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What experiences do travelers have with the DTV visa approval and entry questioning in Thailand?

Nov 20, 2025
5 months ago
I went to Bali on Nov 3rd, had some business there. Applied for my DTV. So this was before all the new rules. On Nov 13 they asked for all pages of my passport and proof of income. I work for myself so I sent my PayPal account and sent a letter stating that my bank account holds a balance of $180K Canadian which is over 4 million Thai baht not including other investments. I was approved yesterday Nov 18 got the email around 1pm. I then booked my flight to Thailand for today. I had the email printed out everything done. I got pulled over and questioned, they ask me what information I provided Jakarta to get my approval, I had to show my website, I showed my bank account balance, I showed my water bill because I rent a condo. Eventually for stamped for 6 months. So just because you have a DTV doesn’t mean you won't get questioned. Also to be clear, I have never done a visa run. I came to Thailand used the 60 days tourist, 1 extension for 30 days then went to Bali. It just aligned with my work. Within those 3 months here I leased a condo knowing I will apply for the DTV. Oh they also wanted to know how much I make monthly, it's random, some months can be 5000 some months nothing so I said that.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user discusses their experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa after facing questioning at the airport regarding their financial stability and proof of accommodation. Despite having the DTV approved prior to travel, they had to provide evidence of their income and living arrangements. Other commenters share their own experiences with immigration questioning in Thailand, noting that it can vary by airport.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Jason ********
this is the perfect example. in all my travels, always exceed the minimum expectations for visa applications. the greater you exceed them, the smoother it goes. like anything else, have more than required prepared.
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Terry **********
Considering going Anomus.... 🤔
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Terry **********
Anonymous participant I don't pay attention to things that are unimportant. What you give your attention to grows. BTW.... I'm an, "older white dude."
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Terry **********
Anonymous participant why be Anomus? 🤔
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Anonymous *************
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@Terry *********
do you see how people get ripped apart just for asking a question, have you noticed the racist remarks from older white dudes? Have you noticed the type of ppl who think they are superior or that they know everything about a country they dont even belong to?
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Terry **********
Anonymous participant honestly, I don't get it... 🤔
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Anonymous *************
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@Terry *********
what do you mean?
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Anonymous *************
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@Terry *********
I dont blame you
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Oli *********
I got approved DTV 17 Nov, crossed land border via Laos, no questions asked, 5 seconds. Luck I quess but I have heard Phuket is the toughest imigration control in TH.
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Anonymous ******************
Completely off topic and I do apologise however I’m in a difficult position and would love to know if you could share how it is you find roles/work abroad? It seems like you do freelancing?
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 105 I teach Yoga, meditation and write eguides, I host retreats the most recent one being in Bali which is why I was there. I am also a life coach. Most of my clients are online except retreats and they are in Canada and America. All of it is online. I design Fitness and Nutrition programs.
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Anonymous ******************
Thank you! I appreciate you so much for sharing 💕
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Terry **********
I'm in Bali now. Did you have to go to Jakarta, or was there an embassy in Bali?
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Anonymous *************
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@Terry *********
I stayed in Bali the whole time application is online through Jakarta.
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Robert *******
a Water bill to proof you booked accommodation in Thailand,?

Each and every visitor can be asked for:

Proof of onward travel within the period you get stamped into Thailand

Proof of booked accommodation in Thailand

Proof of 20.000 thb or equivalent currency in cash.

To explain as I know anonymous participants do not like the rules.

can be asked MEANS that NOT every person is asked.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I guess you know more than the immigration officers.
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Elías ********
Participante anónimo Well, I've entered already 10 times on one-way tickets on my DTV since October 2024 🥱😂🤷🏻
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Robert *******
@Elías *******
Reading is difficult so I wrote even what it means,

can be asked does not mean that every person needs to answer and show.

It is the choice of the Immigration Officer to smile and stamp the passport or ask these three questions or even 1, it is not mandatory.

So not being asked does not mean the Thai law changed based on your personal experience.
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David ********
I think sometimes it is based on the person's country of passport same as these people who are anonymous posters 🤣
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *******
alot of ppl in this group think they are superior so
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant You'll notice that most of the guys mentioning anonymous lack real arguments when it comes to debating. That's the only thing they can bring up "You're anonymous so you're wrong". Yet 70% of posts are now from anonymous users and surprisingly, they never criticize anonymous posts when those posts support their views. I even have now my own list of these guys 😂 as they will keep posting the same nonsense... They will surely be the first to hide their names when the time comes.
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Anonymous *************
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Anonymous participant 859 I am a 45 year old woman. Before I went anonymous people were sending me private messages. I decided anonymous for that reason as well.
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Anonymous *************
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@David *******
I have a Canadian passport as stated ai showed my balance in Canadian dollars. Some of us go anonymous for a reason. Some ppl on here are too much drama. While some is actually interested in the information. I used this group when ai was applying, I took what resonate left what didn't. It's not hard.
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Robert *******
Anonymous participant I know less, as you hide your name using this page,.

At Immigration you show your passport.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Who pooped in your corn flakes 🤔
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Elías ********
Onward ticket is not required for DTV holders.
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Elías ********
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Anonymous ******************
You just got a random check nothing unusual in the world of visas. It’s not common, but it can happen to anyone. At least they still let you in 👍. Let some people keep dreaming about their imaginary immigration immunity visa… their comments are always entertaining 😂.
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Anonymous ******************
Gotcha, Phuket has a reputation for asking questions too. DMK and BKK is usually just straight through.
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Anonymous ******************
What airport? In CNX there has been quite alot of questioning since DTV started. I dont think they asked unreasonable questions, many who have applied in SEA countries have been questioned more than those who applied from their home country.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 514 Phuket, definitely not unreasonable they are doing their job. They had me fill a form out as well stating my account balance, cash I am carrying, my accommodations.
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant I have had some random checks in Phuket on a different visa type. 15 years of visa, twice in Phuket 😅. And that's out of almost a hundred of crossings though.
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Anonymous ******************
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