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What documents are required for re-entering Thailand on a DTV after crossing the Chiang Khong border?

Jan 9, 2026
4 months ago
Saw this posted somewhere from the Chiang Khong border crossing (4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, Chiang Khong - Huay Xai) in Chiang Rai province.

It's posted on the wall of outbound immigration, suggesting all these documents are needed to re-enter Thailand on a DTV.

I know Chiang Khong receives a lot of border runners, but hopefully this isn't the start of a new trend.

Having crossed many land borders for legitimate travel (I don't do same day border runs) I've never had any issues with either a DTV, a marriage visa or any other visa (non B multi entry or non-B with work permit and multi entry permit for instance) although at some borders, when they see a farang (westerner) they automatically assume you're a border runner and lump you into that category until it becomes clear you hold a visa and aren't intending on coming back straight away.

My hunch is that the requirements listed are for same day border runners who max out their stays or almost max them out (for instance, people who spend like 140+ days in country and come back the same day). Those spending a night or two away and/or do regular travel on the DTV are not likely to be asked for the requirements in this list.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent discussions reveal that travelers re-entering Thailand via the Chiang Khong border must be aware of specific documentation requirements related to DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) holders. While some travelers have successfully crossed without issues, others noted a new policy indicating the necessity of providing proof of bank balance or sponsorship. The community shares mixed experiences, with some suggesting that these requirements primarily target same-day border bouncers who max out their stay, rather than regular travelers.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Attila **********
*****
555
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George **********
Was there a rainbow near this somewhere also?
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Enthusiasti***********
This is true,

I've been at this border recently, and this glued right on the IO booth before you exit Thailand,

On the right side.

I did a border run with DTV

And on return was taken to side room to fill some "interview" form

This same paper was under the glass of the table there.

It was basically the same info as on tdac, I filled the form, and then was stamped 180 days.

weird experience.
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Enthusiasti***********
I have work DTV

And they didn't ask me to show anything

Just to fill an interview form with basically the same data as the tdac
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
EnthusiasticQuince4789 Ok that does sound weird but no need to show any extra documents right?
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CreativeSe**********
Was you asked to show employment or proof of soft power documents?
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Anonymous ******************
EnthusiasticQuince4789 Hi, can you talk to me in a private message?
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Enthusiasti***********
Anonymous participant 879 not sure how its possible
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Enthusiasti***********
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Steve **********
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Chris **********
This is for 90 day reports mate
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Chris **********
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Michael ****************
To anyone confused by this information posted let me give you a clue. Focus more on the people commenting who are showing their face. You can go to jail for posting inaccurate information about Thailand online. Ignore the anon posts and focus on the ones who have a CLEAR identity. Those are the people who are confident in what they’re saying and experience and are willing to show their face. The other accounts can be old expats that don’t want ppl in a country that’s not even their own or shady agents try to get people to pay them three times the DTV fee to get in Thailand.
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Anonymous ******************
Comments like these tend to age poorly,
@Michael ***************
. As a respectful guest I will do as requested: bring all documents (laminated) and able to present the original bank balances at any time.

If (anonymously) advicing others to do the same makes people feel uncomfortable, then that's on them. As with all things Thailand: better too careful than careless.
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Michael ****************
Anonymous participant 898 Oh this post will age perfectly because Thai law doesn’t allow posting misinformation online. Hey everyone has their own opinion. I’m not dumb enough to listen to one of you anon accounts. I can’t stop you from posting like that just like you can’t stop me from advising others on not to be too sure about anon accounts. Looks like there’s nothing else to do but go about our own business.
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Anonymous ******************
@Michael ***************
It's a prudent interpretation of an official poster at Chiang Kong border crossing that you should read accordingly. It doesn't matter how you feel about it, but if you truly felt comfortable in your own (relaxed) interpretation, then you wouldn't be shooting anonymous messengers or making vague defamation threats over something that is easily defended with truth.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 898 Yes, my interpretation of this poster is that the ones most likely to be asked to fulfill the requirements on the poster are same day border runners, particularly those who are close to maxing out their stays.
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Michael ****************
Anonymous participant 898 You’re making no sense at all. And you have the right to…. You’re an anon account 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
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Michael ****************
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Anonymous ******************
@Michael ***************
Except that the anonymous person you’re talking about shared a post from someone else who is clearly named. Look at it carefully before lumping everyone into the same category and focusing on names only...
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Michael ****************
Anonymous participant 905 Hey learn how to read the room 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this would be a moment for you to go against the grain. You had one job to do here lol
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Michael ****************
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Anonymous ******************
"First they ignore you, then they call you Anonymous, later they call you an agent. Eventually, they will deport everyone." - Gandhi
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Chris **********
"Anonymous participant 898 likes to make up stories" - Me
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Chris **********
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Misha *******
I arrived 5 days ago at BKK and wasn't asked one single question or asked for one single document. Took my passport and printed DTV e-visa and stamped me in
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Damian *********
@Misha ******
I was leaving Thailand, did you arrange for the visa extension at the immigration office?
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Misha *******
@Damian ********
No visa extension. Just a new 180 day stamp upon arrival
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Misha *******
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Chris **********
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Misha *******
Truth is, I think a lot depends on the IO you get. Some are either familiar with the DTV (or don't care) and some are going to question everyone
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Teddy **********
@Misha ******
of course. And it royally sucks when you get a the latter.
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Chris **********
And they have the obligation to, that's their job. But as long as you satisfy your visa requirements and there's no marks on your name in their system you will be welcomed into Thailand
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Chris **********
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Josh *****
I'm so tired of this fear mongering bs , once approved there is no rule that says you can't spend YOUR money that is what it is for, otherwise what's the point in having money if you're not going to use it to SUPPORT yourself in Thailand. You don't get vetted again after you already have DTV these signs and these post are Ba
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Michael ****************
@Josh ****
THANK YOU…. I’ve noticed a pattern as well. When someone posts a positive experience with a DTV…. The same day or hours later another post occurs from an anonymous account and it’s always extreme or goes against the information you find on Thai immigration site. The fact that 99% it’s an anonymous account gives it away because they know if they report false information online they can be imprisoned or even banned from Thailand
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Anonymous ******************
@Michael ***************
Except that the anonymous person you’re talking about shared a post from someone else who is clearly named. Look at it carefully before lumping everyone into the same category and focusing on names only...
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Michael ****************
Anonymous participant 905 Hey learn how to read the room 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this would be a moment for you to go against the grain. You had one job to do here lol
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Anonymous ******************
@Michael ***************
Well, you’re just projecting your dislike of anonymous posters onto an original picture shared by a named person. Just saying, anonymous posters aren’t always wrong, just as named ones aren’t always right.
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Michael ****************
Anonymous participant 905 yeah nothing I said is wrong. Really in a group like this where people are basing decisions on other ppls experiences there should not be the option to even be anonymous. I don’t get how in a DTV visa group why someone would want to keep their identity hidden and the advise people. I repeat anyone reading this…. BE VERY CAREFUL listening to anyone posting with an anon account. I been here for months. They’ve been passing more incorrect information then accurate
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Chris **********
Totally agree
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Anonymous ******************
@Michael ***************
Most of the named people would have told you that opening a bank account was fine as well, and that extending with immigration would be very easy. I’ve been in this group since almost the beginning and can definitely tell you that most people here are wrong on some aspects, whether they’re named or not. Lots of people here act like they can predict the future. The basic reasoning here is "it didn't happen to me, so it doesn't happen and will never happen". Thailand is unpredictable...
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Anonymous ******************
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Chris **********
Nailed it mate
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Chris **********
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Luit *****************
@Josh ****
This 500K is meant to spend only in emergency situations, not to support yourself during your stay, what makes you think the requirement is void at the moment the visa is approved.

500K to support yourself for 5 years would be a joke, maybe it is just enough for 10 percent of that time.

Every person with a little brains would understand that in a country like Thailand you need this kind of money, even having an insurance is not always sufficient.
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Chris **********
I totally agree with your point about having access to money whilst abroad for emergency situations etc. But we are talking about the requirements for the DTV, and holding the
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0 baht in your access account ongoing isn't one of them
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Luit *****************
@Chris *********
Then show me official info it is not a requirement for DTV.

I know a lot here say so, but nobody can point to info that is not needed when you enter Thailand.

I asked immigration office and the embassy where I applied, because I wanted to know what exact requirements are and if the money needs to be in the same account as when you applied.

The answer I got is that it can be in any account, it has to be available.

What sense would it have to have access to 500K at moment of application?

Why would they make such a useless requirement?

And when it was not a visa requirement, why would immigration then check when you extend?

They can only check visa requirements.
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Chris **********
You are getting visa application, entry requirements and extension of DTV confused mate. If you needed to have instant access to the cash it would be in writing and very clear. Thailand's immigration department has modernized extensively since COVID and the old days of ambiguity and opaque rules are gone. The immigration department works specifically within their written rules
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Luit *****************
@Chris *********
One of the entry requirements in Thailand is that you comply with the visa requirements, just as one of the requirements for extension is that you still comply with the visa requirements.

Visa requirements do not change during the visa validity period unless stated different.

And "old days of ambiguity and opaquwe rules are gone". d you believe that yourself? Just try to be serious.
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Chris **********
You’re actually reinforcing my point. Visa requirements do not change during the validity period unless explicitly stated, that’s exactly the distinction I’m making.

The 500,000 baht is an application requirement. There is a clear difference between financial capacity being assessed at the time of application, and a requirement to maintain a specific balance for the duration of the visa.

The former is written and enforceable. The latter is not stated anywhere in official DTV documentation or any published Thai government policy. Logic or personal explanations don’t create visa conditions, only written policy does.
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Luit *****************
@Chris *********
500K is a visa requirement, just like remote work or soft power activity is a visa requirement, you make it an application requirement.

At application time you have to prove with bank statements that you comply with the 500k visa requirements, just like you have to show with documents that you comply to the soft power requirement.

Why should financial capacity of an applicant at time of application being interesting for Thai authorities, it is only a way to prove you can comply with the visa requirements.
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Chris **********
We’re not disagreeing on intent, only on what is written and enforceable. Unless there’s a published condition stating a continuous balance requirement, I don’t think there’s anything further to add.
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Chris **********
You have a fundamental misunderstanding here mate
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Chris **********
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Anonymous ******************
Thank you for your opinion,
@Josh ****
. The smell of fear, panic and poverty when Immigration presents an unusually coherent new poster that has everyone questioning what makes a quality tourist for Thailand is something to be studied with full empathy.
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Chris **********
It's got nothing to do with the poster 😂 it's the misinformation within the post that usually comes from either the visa agents upset at losing border jump money, or the older expat crowd who have been here a couple of decades and don't like the younger crowd the DTV has drawn in. I'm guessing you're the latter, probably emigrated from America in the early 90s and you're a bit stuck in the past?
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Chris **********
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Chris **********
Point 5 is
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baht just like every other tourist entering Thailand. There is ZERO requirement to hold the
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0 baht in your account past the application for your DTV
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Luit *****************
@Chris *********
Where did you find 500K is not a requirement after approval?

That does not make any sense, and when you ask immigration or embassy where you are approved they tell you it is required at each entry, just like ongoing employment or softpower activity.

And as long as you just comply to those rules, there will be no problems.
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Chris **********
The one instance you will be required to show all the same proofs for the application for your DTV is if you do an in country extension for another 180 days. There was a really good post about it when a guy tried to apply, but ultimately ran out of time after months of back and forth because no one had been extended yet.
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Chris **********
Can you show me where it is expressly written that one must keep that money in an access account mate. I've been in and out so many times on my DTV and the only time I've been asked for proof of funds was the required
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baht just like every other tourist.
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Luit *****************
@Chris *********
It is mentioned as a visa requirement, I asked immigration and embassy because I wanted to know what exactly is expected and if I can put the money to another account.

I got answer it is a requirement for the duration of the visa and completely up to IO at the border if they check or not, and that I am completely free to have the money on another account.

When I approved there also was no need to show you already had the funds before approval, but there was a remark that embassies can ask for additional documents.

So it are not requirements itself that change, but the wya you have to prove them.

It is not that difficult to understand why the 500K is necessary and it would be highly unlogical you need it only when you are not in Thailand, but normally in your home country, and then as soon as you travel you don't need it anymore for the first months, and then when you want to stay longer you suddenly need it again.

The fact that you normally can enter many times without any checks does not change the fact that it is a requirement.
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Chris **********
Another point if you read the wording of the requirement for your application, it must be in your account for 3-6 months now. Application. Nothing more
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Chris **********
I'm sorry mate but none of what you have said is correct nor based on fact. Read the wording for your DTV, it is an application requirement. It is not stated anywhere in any official documents that it is required to have it in your account for the duration of your stay in Thailand. Whoever told you that is 100% incorrect.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *********
When were you asked for the 20K sum?
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Chris **********
If you are worried about the
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0 baht point I'll make this comment. When I received my DTV there was no requirement to show proof of holding the funds in my account for 3-6 months (depending on embassy etc). After I was already in Thailand, immigration changed that rule and it was in writing immediately everywhere. If immigration wants us to have the funds immediately accessable they will put it in writing immediately
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Chris **********
December 17. I pulled out my phone and I was handed my passport and waved on.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *********
Ok so they accepted cash in the bank? At an airport or land border? How long were you outside of the country for?
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Chris **********
The
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baht can be the equivalent in your own countries currency in your bank account
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Luit *****************
@Chris *********
The 20k can indeed be the equivalent in another currency, but hen IO insists it has to be cash.

Traveller cheques are also seen as cash.

They MIGHT accept money in your account.
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Chris **********
Sorry mate but that is incorrect again
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Chris **********
Airport, 2 nights out of country. She didn't even look at my phone I didn't even unlock the screen before she handed me my passport
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Chris **********
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Chris **********
I'm not really sure why there is so much fear mongering when it comes to the anonymous group and the Thai immigration office. I've had nothing but pleasant and professional interactions with IOs whether it be doing my reporting in person or entering the country again (12 trips last year, first this year in two weeks). I think they're an excellent first point of contact coming in to Thailand
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
Anonymous posters tend to be more experienced with Thailand and less naive about life in general. Some lessons are learned the hard way, internet anonimity included. Keep making your trips. Survivor bias is real.
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Chris **********
Ok so that comment really helped me narrow down your demographic. Just a guess you're worried about your visa status and have been knocked back or don't qualify for the DTV?
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
DTV with 500,000+ equivalent in multiple global bank accounts and significantly more invested. Does that make the message stronger or weaker? Common sense has no price; poverty hopes for discounts. Go ahead, risk taker.
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Chris **********
I’m not arguing from optimism or fear. I’m arguing from the written conditions of grant. If Immigration wants funds to remain liquid, they state it explicitly, as they do for other visas. Until that appears in policy, it’s an assumption, not a requirement. The immigration department in Thailand doesn't operate on assumptions, the operate within their legislation and policies professionally.
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Chris **********
I think weaker because you don't understand your own visa.

I'm not sure why you keep making the poverty argument if people don't want to hold
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0 in an access account. Even if not invested, it's a security risk traveling with instant access to that much cash.
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Chris **********
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
This has changed now, and that was to be expected for anyone that intends to use a 180 day DTV. Quality tourists with less than $20k to their name can go to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos.

Poverty and crime are intricately linked.
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Ray *****
Anonymous participant 898 talking nonsense with no actual proof
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Anonymous ******************
@Ray ****
Probably some angry old guy who had his GF taken by a younger foreigner on a DTV, either that or someone with wayyy too much time on their hands spreading nonsense because they can't get a DTV
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 257 First stage: denial. The new standards specifically exist to filter out those who WERE granted a DTV, but now panic when a measly 500,000 THB bank balance (or equivalent) is deemed a ridiculous expectation. Both your reactions stem from fear and not common sense. Feel free to go ahead and take the risk.
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Chris **********
Mate, again show me some proof 😂

Personally I think it is a ridiculous expectation to have
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0 baht in an access account and not invested
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
Invested or not, 500,000 THB should not be a meaningful portion of a quality tourist's net worth.

You'll want to have instant access to liquid cash when you find yourself in a tough spot. Try hitting a local on your motorbike in a Thai part of town and see how gnarly things get without being able to settle things on the spot. The police will be involved before you can even explain them what stocks are. It all goes downhill from there.

Immigration knows this very well. Poverty = trouble. Quality tourism only.
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Chris **********
What does that have to do with satisfying the conditions for entering Thailand on the DTV? Your destroying your own position with nonsense responses
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Chris **********
It's usually visa agents
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Chris **********
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Chris **********
Anonymous participant 898 Show me ANY information about that other than the image in this post, that doesn't state you need the
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0 baht anywhere.
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
There is no rule that explicitly says this, just as there is no rule saying you don’t need it. Immigration uses its legal authority to ask for whatever they deem necessary to ensure you are on the correct visa and in the country for the right purpose.
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Chris **********
Absolutely correct. And as long as you can satisfy the points in the image in the original post you will be completely fine. There's zero requirement to hold on to the
*****
0 baht in your access account past the application of your visa.

The DTV experience at immigration entering Thailand is nothing but excellent 👌 the IOs almost look relieved when they see people with their DTV because it's so easy.
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
I've had the DTV for over a year now and had the exact same experience. Everything easy and very smooth. In fact, the only negativity with these visas seems to come from muppets on here that have nothing better to do with their time. For some reason they think they're the guardians of Thailand and the DTV is some sort of existential threat. Even though every single Thai official I've interacted with is happy for me to have the DTV 😂
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Chris **********
I would like to be able to open a Thai bank account so I can scan pay at the market, but I can live with cash
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Chris **********
This is the DTV experience 100%
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
Well, that’s another assumption after the “must be 20,000 and not 500,000,” especially since I’m not an agent. You’re talking about agents and then mentioning that “IOs almost look relieved when they see people on DTV.” You’ve certainly not understood the relationship between agents and IOs yet 😅
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Chris **********
I wasn't talking to you when I mentioned agents. Try to keep up mate
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
Study the conditions under which you were granted the DTV (which as with all Thai visas and extensions ALWAYS remain applicable).

Also consider the unusual sophistication of the new border poster specifically made for DTV, and the absolute discretion granted to the competent Immigration Officer.

Is this something you and your 20,000 THB are willing to bet your entry odds on? In that case, you should be equally prepared to be stamped in for 60 days.

The bar has been raised forever; poverty and crime are intricately linked. Too much abuse. Immigration has finally had enough of low quality tourism and wise travelers take notice.
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Chris **********
Ok mate I'll take your anonymous word for it 😂
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris *********
Excellent decision.
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Chiang Khong must show 500,000 THB in bank account again (soft power AND workation), or sponsorship letter. This was to be expected to stop abuse from people borrowing other people's money to get DTV. Thailand will be safer now.

At today's rates, that is 15,923 USD or EUR 13,664. Recommended to keep some extra to account for currency fluctuations. Better be safe.
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Chris **********
I can only imagine the nonsense the poor bar girls have to listen to when you're having a night out 😂
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 257 Are you arguing against a message of common sense, or are you motivated to discredit the motives of those helping to protect the community (at no cost), given the amount of posts we see daily?

What is your motivation to believe that visa abuse will continue to remain business as usual after all the news?
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Anonymous ******************
You sound wise and prepared for the future, Anonymous participant 257.

May your past luck continue to work out for you in Thailand's rapidly changing political/visa climate. I wish you all the best in the art of speculation. One day, you too may be able to give back some of your abundant time and experience.

Your wisdom will be just as valid when posted anonymously and you will have less personal risk (amongst the poor). Another great personal rule to follow.
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
I did a same day border bounce there two weeks ago and didn’t see this sign. They didn’t ask me any questions or for any proof. But I had an agent escorting me.
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Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant 269 times are changing, and 2 weeks ago is not today.
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Brandon ************
@Wannikea ********
having an agent makes things like this not matter anyways
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Brandon ************
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Joe *******
Anonymous participant 269 which visa run agency did you use? If you don't mind me asking ☺️
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Anonymous ******************
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