Evidence that remote workers are still actively working for the company they listed on their application
– For those who applied through the Soft Power route, confirmation that they are actually attending classes or programs (e.g., signed attendance or progress reports)
Do you think this type of enforcement is likely in the near future, or will things stay relatively hands-off?
As many of us who have lived in Thailand for a number of years know, immigration rules can shift without much warning. I wanted to hear your thoughts on the new DTV visa, particularly regarding future enforcement.
How long do you think it will be before immigration officers at airports or land borders start requesting more detailed proof from DTV visa holders—such as:
– Proof of ongoing funds (e.g., showing that the 500,000 THB minimum is still available)
– Evidence that remote workers are still actively working for the company they listed on their application
– For those who applied through the Soft Power route, confirmation that they are actually attending classes or programs (e.g., signed attendance or progress reports)
Do you think this type of enforcement is likely in the near future, or will things stay relatively hands-off?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the potential future enforcement measures for DTV visa holders in Thailand, particularly regarding the necessity to provide proof of ongoing funds, evidence of employment, and participation in Soft Power programs. While some community members express concerns about the likelihood of increased scrutiny by immigration officials, others highlight the existing lack of enforcement for similar visas and the unpredictability of future regulations. Participants emphasize the importance of being prepared with required documentation, though opinions vary on the actual need for such proof during immigration checks.
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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Asso ******
I would like to ask any and all of the anonymous posters who spread panic about IOs asking "Proof of ongoing funds (e.g., showing that the 500,000 THB minimum is still available)", where is the rule/law that states you must put 500K in your account and keep it there for 5 years in order to be eligible for DTV? There is no such rule. Therefore they cannot ask this from you just like that. People do not carry their 6 month bank statements just in case. It would also not be very safe to constantly carry a statement showing a high bank balance with you all the time.
Ray *****
Why would they? They don't do those checks for retirement or marriage at the airport or land borders currently. Things can of course change but if you meet the original requirements then that is all you need to worry about for now
David ********
DTV is a 5 year visa wait and see what happens in 5 years. Immagration can't ask for documents on arrival there are ti many people on this visa now it's multi entry so why would they ask it would take forever and who would carry all the documents.if you go to immagration for renew another 180 days you must show but border bounce no problem. It's not something anyone could predict and why would you worry about that.
Felipe *********
Hard to verify ongoing employment unless they get deep into asking for tax returns or payslip, can they do it? Sure, is it going to be time consuming, definitely.
Paul *******
@Felipe ********
Tax returns asked for at consulates. Can't see it being asked for at immigration in Thailand when entering the country. No way for immigration to verify its authenticity or to deal with lots of different languages.Paul *******
@Felipe ********
An IO can't verify overseas employment. Not their jurisdictionFelipe *********
@Paul ******
they have asked for tax return though, so it's not too crazy to think they might do it. It's their jurisdiction as long as you are requesting a visa in their country.Reply to
Felipe *********
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Anonymous ******************
We currently not sure but from what I'm hearing checks will be regular made to make sure people still meeting the criteria and have sufficient funds to support their stay in Thailand, definitely proof of funds etc
Nakula **********
At least for muay thai if you are at a good gym they are tracking your class attendance for soft power or at least starting to
John *********
Just keep at least 500k THB in your Thai bank account, if you get questioned at immigration, seems unlikely just show them the balance on your mob app. Proof of funds is the most important criteria
Nick *******
@John ********
you can’t get a Thai bank account with a DTV right now! 🤷🏻♂️Anonymous ******************
@John ********
shouldn’t do that, Thai banks pay almost nothing in interest and that’s leaving a lot on the table.Losing around 20,000 baht in interest at 4% in most easy access savings accounts
John *********
Anonymous participant 760 not relevant doesn't matter about the interest, it's about have min balance of 500k at all times, then they have nothing to query. Let's face it if you can't keep at least 500k thb in your account or equivalent in another account then really you shouldn't be in Thailand 500k is nothing, just keep it in whatever account you choose, interest, low interest etc as long as you always have that sum, you can run the risk and only have 25k in your account but that could lead to awkward question on entering again. Immigration can cancel any visa if they see fit to do so, just not worth the risk. Anyway, everyone is free to do as they so decide
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
but you don’t have to keep the 500k in a Thai account, it’s not a requirement…Anonymous ******************
@John ********
What do you mean “not relevant”? 500,000 baht is a lot of money to many people, and losing out on something like 20,000 baht a year in free interest absolutely is relevant.First off, it doesn’t even need to be in a Thai bank account. And not everyone has a Thai bank account.
What matters is that you have access to a bank account—anywhere—that holds the equivalent of 500,000 baht and can be shown if required.
So if there’s a bank offering 4% interest for doing nothing, why wouldn’t you keep the money there? That’s free money just for parking your funds smartly.
So yes—it is relevant, on multiple levels.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 760 you make a good point. the interest rates in a Thai savings account is only about 0.25%- 0.5% …
Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Siggi *******
@John ********
imo can't ask for money, this would be the same if people on retirement visa have to show their balance or people on MTV. And there is also no force to work or what kind of work you have to do. How long you do not work inside Thailand. Imo's ask frequently questions like they do in every country. A embassy is the place where they check all paperwork. Why people get nervous if a imo ask a question? There is no other responsibility than have a valid passport and a valid visa if you enter a country.John *********
@Siggi ******
Immigration aren't asking you for money that wouldn't be legal but they can ask for proof of funds under what ever visa you have and the rules under that Visa. Immigration are all powerful they can decide who enters or doesn't. They are a separate dept from Ministry of Affairs.Siggi *******
@John ********
they can't ask for prove if yes they would do it for the 100 thousand retirees too or for the MTV where you have to have 5000 euro for 6 month on bank account, for the visa you need this money on the date of application bit the day you get your visa you can do with the money what ever you want. Don't post lies when you don't know laws. If you do an extension they can ask for prove of your extension but not when you enter the country. You never worked for police, customs or immigration so just shut up. All the people who posting wrong information should be banned
John *********
@Siggi ******
I think I know more about immigration than you do, anyway, maybe you just don’t understand how powerful they are. You definitely don’t want to be marked as a person to watch. Another who doesn’t understand Thai logic🤦🏻♀️ Your naivety shows ..”there is no other responsibility than to have a valid passport and a valid visa if you enter a country” that’s western logic 🤷🏿♀️Anonymous ******************
@John ********
I work for immigration so I def know more than you!Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Dany ********
No one knows. But it is more likely than not that there will be some scrutiny in the future. Just be prepared with your documents when that happens.
Anonymous ******************
What could happen with long term stayers on things like agents putting money into bank accounts to obtain the retirement visa/extension , this could be all finished overnight . Everything is possible here and will only get stricter. The technology is available.
Anna *********
Given you have lived in Thailand for a number of years you should know that no one has a clue at this stage ( not even the people who make the decisions) Come back in 5 years for answers 😀
Anonymous ******************
If only you asked yesterday I could have told you the answers on all points.
However I dropped my Crystal Ball so can’t help!
However I dropped my Crystal Ball so can’t help!
Tim ***********
Nothing lasts forever in Thailand. You live here for the moment. Right now, the DTV is a good option for living a quiet life for one or one and a half years without major stress or headaches, and no one can say what will happen after that. It's very likely that they'll demand the things you wrote above from us in the future. But in Thailand, there's always a way around it, which is why we love Thailand so much. The Facebook group is incredibly active and helpful, and with our collective intelligence, we'll overcome any future hurdles.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tim **********
good points 👍Reply to
Anonymous *************
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