Phuket Extension update (posting for science. I don’t care if you think flying out is easier):
Went with the wife and kids this morning to extend (DTV— Digital nomad / remote worker + follower). Did not receive it, but I’ll be going back in a few days. Here’s why—
What I brought (for me):
- Application, 4x6 photo, copy of TM30, passport copies, copy of 90 day notification, copy of lease agreement, proof of payment to landlord
- copy of bank statement (Jan. 26-Feb. 26) showing 500,000 THB (Chase Bank, $15,000+)
- screenshot of current balance
- Articles of Organization for (my own) LLC
- Annual report for LLC
- Document from IRS showing Employer Identification Number
- A copy of one of our digital products
- (self written) Letter of Authorization for remote work (from my own company)
For my wife:
- Application + photo + passport copies + 90 day notification copy
- Bank statement + current balance
- Copy of marriage certificate
- copy of lease agreement, TM30, payment
Outcome
The officer was very kind. He let me know that I truly had everything in order. However there were two problems:
1. The Remote Work Auth. letter was the same copy I used when I applied for the visa originally. It was dated September, 2024. He wanted a newer copy (presumably from 2025). Takeaway: you may need to request a new letter from your company.
2. He wanted to see a bank statement from the current month (truly the last 30 days), not simply my previous statement + current balance. Mine won’t be auto-generated for a few more days, hence the screenshot of current balance. He noticed that the screenshot showed (page 1 of 5). He wanted all 5 pages, not just the one with the balance on it. He was willing to take either what I had (with all 5 pages) or wait for the bank statement to come out. He said “bank statement is better.”
I plan to return after my statement is generated and I update the letter.
Further takeaways and clarifications
- it seems that the process goes like this:
— gather documents and get a queue number
— bring docs to counter for trainee to check
— trainee hands to officer for more detailed check while you wait a few minutes
— officer briefs you on what you still lack (if anything) before submitting, answering any questions
— once you have everything, they will submit for processing
— you come back after a few days after they’ve checked through the documents (even more!) thoroughly for stamp + pickup.
I didn’t have to pay anything today. I’m assuming that you’ll have to attach money to the application when you submit it, and then after a few days they’ll let you know if you were accepted or denied (potentially losing your fee). That’s only after a pre-check and one more thorough check by an officer who (seemed to) be really optimistic that I had everything in order.
The frustration is that this feels like I’m applying for the DTV all over again. I truly wish the requirements were unilaterally consistent and understandable across every immigration office throughout the country, because I think it would really save everyone (including staff) frustration. Ultimately, the staff and officers were very kind and helpful for the whole process.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent experience in extending a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Phuket revealed specific document requirements and procedural steps. Key issues included the need for up-to-date documents such as a new Remote Work Authorization letter and recent bank statements. The process involved gathering documents, obtaining a queue number, and having both a trainee and an officer check documents before submission. Many commenters noted inconsistencies between immigration offices and suggested that a border run could simplify the process. The original poster emphasizes the need for clearer and consistent visa requirements across different locations in Thailand.
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