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Answereda year ago

What is the procedure for first-time entry with a DTV visa at Chiang Mai airport?

DTV Chiang Mai Airport Thai Visa Visa Process Entry Procedures Bank Account Requirements

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

asked Jun 30, 2025

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Update: 1st Entry on DTV

Today I entered with DTV for the first time through CNX airport. They said that because it's the first time using it I have to fill out a form and do a little interview. 

The form was basically just personal information, Thailand address, port of embarkation and entry, why are you here, how much money do you have with you here in Thailand? They asked to see at least 20,000 baht in my account, which I showed them on my Thai bank account. There were 2 officers there who were very nice and simply asked what I do for work. I told them I teach online, mostly Chinese students and some Korean, and gave her my approximate monthly income. They didn't grill me further. Took me to the counter and got me stamped in. 

Another Australian guy was getting grilled a little harder and longer. I think partly because he appeared nervous, and pretty much immediately said he couldn't show his bank account bc he didn't have data / wifi, to which the officer replied the airport has wifi. Also he was on soft power and seemed to have a lot of stamps. They kept talking in Thai about all the different dates in his passport. Not sure what happened with him since they kept him after I already left. 

So, if you come through CNX the first time be prepared to do this. Just be nice and honest and try not to appear nervous even though it can be nerve racking being pulled aside.

Answer summary

A user shared their experience entering Thailand for the first time with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). Upon arrival, they were required to fill out a form with personal information and attend a brief interview. They showed proof of funds (at least 20,000 baht) in their Thai bank account without major issues, unlike another individual who was scrutinized more heavily. The post generated discussions about the entry process for DTV holders, variations in experiences at Chiang Mai, and ongoing requirements such as proof of sufficient funds.

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Alma ***************

Alma ***************

Isn't it 500k that needs to be shown?

0

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

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

Is this not happening as much at BKK/DMK? Previously the word on the street was to avoid Bangkok as entry due to more scrutiny but now it seems reversed? I haven’t gotten my DTV yet so just want to figure out which port of entry to use when I hopefully have it soon.

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

Anonymous participant 993 I can't speak to what's happening down south since I haven't gone through that way. Best to search the group for people who have specifically posted about that. I chose Chiang Mai as entry because I live here and it's just easier to take a direct flight. I suspect all ports of entry will gradually tighten up. Thailand tends to do "soft opens" and then gets stricter as they begin to realize the realities of what they created.

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

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

Good luck with that. It will probably be China again in a few years.

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

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

I entered at Chiang Mai for the first time on DTV the end of March. Wasn’t asked a single question. They didn’t even look at my physical DTV, apparently saw it in the computer and stamped me in, took seconds. Hoping the next time will be just as simple!

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

Anonymous participant 344 they may have tightened up the rules since then for first entry.

1

Nick ******

Nick ******

So basically, they just want to see proof of funds, to ensure DTVers don't become Begpackers once in Thailand.

0

Jean-Luc **********

Jean-Luc **********

I understand and OK with this post but something to not forget also, it’s difficult to not be tired and stressed when arriving airport after a 12 hours flight

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

@Jean-Luc *********

of course

0

Waqar ******

Waqar ******

@Bandah *************

Sir Hoshiyari

0

Callum *******

Callum *******

Getting a bit frustrated with Thailand as a whole in all honesty, lived in 6 other countries and never had ANY issues, opening banks, simple entry & exit, ease of renting, local pricing etc. Thailand? Exact opposite. Total misery, scams, bribes, "crackdowns" foreigner prices, endless paperwork, rental nightmares, list goes on.

Note: I have a workcation DTV etc but seriously thinking of ditching it and moving on elsewhere once my 180 days is up, just not worth it.

1

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

the bureaucracy is def a bit much. They don't really know what they're doing, change their minds constantly, and it often seems they really just don't actually want us here. But they sure do want the money. On the flip side there are many advantages for me personally regarding my medical needs and other things, so this is it for me for now unless I eventually find another good fit.

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

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

where else would you go?

1

Callum *******

Callum *******

Anonymous participant 457 Taiwan, probably the most welcoming country I've been to in my lifetime and they have gold card/visa runs are actually legal too.

0

Stephen **********

Stephen **********

I told this group the same thing last week when I arrived at CNX and advised them to be ready for a few questions. There were a few people that implied I was making the whole thing up and that no additional forms are necessary. Some people just can't accept advice, no matter how simple 😆.

Glad your entry went smoothly. They didn't even have me finish completing the form when I told them that I was here as a remote worker. It made me feel that they were more interested in talking to the people that were here for soft power.

4

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

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

@Stephen *********

the people who thought your were making things ups were most likely people that have not lived in Thailand for a very long time. Those of us that have, know exactly how things can change within a very short space of time, and therefore doesn’t come at a surprise for us.

3

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

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

@Stephen *********

Seems these people are now quiet 😂.

2

Janis *****

Janis *****

May I ask on which platform or company you teach English?

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

I'm not on platforms apart from the Korean KUG platform. I have a couple of bookers from Ai English and Dialect Zone. The rest are self booked / parent referrals.

1

TB ******************

TB ******************

When did you get approved on DTV we still haven't entered from approval on March and April delays with our house

1

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

@TB *****************

approved this past Friday. Entered Monday.

1

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

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

@Mercy ********

where did you apply ?

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

Anonymous participant 546 Hanoi

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Peter *********

Peter *********

Been happening at CM for a while now. It looks like they're collecting data on DTVs.

1

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

@Peter ********

makes sense

0

Shandy ********

Shandy ********

Is that going to be standard procedure at Chiang Mai from now on? Chiang Mai was my first port of entry on my DTV in November and I didn't get questioned. Hoping each subsequent entry won't be scrutinized. However, this suggests that the claims that you must always have 500K in your account at all times are overblown. Edited to clarify my post

2

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

@Shandy *******

They specifically mentioned that they do this for your first entry with DTV. Beyond that, I don't know and it's at their discretion. Showing 20k baht is a standard ask when entering Thailand, but they don't always ask it. On the first DTV entry however, it seems they do. As far as the 500k goes, it's Thailand; the rules and expectations are often ambiguous and unpredictable and they are in constant flux. The rule today may not be the rule tomorrow.

2

Daniel ********

Daniel ********

@Mercy ********

thank you. I received the same treatment in Chiang Mai last week.

0

Elías ********

Elías ********

Aren't DTVers not supposed to / not allowed to have Thai bank accounts? 🤷🏻

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जगद्गुरु *****************

जगद्गुरु *****************

, I believe the rule is relaxed if you are buying real estate.

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

@Elías *******

I have already had mine for a few years. I did not open it on a DTV.

1

Latif ******

Latif ******

Question: If this is your first time entering Thailand, how and when did you open a bank account? Are we permitted to open one?

PS: You mentioned for the first time you entered through CNX airport. So, I suppose you've been to Thailand before.

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

I've been in Thailand a while and opened the account a few years ago. It was my first time entering with the DTV. A Lot of people have been discussing the bank account issue recently. I don't think I'm the best source on that re DTV holders without a current account. But if you search the posts you'll find a lot of useful info.

1

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

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

Yes, getting more and more reports about DTV checks upon entry (at least in CM). It seems they are now getting stricter with it; which could definitely be expected.

1

Sala *******

Sala *******

Anonymous participant 816 their not getting stricter, just thorough. its no issue.

0

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

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

That's no issue for the ones fulfilling their visa requirements indeed.

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Wannikea *********

Wannikea *********

Was it the TDAC arrival form they had you fill out? Their questions sound about the same.

1

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

@Wannikea ********

I don't think so, bc I had already done the TDAC online and mentioned it a couple of times. But yeah, it was pretty much the same info. Though extraneous, redundant paperwork is pretty on brand for TH.

3

Alex ********

Alex ********

Thanks for the info! Did you get into the online teaching specifically for the DTV beforehand? I saw you looking into the soft power/cooking a few months ago

0

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

No, I was already doing that. At the time I was exploring my options because I wasn't sure if my portfolio would be strong enough to be accepted or if it was safer to go with a soft power. I don't think it honestly even occurred to me that I could apply as a teacher at first. And then I worked it all out.

3

James ********

James ********

Thank you for your helpful report. Glad you are in Thailand... enjoy your 5 year DTV Visa.

3

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

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

Yeah CNX is hard I heard.

1

Mercy *********

Mercy *********

OP

Anonymous participant 511 They're just doing their due diligence. But it's always good to know what to expect to alleviate anxiety and prepare accordingly.

3

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

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

@Mercy ********

but it’s not across all airports. So the comment is valid that it’s harder.

I flew in through DMK last week and was fine just stamp and go through.

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