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

Don't listen to anybody do it your way, I came to Thailand when I was 29 and have been here 20+ years with a wife and 2 kids now, been tough at times but you ride the wavea, good luck.

That being sad it depends where you are if you want to do a land border but it's always the best option to fly as land borders can be flakey but that generally is for the 30 dayers doubt you would have any issues on land with a DTV

Nip down to KL or Singapore,

Get over to Raffles for afternoon tea then back on BiG Bird Home to BKK in the evening...

😎🙏🏽

The problem is that people are more likely to comment when they're disappointed than when they're happy, so basically that's what we see most here. Ironically, in my last post, I wrote to say that everything had gone well during my re-entry in the country . People commented asking me what the point of that post was....

Came back from Phnom Pehn a few weeks ago. No issues but some say Vietnam & Lao are better options.

Laos was easy in/out. Beautiful mountains & Turquoise water swimming holes. I have no issues with them.

But you are gaming the system.

From what I've read here and elsewhere :

Generally good reports:

Vientiane Laos

Hanoi, HCMC Vietnam

Problematic:

Cambodia

Malaysia

Myanmar

'you contribute to the economy'...wow, they should give you a fast track lane at the airport and let you stay forever.

I've re-entered 6 times, one by land and 5 by air, and never been asked a single question

I’m not sure if there’s really a “best” or nearest border run option for everyone. Personally, I usually leave Thailand every 2 to 3 months anyway for short trips, whether that’s Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Tokyo, or somewhere else in the region.

From my understanding, that’s pretty much the spirit of the DTV. It’s not really designed as a long-term stay visa where you never leave the country. It’s more for people who want to base themselves in Thailand, work remotely, and have the flexibility to explore Asia whenever they want.

For me, frequent travel isn’t an issue at all, so the entry and exit requirements fit naturally into how I already live.

The only advice I’d give is to always refer to the official government sources for the latest DTV requirements, rules, and updates. Immigration policies can change, and there’s a lot of speculation and second-hand information floating around online. It’s always better to verify directly from the official channels rather than relying on rumours.

Life is easy and simple if YOU did choose for the DTV with the correct purpose.

Some will shout out on every post that all is allowed and make new post with: "I got waterboarded at entry, the IO wanted to know my name" .

Wrong purpose, wrong visa all becasue a wrong personal choice and IO is the one at fault.

That you contribute to the economy and learning Thai is nice, but no reason to let you enter.

The only option to enter without any hassle is simply having a genuine and valid passport, a genuine and valid multiple entry visa, and a new TDAC.

IF you are worried and scared to make a border run, visit your local Immigration Office and apply for a 180 day Extension of Stay, you can do this once after an entry, which makes your stays 360 days, less border runs.

This happened to me before I came back into Thailand last week. I was anxious and nervous for weeks before coming because of all the comments and “reports” online of how strict entry on DTV or any other visa for that matter has become.

Came in last week and the immigration officer didn’t even really look at me lol handed over my passport and the DTV visa and he stamped me in for 6 months no questions asked. In and out in under a minute.

If its your first one on the DTV you wont have a problem.

I understand, look never take any information from this group without looking it up on a government site or visiting a licensed professional. You will thank me later

I am in the same situation. I will be doing my first DTV extension with a re-entry permit. Normally, I would have just gone to the Immigration office. But the group and everyone else made me really worried that this is a bad idea. So now, I'm going to travel to another country and come back after a week, which feels ridiculous to me. Why do I need to be worried when everything on my end is completely fine? The more I read here, the more unsure I get. I am glad there are some people like you and others, with good information. Thats why I also contribute as best as I can to this group.

Malaysia KL go and return used to be around 3000 baht

Yesssss!! Ive deleted multiple post on this page asking for advice because the judgement is so horrid! We just booked one to phu quoc as its well priced and no entry visa!

We have done Laos (in and out), Vietnam, and Singapore (weekend by air). Zero issues.

You should be fine going to any country for border hop, but try to avoid Cambodia. Optically it just puts you under a closer microscope when you re-enter Thailand.

There are a lot of people out there that aren't satisfied with their lives and make themselves feel better by attempting to try and put them down or cause stress. Feel sorry for them for they are pathetic in their own circle of life.

I have flown in and out 4 times in the last 12 months with no issues.

For me it’s no different to turning up for a visa exempt on arrival. Look reasonably smart, not unkempt, be polite, smile, have all of your paperwork with you and you will be fine.

There are so many bottom feeders and trolls here. Ignore them.

If all your documents are in order, I don’t really see why you should be nervous, or worried about which entry point is the "easiest". 99.9% of IOs are normal polite people, who are not out there just looking for opportunities to reject your entry at any cost

Naah. You chose who to believe. The scaremongering anonymous, or the non anonymous people who tell otherwise.

I’ve entered about 5 times now and never had an issue.

I think 99% of people are fine but you only hear about the ones that aren’t. Same with applying and getting rejected

It’s just fear mongering BS

Word.

The first time I left the country on my DTV last July, this group had likewise gotten me really anxious.

I hate to say it but that’s by design. There are simply a lot of unkind people, people trying to sell unnecessary services, or people on the spectrum who have this maximalist view of imposing their interpretation of rules that distorts reality.

I check back in every once in a while, but once you have the visa, this group is far more likely to cause you unnecessary stress. Unless you really need to know something, I’d advise checking out.

I’ve had a lot of trips out of here by land and by air.

You’re gonna be just fine.

Where are you living in Thailand?

Do you wish to fly or use a land border? Where are you located? As you are Australia countries allowing visa free entry are also a criteria?

Read my posts and put your mind at ease mate.

If holding a valid DTV, 99% of people will have zero issues entering - no matter how frequent. Of those, 5% may get some additional questions or be requested to show some additional information - the other 95% will just be stamped right in without any comment. No need for any anxiety. Problem is, too many people comment based on mere assumptions or not validated hearsay rather than facts.