What are the requirements for obtaining a 5-year multiple entry visa in Thailand, and do they necessitate continued participation in an approved activity?

Question

After my last post showing my 14th successful entry into Thailand on a soft power DTV obtained with a 1 month course I thought would be helpful to show the official wording outlining the requirements to obtain a 5 YEAR MULTI ENTRY VISA. This is for all the negative Nancy's out there claiming the frankly ridiculous notion that you must be enrolled in the approved activity for the entire length of the visa. Many people claimed I was a visa abuser, that my luck will run out and that I won't be so lucky next time. When questioned, not a single one of these people could prove their claims. The requirements are clearly listed and I am yet to see a single piece of evidence showing a requirement to prove continued participation. Please, if anyone knows why these people believe in this fantasy post it here for all to see. Until then I'll keep enjoying my extended stay in the kingdom without a worry 😜 Cheers.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the author's experience with a 5-year multiple-entry visa obtained through a short DTV course and addresses misconceptions about visa requirements, particularly claims that ongoing participation in an approved activity is necessary for entry. The comments emphasize differing opinions on immigration enforcement, the distinction between visa acquisition and actual entry requirements, and concerns about potential scrutiny from immigration officers upon entry.

Alan ********** · Answer

So, you're basically confessing to abusing the DTV. 🤔

But you're right. Those ARE the requirements for obtaining the visa.

As for STAYING in the country............ Good  luck. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Za ******* · Answer

Wow, you put there a list with the application requirements. After getting the visa, your entry in the country is not guaranteed, Immigration has the last word. If you believe in the fantasy that after receiving the visa all the requirements get scrapped means you are very naive. Immigration can ask you anytime for proof of funds since you need money to support yourself during your 180 days and they can also ask for an ongoing Soft Power activity. There are countless of posts where people were questioned and some were denied entry for failing to provide the requested information(and please don’t come and say that those were f*ake posts or were posted by anonymous members). And yes, having a 5 year Soft Power based visa and booking only a 1 month course it is a major visa abuse.  Regardless of your beliefs, if you have the luck to be questioned by Immigration I can guarantee you that you will have problems. Until then keep living your fantasy

Rob *********** · Answer

I have no idea whether you are right or wrong, however, don't conflate "requirements" with "required documents".

Marianne ******** · Answer

This list only pertains to what is required to GET the visa.

A visa is not a guaranteed entry, and it it is at the discretion of the officer you meet at the door what you will need to continue to prove when entering.

The Embassies and Consulates processing and accepting/denying visas, and Immigration at the border and entry points, are governed by different sections of the government.

Immigration inside of Thailand is known to not really like the DTV, and there are reports of people having to show up to date proof to be allowed to enter.

Do I think it happens to most? No.

I think most entries are smooth as butter.

But saying you stick your head in the sand and pretend it doesn't happen at all is just silly.

What are the requirements for obtaining a 5-year multiple entry visa in Thailand, and do they necessitate continued participation in an approved activity?

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