What are the risks of being denied entry to Thailand on a DTV visa?

DENIED ENTRY AND SENT BACK WITH DTV VISA.

Date: 13/8

Location: Phuket

Initial Flag at Queue: Lack of return ticket booked. I have entered Thailand between 5-7 times in the last year and was never asked for this previously.

Final Reason for Denial: Direct Quote from the IO 'Foreigners coming with a 5 Year Visa for a 6 month or 1 year schedule is nonsense' He used that EXACT word.

Posting anonymously for obvious reasons but I do feel it's important to share that I am currently sat locked in a deportation room with two other women waiting to be sent back despite having a valid DTV visa. I just skimmed the group and saw a similar post. This is a real threat in Phuket and the immigration officer was all too happy to tell me he deported someone yesterday for the exact same reason. It's not fear mongering because it is happening. Just during my time being pulled aside, several other tourists were sent back for visiting twice within three months on visa exempt. There was also a girl with the workcation option that was pulled aside too.The airline agent also told me people were deported back to Barcelona for taking a picture while in the immigration line earlier today.

I was initially questioned about a return ticket, pulled aside and made to fill out a declaration paper. I was then asked about my occupation and online business and the IOs were focused on my business until I mentioned Muay Thai because my documentation was for soft power. They completely pivoted and began asking for all of my soft power documents and financials. I understand enough Thai to know they were adamant that five year visas should not be given for courses and this visa was incorrect. Ultimately, I was denied entry because my initial application was made with a six month course and in their words was 'expired' based on the receipt day in my documentation. I spoke to several IOs and tried calmly explaining my travels and passport history to show that I hadn't been in the country for the summer months and was in contact with my gym who would be happy to oblige their request of sending updated receipts and paperwork. They refused and said once the date of a receipt of payment reaches the duration of the course the visa is no longer valid. I don't know if they even checked the dates of my arrival because plenty of people apply in advance. They had zero interest in considering someone might continue Muay Thai without a receipt and repeatedly said 'My boss will not allow this.'

The conversation got increasingly murky when they told the woman helping me book a return flight that I needed to cancel my visa and request a correct one. They told me the DTV was not for Muay Thai. Again, they ignored the fact there was nothing inherently wrong with the visa for it to be cancelled. Furthermore, I waited to switch from an METV to DTV and know that visas cannot be cancelled. There are several posts in this group about not being able to have two active visas as well. I asked several times how I could resolve this and was repeatedly told I needed to return to my last stop.

I was also not allowed to get my checked luggage or personal items from my partner and had them downstairs in an airline office with electronics and valuables that my partner had been carrying for me.

After accepting that I was being denied entry, I was lead into a room and presented with a legal document that required my signature claiming I was denied entry due to 'having no appropriate means of living on entering the Kingdom.' This was factually untrue and when I pressed back the woman tried to tell me it was just a general statement. I said I wasn't going to sign a document that acknowledged something different happening than what actually occurred. When I questioned about having the right to appeal this in 48 hours, I was told I could do that but if I took this to the minister and was denied, I would be blacklisted. This is factually untrue based on my research. If you lose an appeal the original blacklisting or deportation order remains.

After this, I did speak with an immigration officer who I hadn't seen before. I was honest and explained I want to be thorough to lessen my chances of this happening again. She said the IO would still have the right to refuse my entry but if I reentered with updated Soft Power information then perhaps the issues could be resolved. She did say I would need to be interviewed again.

I have a flight booked out but I'm now locked in a deportation room with two women that have been in here for two days and leaving tomorrow. I can knock for food or water. There is no hot water but there is a shower. I plan on traveling elsewhere for a bit while I process this experience and I hope to come back at a later date but honestly, this has really shocked me. I hadn't checked this group recently as I've never had an issue but I wish I had.

Please always have a return ticket booked and do not let any of your documentation lapse or you will be denied entry.