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Answereda year ago

What challenges might a Swedish programmer face when applying for a DTV to return to Thailand after a history of visa runs and overstays?

Digital Work Visa Thai Immigration Rules Visa Applications Visa Extensions Consultancy Work Expat Life in Thailand

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

asked Aug 2, 2025

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Hi all,

Looking at getting a DTV and returning to Thailand, but I keep hearing immigration is getting stricter.

Currently in Vietnam, Swedish citizen, programmer, have the required finances.

Just left a startup, now between jobs (own a  consultancy company, but no invoices for the past year). Multiple visa runs, tourist extensions, one-day overstay. Last entry immigration told me I won’t get in again without a DTV.

Should I expect issues with my background? Anything I should prep for?

Thanks!

Answer summary

A Swedish citizen currently in Vietnam is planning to apply for a Digital Work Visa (DTV) to return to Thailand. They express concerns about potential issues due to previous visa runs, tourist extensions, and a minor overstay. Community members reassure that the DTV is suitable for individuals with their background and emphasize the importance of showing financial stability. They suggest preparing a cover letter to explain their situation and highlight the need for sufficient funds. Setbacks regarding past immigration may be minimal if proper documentation and finances are presented.

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AllSabaai ******

AllSabaai ******

Nothing to worry ka

Have fund , documents all good

The max if hard day will ask to see the money in Bank app , or company documents ( at worst) , but super rare.

One day overstay stamp in the past, won't be a big issue.

Safe flight to Thailand ka and welcome to our country 🙏

1

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

@AllSabaai *****

Great, and how strict are they about the 3-6 month rules usually? Only liquidated recently..

0

AllSabaai ******

AllSabaai ******

Anonymous participant About application it depends on the embassy and location where you apply... we can't give you answers to that

0

A. ************

A. ************

You also might want to consider a cover letter explaining your situation: consultant that was contracted/employed by a startup for the last x amount of time, but now going back to consulting. Stipulate that you will not do any work for Thai companies, etc. Also, have a nice chunk of 💲 will probably help, not just the bare minimum.

1

Dan ********

Dan ********

Mine was a start up. I applied in Australia. I just made sure there was a lot more than the minimum 500,000 baht.

0

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

same, I can show dev software working(github), but no invoices, but a lot of money bank/broker, I hope I will be fine

0

Dan ********

Dan ********

Anonymous participant 480 I didn’t need to show invoices. I had a salary transfer going from my business bank account to my personal account. I did this for 6 months before I applied.

0

Wannikea *********

Wannikea *********

Your past is virtually a non issue once you get the DTV, both as far as the MFA is concerned as well as immigration when you arrive.

1

Johan ********

Johan ********

Hur länge kunde du vara kvar och enbart göra Visa runs och visa extensions innan immigration bad dig att skaffa ett DTV till nästa gång ?

0

James ********

James ********

possibly two times with an extension each time, if you are lucky. Thai Immigration is cracking down on those who are using the visa exempt entry, tourist visas and extensions to live in Thailand.

1

Johan ********

Johan ********

Yes, we've heard that they're starting to get tougher on people who repeatedly do visa exemptions. But that they would deny entry to people who come with tourist visas issued in their home country is not something I've heard about in any group anyway.

0

James ********

James ********

they are, IF there's a pattern of one obtaining the tourist visa repeatedly. At what point does one not become a tourist ?

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Ah sorry for the confusion. Three visa exemptions with one extension in my case, no tourist visas

0

Zou ********

Zou ********

Hey guys this visa is designed for people like you so be confident. At immigration they can ask anything they want and you just have to show them that you don’t work illegally and you have money to enjoy your life here

6

Debra *********

Debra *********

I’m looking forward to mine going well. It will be my first time coming to Thailand, I’m applying for the Non-immigration retirement visa. I have the required monthly income and probably put 30,000 in my checking account there once I can open it.

Any advice would greatly be appreciative. Thanks

0

Zou ********

Zou ********

@Debra ********

so you just gather all documents and prepare for your application or get an agent to do the job for you it’s your choice. It’s Thailand money talks

1

Debra *********

Debra *********

Thx you so very much!!

0

Zou ********

Zou ********

@Debra ********

u can ib me if u want , I will answer when I have time

1

Debra *********

Debra *********

Thx a bunch Zou appreciate your support! I did my own residency for #curacao and I want to do this one but will reach out for legal help if I need it.

1

James ********

James ********

pardon me, but that is not how it is happening in today's Thailand. Get the correct Thai Visa for your planned visit or stay in Thailand.

0

Greg ********

Greg ********

Some Embassies have issued a DTV to brand new startup/freelancer while others want a record. Look for those that haven't approved as new freelancers. I think there was one posted just this week.

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