Answered3 months ago
What should first-time DTV visa holders know about the entry process in Thailand?
Just sharing our experience activating a DTV visa today in case it helps anyone prepare.
My partner applied for his DTV under Soft Power (Muay Thai) last Tuesday and was approved on Friday. He entered Thailand today in Phuket, and we were surprised that immigration at the airport told him first-time DTV holders had to go through an interview. There were a few other people waiting in the room as well.
They asked for quite a lot of supporting information:
* Bank account / proof of funds
* Detailed questions about his Muay Thai training and history
* Previous fights and information about his next fight
* Gym documents (the same documents used for the DTV application)
* Onward travel and booking confirmation — they actually called the airline to verify the booking, so definitely make sure it’s a real/confirmed booking
The whole process took about an hour.
It caught us off guard because when I got my own DTV 1.5 years ago as a remote worker, I wasn’t asked anything like this, and I’ve entered and exited Thailand many times since without any issues.
Obviously this is just our experience today and procedures may vary by airport/officer, but wanted to share as a heads-up: if you’re entering Thailand for the first time after getting your DTV, bring all the supporting documents you used for your application and be prepared to answer detailed questions about your DTV category.
My partner applied for his DTV under Soft Power (Muay Thai) last Tuesday and was approved on Friday. He entered Thailand today in Phuket, and we were surprised that immigration at the airport told him first-time DTV holders had to go through an interview. There were a few other people waiting in the room as well.
They asked for quite a lot of supporting information:
* Bank account / proof of funds
* Detailed questions about his Muay Thai training and history
* Previous fights and information about his next fight
* Gym documents (the same documents used for the DTV application)
* Onward travel and booking confirmation — they actually called the airline to verify the booking, so definitely make sure it’s a real/confirmed booking
The whole process took about an hour.
It caught us off guard because when I got my own DTV 1.5 years ago as a remote worker, I wasn’t asked anything like this, and I’ve entered and exited Thailand many times since without any issues.
Obviously this is just our experience today and procedures may vary by airport/officer, but wanted to share as a heads-up: if you’re entering Thailand for the first time after getting your DTV, bring all the supporting documents you used for your application and be prepared to answer detailed questions about your DTV category.
Answer summary
A user shares their experience activating a DTV visa for a Muay Thai training category in Phuket, Thailand. Upon arrival, the partner faced an interview at the airport, requiring extensive supporting documents including proof of funds, details about the training history, and verified onward travel bookings. The poster noted that this level of scrutiny differed from their past experiences with the same visa type and advised future travelers to have all necessary documents printed and ready to avoid complications. The community's comments suggest that this practice may vary by location and could signal a tightening of visa checks in Thailand.
102 repliesnewest first
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Neil *********
Makes no sense why anyone holding 180 days worth of stay would have an ongoing flight booked. No rational from either side backs this up.
Asso ******
Especially considering the fact that there is no requirement that you have to leave by airplane... as opposed to, for example, just walking across a border which, the last time I checked, did not require any tickets or pre-booking :) ... or you can go to your local IO, extend and leave in 360 days.
Anonymous *************
OP@Neil ********
totally agree, we got lucky in that we had a personal trip booked in October. Otherwise like wtf it’s a DTV visa not a tourist visa
Cliff *********
Yet another unbelievable example from the mysterious "Anonymous ".
Onward travel flights does not apply to DTV since you will potentially be there 6 months to 5 years.
Previous flights is not relevant. Possibly previous travel history and immigration history is relevant.
The other subjects like proof of funds and details about the class certainly are relevant.
Onward travel flights does not apply to DTV since you will potentially be there 6 months to 5 years.
Previous flights is not relevant. Possibly previous travel history and immigration history is relevant.
The other subjects like proof of funds and details about the class certainly are relevant.
Brenda ********************
Thanks, I'll be coming in December! No worries if you have all your info
Kool *******
They are simply gathering data. You didn't mention anyone supposedly interviewed getting refused entry. Data collections like this, and embassy interactions online, are what they use to refine the visa requirements in the future.
bubblep*******
Why did they mplemented this type of Visas and approved then have so many interogation ?
Luit *****************
bubblepearl124 Who is saying they do so many interrogations.
Most people will enter easily, but some woll be checked, that is just pretty normal.
Most people will enter easily, but some woll be checked, that is just pretty normal.
Anonymous ******************
Is this the case for second entries in Phuket as well?
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 178 personally I’ve done 20+ on remote worker DTV for the past 1.5 years and never had any issues besides showing the visa doc on my phone. WRT my partner (who did his first visit yesterday into the country with dtv) will see next time we leave the country and come back.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Thanks! so usually after the first entry its more chill?
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 178 for me even the first time was chill haha but my partner is diff hence this post, only time will tell!
Elías ********
Total BS
Anonymous *************
OP@Elías *******
i have a DTV for 1.5 years as a remote worker and this hasn’t happened to me at all. But my partner just got his and this happened to him yesterday. Believe it or not I don’t see why I need to lie here lmaoElías ********
Participante anónimo for total B S I didn't mean the the story is f a K e, rather than all of what they said at Phuket is total B S. If true, just avoid using Phuket for international flights.
Elías ********
@Luit ****************
they have a task, and they have rules. In the OP story they're not following/checking any rules.Luit *****************
Locked ********
Why do we do this everyday? 🤣 Anon posters. Also, the person miraculously always gets in. Amazing!
Keyzer ******
@Locked *******
you’re just as anonymous. Ffs 🤦♂️Anonymous *************
OPKeyzer Söze cartoon birds and cats!
Positive*********
@Locked *******
I am sure bad mouthing Thai immigration using your real name will win you the Darwinism award!Anonymous *************
OPThere u go all timestamped for yesterday. If someone says this is AI then idk wtf what a waste of my time trying to do a good thing by the group and sharing our experience.
Humble******
This just looks like a message from an agent….
Why would he not have his own financial proof or DTV proof of activity? Why would you be the one sending it to him if he is taking classes as a Visa for that purpose?
Why would he not have his own financial proof or DTV proof of activity? Why would you be the one sending it to him if he is taking classes as a Visa for that purpose?
Anonymous *************
OPHumbleFarang yes I’m his partner so I’m the organized one 😂 I take full credit for organizing all his files including compressing it to 30MB for each submission via AI. Lifetime agent lol.
And re sponsorship my accounts were more dated so we wanted to put together the strongest application pack we could, see embassy email and timestamp 😉
And re sponsorship my accounts were more dated so we wanted to put together the strongest application pack we could, see embassy email and timestamp 😉
Anonymous *************
OPHumbleFarang agent would pick him up from airport and also book a trip for onward travel with him yea yea life long agent 🙈
Paradise **************
@Locked *******
he showed whats app proofs. It wasn't a lie.Anonymous *************
OP@Locked *******
because why dox to strangers here when there personal suggestions here, who knows who’s in the group lurking. Sharing just so the next person is more aware no harm done lol
Anonymous ******************
It’s best to come here as a tourist & have an agent get wut u need. No questions no hassle. I went to get the 30 day extension & was told I needed a TM30 form filed by my landlord. Called him & he said he couldn’t file it for some reason. Hired an agent for 500 baht & got the extension no problem
Stathis ***********
Always by an anonymous.
Anonymous *************
OP@Stathis **********
understand, Anyways just trying to be helpful. Hope this is to someone out there so their loved ones wait less time for them!
BravePers*********
@Stathis **********
people don't want to look like a fool, for proof see your profile picture, moronStathis ***********
BravePersimmon1025
Not to mention that I applied for dtv and got a dtv.
Wish you good luck.Need a lot of homework nowadays about where and how to apply but still the best option for most people .
Not to mention that I applied for dtv and got a dtv.
Wish you good luck.Need a lot of homework nowadays about where and how to apply but still the best option for most people .
Stathis ***********
BravePersimmon1025
At least i am able to talk in good manners .
And yes I'm doing good enough to be able to write with my name 🙏🏻❤️
At least i am able to talk in good manners .
And yes I'm doing good enough to be able to write with my name 🙏🏻❤️
Anonymous *************
OP@Stathis **********
you never know who’s listening. This is shared for someone crossing immigration in phuket activating their DTV visa. Better safe than sorry.Stathis ***********
Anonymous participant
Nothing wrong with that sharing info .At least in my eyes.
Nothing wrong with that sharing info .At least in my eyes.
Kerry *******
And has he fought before, out of curiosity
Anonymous *************
OP@Kerry ******
yes more than 100 fightsKerry *******
Anonymous participant Ok good. Im just checking they don't reject fighters off the bat, lol.
Ian **********
*****
5 have you ever tried calling an airline? And if you got through, they would not give any information to a third party.
Greg ******
@Ian *********
This is Immigration, not some random third party. Airlines are responsible for the people they bring into the country and, if entry is denied, for taking them back out.
Andy *****
@Ian *********
you better believe it! Immigration staff literally have the duty to check the validity of a passenger's statement. They investigate in an official capacity and the airline has to give them the information.Anonymous *************
OP@Ian *********
immigration officers at the airports have their way, regardless he had to wait as they verified the booking number
JazzyPassi***********
means we need to show a flight booking possibly 6 months ahead of departure?
Luit *****************
JazzyPassionfruit5380 If they want to see, you have to show, that is how requirements work.
What is so difficult about it?
What is so difficult about it?
JazzyPassi***********
ok but really makes no sense
Luit *****************
JazzyPassionfruit5380 Why does it not make sense aaking from tourists to show they leave in their granted period.
BravePers*********
JazzyPassionfruit5380 yeah, you should get a refundable ticket and refund it once you're in. It makes little sense but that's Thailand, get a ticket that's so far out it can't actually be purchased, six months. I just get a three months out one and refund it
Luit *****************
BravePersimmon1025 I never had any problem buying a return ticket for 6 months after arrival, so what is your problem?
Elías ********
JazzyPassionfruit5380 nope
Anonymous *************
OPJazzyPassionfruit5380 yeah onward booking they even called the airlines to check if the booking confirmation was real. We were shocked thank god we had plans to go to Europe in October for vacation so had a flight booked. Since this was DTV we didn’t think it necessary.
GrayWal********
This is what a DTV visa crackdown is called and more like this are about to come. So always make sure you are fulfilling all the visa requirements to be on the safe side when entering the country
Anonymous *************
OPGrayWallaby8130 yeah we had everything prepared just not physical copies so had to pull everything up
Wannikea *********
Keyword Phuket
Mina *****
and here we go... another anonymous scaremongering story... sure everyone must always carry a pack of documents and book plain tickets 6 months in advance...
Greg ******
@Mina ****
Why always blame it on anonymous posters? Since when does having a visa guarantee entry without scrutiny by immigration? It’s time to start being realistic and understand the reality of how immigration views foreigners and the misuse of visas.And you're cool with your genuine profile pic 👌😂 .
Maksym ***********
Phuket was always like this. I know case when they behaved so weird, that friends forgot that they have flight next day. And they had METV visa. Officer shouted on them that only he decide here everything.
Daryl ******
@Mina ****
*this post was kindly sponsored by your friendly visa agents*Asso ******
I know snarkiness might feel cool... but there are no screenshots in your post...
Anonymous *************
OP@Asso *****
there’s more SS try to scroll through comments thanksAnonymous *************
OP@Asso *****
it’s in replies I’ll tag u
Christer *****
@Daryl *****
The visa agent would probably be involved before you got the visa? 🤡Anonymous *************
OP@Mina ****
did you read the screenshots I shared? Ain’t no one selling services on this thread I know reading is hardMina *****
not really. You can see many agents here selling their "safe entry" service...
Don *******
@Mina ****
A3 print out and laminated (must!) is recommended by many in this group.Mina *****
I actually think the laminated printout is one of the few reasonable ideas circling around here. However, I dont think it is reasonable to expect that everyone carries their 6 month statement and pack of documents with them. In addition to everything else, it sounds unsafe (if the pack of documents were to somehow end up in wrong hands).
Luit *****************
@Mina ****
You send them digitally when you applied, so it should be easy to carry them digitally when you enter the country too.Anonymous *************
OP@Mina ****
they were ok with him pulling up the documents on phone but again the onward flight booking needed confirmation with airlines etc so it was definitely thorough. Just sharing we will prepare to bring the key pages by paper next time in case there’s another. Note I have a DTV myself like I mentioned as remote worker and have never been stopped in my 1.5 years of having it crossing phuket outwards and inwards 20+ times. Again just sharing cuz I learnt a lot from ppl in this group, and since it’s so detailed I ain’t doxxing to ppl I don’t know.Anonymous *************
OP@Don ******
yeah for the visa we have it printed out but not the entire application pack from gym sponsorship letter to financial proof and showing balance on banking appDon *******
Anonymous participant I was only being sarcastic. Don’t have a laminated visa printout. Entered over 20X now
Anonymous *************
OP@Mina ****
say what you will why would I waste my time detailing an experience. Just to share in the group so others are ready for it.Keyzer ******
Anonymous participant the old boomers don’t understand privacy
Anonymous *************
OPKeyzer Söze 🙏🏻
Greg ********
@Mina ****
This is not the first time this has been reported in Phuket.Mina *****
@Greg *******
Well, 1st, 2nd or 7th time, doesnt really matter, as long as all the reports are anonymousGreg ********
@Mina ****
Up to you as they say!Anonymous *************
OP@Mina ****
why would we want to be undoxxed what if there are immigration officers here in the group. Use your brain.
Pou ****
@Mina ****
It’s working. I am scared.
Khun-t******
Normally the interview happens BEFORE they give you the visa.. 1st Time I hear they do that at the airport…
Greg ******
Khun-thia555 It is but only by the MFA. Most of the time, there is no interview (except in Laos and perhaps now in a couple of other countries). Immigration may simply want to exercise a little more control over people entering the country now whether they have a visa or not.
RedBlueb********
Khun-thia555 yeah, it's a BS excuse, no doubt...
Greg ********
Khun-thia555 Search through the group. It has happened in Phuket before like this. Chiang Mai to a lesser extent. Nowhere else reported.
Positive*********
Khun-thia555 This is entry interview which is possible on every entry. The other one is visa interview. Totally different.
Elías ********
PositiveSloth7568 this is not an a mere interview but like a super detailed interrogation as per the OP account
Alex ********
This was a first entry not a spot check.
Luit *****************
@Alex *******
You never heard of something called spotcheck? The fact that you did not had this does not mean others and eventally you can have this anytime you enter.Alex ********
Oh stop your arrogant trolling. We’ve all entered many times and never had this.
Positive*********
@Elías *******
Ok it seems more detailed that others but still standard operating procedure. You are entering a country not a shopping mall. At least they didn’t do a detailed body and luggage search.Anonymous *************
OPKhun-thia555 exactly what’s why we wanted to share this
Dallas *******
Never go to Phuket
Anonymous *************
OP
Greg *******
Chalk up Phuket again for immigration woes.
Andi ***********
Phuket is infamous for stopping some arrivals and interviewing them.
Iasmin ***********
Where did he apply from? Which embassy?
Anonymous *************
OP@Iasmin **********
BrazilIasmin ***********
Anonymous participant i am brazilian also and for my first entry with DTV workation was the same
RedBlueb********
Anonymous participant that's why I applied for workation as an Australian... (not as a Brazilian)
HAHAHA
I mean, I know it probably has nothing to do with it, it'd just an interesting coincidence...
(I've heard people talk about Phuket IOs and how much of a hard time they give heaps of people...)
HAHAHA
I mean, I know it probably has nothing to do with it, it'd just an interesting coincidence...
(I've heard people talk about Phuket IOs and how much of a hard time they give heaps of people...)
Anonymous *************
OP@Iasmin **********
yeah the immigration officer told my partner all first time activation needs interview maybe it’s a new thingActivity
39 joined39
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