Ask

Answered2 months ago

What is the experience of long-term expats with the DTV visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Visitor Experience Digital Nomad Visa Long-Term Stay Entry Denials

Ax *******

OP

asked Aug 16, 2026

11.8k

views

77

replies

9

likes

Long term Thai expats. How has your DTV experience been?

I saw a negative post today about denied entry. Before going through the whole process moving my wife and dog. Just wanna ensure this is the right thing to do. 

Are the people who are having issues with DTV getting back into the country and these issues just not following directions and think they are special? Or is immigration truly horrible to deal with?

Answer summary

The discussion reflects a generally positive experience among long-term Thai expats who have obtained the Digital Work Visa (DTV). Many users share that they have entered Thailand multiple times without issues when following the visa rules. They emphasize the importance of being compliant, prepared with documentation, and respectful to immigration officers. Concerns about negative experiences cited in various posts often focus on isolated incidents related to entry rules and specific airports, particularly Phuket. The consensus is that operational issues may arise due to individual circumstances such as visa history or document accuracy rather than systemic problems with the DTV itself. Overall, the DTV is portrayed as a legitimate pathway for expats, particularly if applicants are straightforward about their intentions in Thailand. The general advice is to adhere to immigration requirements and remain compliant to ensure a smooth experience.

77 repliesnewest first

49

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Luit *****************

Luit *****************

I don't expect DTV softpower have any problems as long as you still visit the country for your softpower activity.

2

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

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

Have entered 3 times so far, BKK as well as Phuket, with zero issues. Back to back vacations, roughly 5+ months each with a couple of days spent travelling in neighboring countries, as well, in between. I am independently wealthy and do not work. I have lived in Thailand in the past, including on an ED Visa (when I was a full time undergraduate student at a well known university here) I always prepare supporting documents about my finances etc. before entering Thailand on my DTV but have never been questioned by an IO.

1

Don *******

Don *******

Done it 20-odd times (entry) and no issues. DTV Workcation here. Perhaps different than the soft power 6 months Muay Thai / cooking courses

1

Dave *********

Dave *********

Came into Bkk airport on Saturday from SGN. My 3rd entry. No questions at all.

I might recommend you register with THIM ap. Its the immigration site ap and you can do everything from there including 90 day reporting and TDAC

1

Emma ******

Emma ******

Honestly, in the 2

***

years I’ve had the DTV visa, I have never had a problem. I’ve been in and out twice a year on average. Immigration officers are always friendly; the posts you’re seeing are quite rare. I assure you, of course, it’s normal to feel nervous, especially when you’re building a life, but these posts will be seen more than any positive ones. if you’re worried about your own peace of mind, I recommend having all the paperwork on your phone in a folder, just in case they spot-check, and that’s all it is if they do check. It’s just routine, but I’ve never been checked. Not many people have either, to be honest.

1

Luit *****************

Luit *****************

When you have the correct visa for your purpose of stay and comply with requirements there should be no problems.

1

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

That's a fact!

0

Matthew *******

Matthew *******

So far no issues.

I often wonder when I see certain posts about Thailand visas and immigration what part of the story is being left out.

1

Max *************

Max *************

Don't listen to scaremongers and dont read The Thaiger and you'll be ok.

0

Mandy *******

Mandy *******

We just got back from Singapore and had no issues coming back. The immigration officer asked to see our Visa and passport only.

Please be aware as we weren't, that a new TM30 form needs to be submitted everything you leave and come back according to Google AI.

0

Chester ********

Chester ********

Agent set it up for me. First hop after 6 months was good he helped out. Then awol for a year now. I have done 3 hops now generally within a week of the 6 month period.. no issues on return however last time on leaving I was met with disgusting attitude twice when they saw 2x Cambodian stamps from over 2 years ago.

0

Chris ******

Chris ******

No problems so far. 2 years and multiple entries and exits

1

I **************************

I **************************

Immigration denies the entry if you haven't done by the rules DTV holds. Very good jobs from immigration 👍🏼

If you follow the rules everything will be fine 🤙🏽

1

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

I Know Almost Everything Don't know what makes you say this? No verifiable reports of any DTV holder being denied entry in over 2 years since the DTV was introduced.

0

choose*******

choose*******

I personally have no issues but I am also prepared. I understand my visa is a privilege not a right. If it was a right, I would be standing in the “Thai passport”line. I am prepared to get called out and show any information requested. Proof of cash, where I am staying, purpose of visit, …etc. I am also prepared if I am denied entry. I don’t leave my laptop or valuables in my room and I also have a backup person to allow in my room in case I need my stuff shipped back. We don’t buy health insurance or travel insurance because 99.9% we won’t get cancer or accidents!

1

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

chooserich007 The vast majority of DTV holders entering Thailand are not questioned or asked to provide sight of anything except their DTV which you are advised to laminate. No verifiable reports of any DTV holders being denied entry. If ever asked for your purpose of visit then answering; 'vacation' has proven to be satisfactory.

1

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

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

Anyone obtain this visa has done screening by the embassy. I never heard / bad experience during entry to Thailand since the program it's launch. The different only almost all embassy getting stricter for this program and many procedure especially for bank statement

1

Phil ******

Phil ******

The DTV isn't a long term Visa. Its short term that cannot allow you with a bank account. DTV HOLDERS have been denied entry. Do a search of the group to read about this

Heres a recent utube video from Integrity Legal

************************************************

0

Elías ********

Elías ********

5 years is longer than 1 😉

0

Phil ******

Phil ******

@Elías *******

sure but no bank account as its a tourist visa.

180 days in the kingdom stamped out and visa gone. Stamped back in and new Visa commences mate

1

Phil ******

Phil ******

@Elías *******

im advising you as you started talking t o me

Heres just one utube of a dtv holder denied re-entry.

************************************************

0

Elías ********

Elías ********

right, but the post is not about bank accounts.

0

Luit *****************

Luit *****************

DTV is 180 days stay, by Thai banks and DLT that is seen as short term.

0

MotivatedP**********

MotivatedP**********

Not sure it's meant for long-term Thai expats. Depends what your definition of long-term is I guess 😉

0

Dee ******

Dee ******

Moved here a year and half ago and have travelled in and out 6 times since. Arriving in both Bangkok airports and straight from Singapore into Samui.

Never had any issues and never been questioned once.

2

Alex ****

Alex ****

Very simple

Ignore anonymous post and complaining.

As you can see people with real names are not anonymous having zero issues.

Issues can happen with free visa entry or with any type of visa it's all depending on:

Nationality

Visa history records

Personal behavior

Personal documents

Many things can trigger a check by immigration officer and even denied entry and it's not problem of Thailand just check same situation in many countries like Korea, Singapore, Australia etc.

5

choose*******

choose*******

Alex Ni Not all anonymous posts are useless or trolling just like not all posts with real name are useful. Many anonymous posts mentioned being asked about onward tickets and 20K baht cash. These are all entry rules. I see many posts with real name that pretty much just say that they have entered successfully without any mentioning of nationality, DTV category , which airport,…etc.

2

Matthew *******

Matthew *******

chooserich007 onward ticket is not required on DTV, this just seems to be something that’s made up lately and many seem to be running with the false information

1

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

chooserich007 Return/onward tickets dated for within 180 days are not required with a DTV. There have been recent verifiable reports of this happening at Phuket Airport (only). Consensus of opinion was that this was due to IO misinterpretation or the instructions of an overzealous supervisor. Fortunately, this appears to have now ceased as rapidly as it began.

1

Alex ****

Alex ****

chooserich007 real name mantioned they have zero issues because they followed rules.

Any country any visa status any immigration can and must check foreigner nationals entering their country, and it's mandatory everywhere to meet minimum financial requirement and show proof of stay and explain why dont have onward ticket.

People who now understand it or don't know it can get into a situation when Korea or Thailand will deny them entry even if they did not do anything wrong just because immigration decides they have rights for it.

1

choose*******

choose*******

@Christopher **********

So you are advising people to ignore all (??) entry rules because vast majority never get pulled aside for questions? Isn’t that the same line of reasoning smugglers used lol? Why not be prepared for entry rather than depending on “vast majority” and ignoring the entry rules.

0

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

chooserich007 Correct. The vast majority of people entering Thailand never get questioned. Why even mention the onward/return ticket and 20,000 THB cash or equivalent requirement in relation to DTV?

0

choose*******

choose*******

Alex Ni How do you know they followed the rules? Most just never get pulled out or questioned at all. My point is some anonymous posts are useful as much as some named posts are useless.

1

Talented*********

Talented*********

If you have a dog and there’s 2 of u I would suggest workcation instead of soft skill & you should be fine (if u don’t get caught working illegally!)

If u chose all those paths you will be VERY unlucky to run into any issues :)

0

bubblep*******

bubblep*******

TalentedBison6818 softskills like muay thai and cooking ? how is that workcation?

0

Talented*********

Talented*********

bubblepearl124 workcation & soft skills are different versions of the DTV! Google it and have a look into the options

I’m saying that the workcation one is best for this guy who made the post - and not to choose the soft skills visa

0

Matthew *******

Matthew *******

bubblepearl124 it’s not that’s why it came under soft power category

0

Resa ****

Resa ****

I’ve been in and out for maybe 20 times over the past 1.5 years on DTV workation and has never had any issues. My partner just got his DTV and was interviewed at Phuket airport during entry. Not sure whether this will persist we will only know when we travel again in the coming months.

0

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

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

I'm starting to think all the negative posts are bots attempting to scare people away from DTV and Thailand in general.

4

Mark ****

Mark ****

Moving your wife and dog? Please remember that Thailand considers the DTV a tourist visa. No banking for you. And WISE payments, look into recent changes at WISE Thailand.

0

Optimistic***********

Optimistic***********

Never been asked a single question

1

Michael ********

Michael ********

Never never a problem

Do not believe everything you read

1

Matthew *******

Matthew *******

@Michael *******

it’s funny how some of those post go into long rants of how they were hard done by then slip in the fact they had or did do ethics g wrong

But never their fault !!

0

HumbleCate***********

HumbleCate***********

Nah, just fly to BKK and you will have no issues. Avoid Phuket

0

Bob **********

Bob **********

Depends on what your getting it for do you expect Thailand to allow you entry for 5 years with a short cooking class or Muay Thai???

0

Alex ****

Alex ****

seems to be you have zero idea how it's works

All soft power it's just the way of qualifications for visa application submission

Same as Worckation if I have remote work all documents legit and in order i qualified this way

If I have legally earned money and just wants to do Soft Power Program just to combine my hobby and to be qualified for same visa application. Most people who apply for soft power course they submit same documents as for Worckation most Thai Embassies even officially requesting it.

And for Thai immigration does not matter I am on worckation or I going to some activities as soft power all is matter supporting documents as the reason to entry country and stay. I believe sooner or later full timers who wishing to stay in Thailand all time under DTV does not matter Worckation or Soft Power thai immigration will questioning during reentry on borders for what reason anyone must stay 3 years+ continuously working remotely same way for soft power. Both options is not for full time stay, but just to qualify for visa application and for some re-entry extensions but don't believe anyone that Thai immigration will easily let everyone full time stay in Thailand under tourist DTV visa no matter reason of entry and stay they will make life not that easy for everyone sooner or later.

1

Asso ******

Asso ******

So, IO's can deny entry based on how they "feel"? What if one day an IO "feels" that blonde people should not be allowed entry to Thailand?

0

Bob **********

Bob **********

Alex Ni Why are they getting denied entry ??You have no idea how the IO’s feel about this visa

0

Chris **********

Chris **********

I've had nothing but positive experiences with immigration whether it be upon entry/exit, getting resident certs or just seeking information. If you follow the rules you're gtg. I moved my two dogs here and wouldn't change a thing

1

BronzeWa*********

BronzeWa*********

This Visa is for 5 years I wouldn’t make huge life changing moves on it. We still don’t know what will happen when it is up and if they will let you apply for a second one. Nothing is set in stone for foreigners in Thailand.

0

RedBlueb********

RedBlueb********

Also most complains seem to be from people that are on the soft power version.

It also appears that immigration is tightening up on people are clearly abusing Thailand's hospitality... multiple entries on via exemption and finally bought soft power courses they don't attend often or even at all...

Or were granted the DTV when applying for a 6 months course abs 12 months later want to return without renewed courses.

My opinion would be of you get the workation version, you'll be fine...

3

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

RedBlueberry7135 There are no verifiable reports of any DTV holder being denied entry. Therefore, whether you obtain a DTV for reason of Soft Power or Workcation is irrelevant.

3

RedBlueb********

RedBlueb********

@Christopher **********

there also no verifiable cases of police corruption in Thailand either...

It's all hearsay...

You are so right...

People should stop complaining about that too, if they can't prove it... HAHAHA

100%

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

First of all, Thai immigration will always find ways to make things a little extra difficult for foreigners living here or change random rules every couple of months just because of some social media trends or viral posts. So if you're planning a move here, make sure to have a backup plan in case they decide that the visa you're on, or the situation you're in, at that particular point, is no longer welcome.

Second, I've been on a DTV for 2+ years now. I work remotely and have traveled out and in 6 times. No issues, no questions at entry, haven't been asked to show anything other than my passport and visa, not a single negative experience related to the DTV. My application took longer than I expected, but I was one of the earliest to get it so by "longer than expected" I mean it took 8 working days. Today some people seem to wait 20-30 days for theirs 😅

But it is a tourist visa, so you have no rights or advantages that people who live here have. The biggest issue is not being able to open a thai bank account.

0

Tore *********

Tore *********

I wouldn’t worry. Stay compliant and dont look shabby when entering immigration.

99.99% is ok

0

John *******

John *******

Got mine in July 2024. In and out 20+ times. Only time that I almost had an issue was Dec 2025, coming from Cambodia at the height of the conflict - had more to do with Cambodia than DTV

1

Locked ********

Locked ********

Notice how almost everyone isn't anonymous? It's really easy, but I'd suggest visiting once. The heat is insane and Bangkok can be deceivingly expensive. Outside of Bangkok its awesome

1

Gias****

Gias****

Get the visa & enjoy

No issues

No stress

Out & in many many times already

2

Tasha *****

Tasha *****

I've had mine for almost a year and I'm in and out of the country every six weeks. From what I've seen I would never fly into anywhere else but BKK. I always have all of my stuff on hand or printed out for when I enter. I always have a flight out. I hand everything nicely to immigration so they don't need to ask for anything additional and I haven't had any problems as of yet.

1

Ian **********

Ian **********

All the issues that I have seen reported are from people arriving via Phuket. The immigration there seems to be on a private mission to close Thailand.

11

Luit *****************

Luit *****************

Just enforcing official rules is private mission?

0

Matthew *******

Matthew *******

@Luit ****************

if you believe what is posted they are not enforcing official rules at all rather making it up as they go.

1

Luit *****************

Luit *****************

@Matthew ******

I not see anything in OP that are not checks official rules.

Some people here seem to believe that once they got granted DTV all immigration rules are dropped.

0

Paul ********

Paul ********

Missus and I have entered 7 times on my workation DTV and her dependent DTV. We've been through BKK, CNX and HDY with no questions asked. We received ours 2 years ago from Canada just after they came out. Switched from Non-O retirement. Mine took 2 hours from when I uploaded the application to the Vancouver consulate and wife's took overnight. No prior history with agents, visa running on visa exempt, ED/volunteer shenanigans etc. and never missed a 90 day report. We are winding down a Canadian corp. and I do all it's annual admin (accounts, registration renewals, investment management etc.) online or over the phone from wherever we are. When entering we carry all the (updated) docs we used to get the visa but no 20K THB or proof of onward travel. It's been awesome so far.

5

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

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

They asked me questions when I first entered with my DTV in Bangkok. Such as what I’m doing here and why I applied at an embassy outside of my country (I applied in Vietnam)

I suspect it was a slow day as there was no one waiting in line at immigration. Answer them truthfully and be on your way. You have nothing to hide!

0

Asian_Guy**********

Asian_Guy**********

I entered Thailand with DTV today, my fifth entry within 2years and still zero question. If they asked some questions, I have prepared everything but remain zero question asked. It is very smooth. I applied my DTV visa under workation category.

16

Khun ******

Khun ******

No problems whatsoever the DTV has been brilliant

1

Greg ********

Greg ********

99.9% of people on the DTV have zero issues. It is a great visa.

Those stories of people being refused entry are very rare indeed and seem to be Phuket based. The only other credible sourced story was from Bangkok and two guys who had never ever attended their gym. Immigration called the gym, and the gym had to deny knowing them.

11

Elías ********

Elías ********

Zero issues here. Living my life normally here since I moved in on the DTV in October 2024. This is my FIRST ever time in Thailand, if that matters. Adding this as context because allegedly people who get refused have obscure records of visa exempt abuse or ED visa abuse ie living as a tourist for years and/or attending Thai classes for years and not being able to speak the basics.

Full-time remote worker here.

3

Fred ****

Fred ****

I have been staying 5-6 months at a time and then leaving for a few weeks and have had zero issues reworking up to this point. I've been in and out 4 or 5 times over the past two years.

8

Harvey ********

Harvey ********

Muay Thai visa?

0

Fred ****

Fred ****

@Harvey *******

I made one dentist appointment for a "new patient consultation" lol

0

Daniel ***********

Daniel ***********

DTV is legit mate no stress ... just follow the rules and smile at the camera

7

choose*******

choose*******

@Daniel **********

💯! If you are a legit digital nomad or a soft power guest, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. My sense is there is also a group of folks who is abusing DTV (eg working in Thai). It’s pretty naive to think there is 0 fraud in any visa especially history has shown otherwise.

2

Christopher ***********

Christopher ***********

chooserich007 My visa agent tells me there are English people running bars in Pattaya. Why not put your intuition to beneficial use? Possibly make covert inquiries and inform immigration. You would be doing DTV holders in general and this group in particular a great service exposing such activities.

0

Daniel ***********

Daniel ***********

@Christopher **********

no one likes a grass

1

Jeramy ********

Jeramy ********

I have had no issues, like most. Have not heard of any specifics… always random stories. Follow the rules, don't be a tool, be curious and respectful and I am sure you will be find.

7

Activity

49 joined

Ax *******

Ax *******

Ax *******

Ax *******

Ax *******

Ax *******

49

people

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

...members

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

Member 8

Conversation Join group

Related

25

What was the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

What was the experience of entering Thailand for the first time on a DTV visa?

Has it become more difficult to obtain a DTV visa for Thailand recently?

What is the process and experience of obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand for digital nomads?

What is the process and experience of applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

What should I expect when re-entering Thailand on a DTV visa obtained through a school under the Soft Power route?

What was the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa at CNX Airport?

How did you successfully obtain your DTV Workation visa for Thailand?

Are my qualifications suitable for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

What documents are needed for the DTV visa application in Thailand?

Do soft power DTV visa holders need to do the 90-day report in Thailand?

What was your positive experience with applying for a DTV workation visa in Thailand?

What are the challenges and considerations for expats regarding immigration requirements in Thailand?

What documents do I need for the DTV visa for remote work, and how should I apply from Israel?

Is it legal to work remotely in Thailand on a visa waiver?

What is the process and experience of applying for the DTV visa in Thailand?

What should expats know about entering Thailand with a DTV visa?

What are the extension options for a DTV visa in Thailand?

What should I expect when arriving in Thailand with a DTV visa?

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV (Workation) Visa in Thailand?

What are the steps to obtain a DTV visa in Thailand, including document requirements?

What are common negative experiences with the DTV visa in Thailand?

What is the re-entry experience like on the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

What is the process of getting a DTV visa in Thailand?

Why was my immigration experience in Thailand so complicated with a DTV Visa?

Resources

Cannabis shops near me Retirement visa extension eSIM for Thailand LTR visa qualification

Need help with your DTV visa?