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

@Fleace *******

Silliest thing I’ve heard all day — you’re paying $$ for the visa. It’s not some privilege; it’s a service and a visa type they offer. If you meet the requirements, they take your money and approve you — you’re entitled to it otherwise it’s service not delivered. Simple as that.

@Wannikea ********

ye but multiple times? I can understand the first time but every entry - process issues it’s called.

@Chris ********

I get it—but if you’ve already gone through the first entry, got the stamp, and are coming in again, why are they still wasting your time? You know that’s not normal. It clearly points to processes.

Indonesia, Cambodia, etc.—for example, with Indonesia, once my KITAS was approved, I scanned the QR code and was in within 10 seconds.

@Fleace *******

You already know what I mean. It’s a visa that allows remote work and extended stays. There’s absolutely no point in having it if it’s treated the same as a vacation folk

@Fleace *******

no such thing as a residency visa

@Peter ********

and he had no problem entering with it🤷‍♂️

@Angelo **********

Everything related to your entry comes up in the system. I arrive an hour ago and did not need to show my TDAC. When asked if she needed it, she said no, she sees in the system.

Also the immigation officers have the final say regarding entry, with or without a visa.

@Angelo **********

not correct, I know a lady that works in those kiosks and they have access to everything as per passport swipe as it relates to Thailand

@Fleace *******

yeah obviously, I applied for dtv. I’m just asking if I should mention if I stay with her or just not say anything if they ask me where I stay or more details…

so just tell them I’m here on a 6 month course?

Anonymous participant 498 how do you get fast track? I'm curious

Anonieme deelnemer 498 you can use the fast track with DTV. Both DMK and BKK let us in through fast track.

@Benjamin ********

yes but most of my assumptions come true don’t really care been here 15 years

@Peter ********

yes and you see how they grilled him !!

@Upadhyay ********

that’s all good but further down the road they may ask for bank statements,pay slips ect. Just be prepared

@Upadhyay ********

Yeah, random checks are for all visa holders. You may have less chances to be checked on a workation as mentioned by others but still...

@Peter ********

, it's not for everyone, but is anywhere?

@Angelo **********

, no I'm not. My friend pays about 25k (baht) a year for a full visa and work permit in Cambodia.

@Marb *******

, and by the way, I'm not suggesting that you constantly go back and forth to Thailand. There is plenty to do in neighboring countries.

@Marb *******

it's actually an issue the first time you do a run. As others have pointed out, you can just use a company. That tells you everything you need to know.

@Marb *******

I’ve stayed for a year straight on visa exemption on entry with border runs. Not that I’d get away with it necessarily for a second year, but I know plenty who have but either way your first year you should be fine especially if you spend some of it outside the country

After your free trial you can keep coming on unlimited tourist exempts as long as you pay for agent services. What does that mean?

@Jason *********

all I said was in talking with immigration I was told there would be increased scrutiny on the soft power side because the program has seasoned 1 year in July and most soft power classes are 3 to 6 months. You have to maintain enrollment and participation in a class per every 180 day entry. You can't just sign up for 1 class for a few months and then think you have a 5 year pass to come and go as you please. No fear mongering just truth as the law stipulates a continued enrollment

the Immigration Act of B.E. 2522 1979. The act provides the legal framework for matters related to entering and departing Thailand, including grounds for excluding individuals and potentially revoking their visa or residency.

Common reasons for DTV visa revocation or potential issues that could lead to it include:

Overstaying: Remaining in Thailand beyond the permitted stay period (180 days per entry, extendable once) without seeking an extension or leaving and re-entering the country can result in a fine and potential travel ban.

Violation of Visa Conditions:

Engaging in unauthorized work: The DTV (Soft Power or Workcation) does not permit working for Thai companies without a separate work permit (Non-Immigrant B visa).

Failure to maintain financial requirements: While the initial requirement is 500,000 THB, embassies may have stricter criteria. Failure to demonstrate sufficient funds might be grounds for revocation.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements: For example, retirees under the Retirement visa are required to report their residential address every 90 days. Failure to comply can lead to visa cancellation or fines. It is prudent for DTV holders to also be aware of and comply with any applicable reporting requirements.

Not pursuing or ceasing participation in the "Soft Power Activity" (if applicable): While the DTV visa for Soft Power activities generally allows completing the initial 180-day stay even if you stop the activity, extensions may require proof of ongoing participation.

Criminal Activity: Individuals who are found to have a criminal record or engage in illegal activities in Thailand are subject to deportation and visa revocation.

Jeopardizing National Security or Public Order: The Immigration Act allows the Minister to exclude aliens from entering the Kingdom if their presence is deemed a threat to national welfare, public peace, or security.

Other potential grounds for exclusion listed in the Immigration Act: These include having no valid travel documents, insufficient means of living, mental instability or certain diseases, or being a person prohibited from entering the Kingdom.

@Ray ****

there are specific examples of soft power violations to answer your question about the exact law (Immigration Act of B.E. 2522 1979. The act provides the legal framework for matters related to entering and departing Thailand, including grounds for excluding individuals and potentially revoking their visa or residency.

Common reasons for DTV visa revocation or potential issues that could lead to it include:

Overstaying: Remaining in Thailand beyond the permitted stay period (180 days per entry, extendable once) without seeking an extension or leaving and re-entering the country can result in a fine and potential travel ban.

Violation of Visa Conditions:

Engaging in unauthorized work: The DTV (Soft Power or Workcation) does not permit working for Thai companies without a separate work permit (Non-Immigrant B visa).

Failure to maintain financial requirements: While the initial requirement is 500,000 THB, embassies may have stricter criteria. Failure to demonstrate sufficient funds might be grounds for revocation.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements: For example, retirees under the Retirement visa are required to report their residential address every 90 days. Failure to comply can lead to visa cancellation or fines. It is prudent for DTV holders to also be aware of and comply with any applicable reporting requirements.

Not pursuing or ceasing participation in the "Soft Power Activity" (if applicable): While the DTV visa for Soft Power activities generally allows completing the initial 180-day stay even if you stop the activity, extensions may require proof of ongoing participation.

Criminal Activity: Individuals who are found to have a criminal record or engage in illegal activities in Thailand are subject to deportation and visa revocation.

Jeopardizing National Security or Public Order: The Immigration Act allows the Minister to exclude aliens from entering the Kingdom if their presence is deemed a threat to national welfare, public peace, or security.

Other potential grounds for exclusion listed in the Immigration Act: These include having no valid travel documents, insufficient means of living, mental instability or certain diseases, or being a person prohibited from entering the Kingdom.

@Ray ****

It cannot be revoked. Immigration can deny entry but they cannot revoke a visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

@Ray ****

if you stop meeting the soft power requirement of enrollment and attendance in courses they will revoke the visa. Alot of people think they will be able to come and go for 5 years when they sign up for a 3 or 6 month class and that is not the case. You have to continue to meet the requirements.

@David *******

Ok, I just made the entire story up 🤦🏻‍♂️