What should freelancers know about immigration checks upon entry to Thailand with a DTV?

DTV visa Freelancers in Thailand Immigration process Thailand entry requirements Visa exemptions Document preparation for immigration Working in Thailand Immigration officer conduct

Jan 14, 2025

14 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just landed in BKK on a fresh DTV, received in Jakarta as a freelancer. I was asked by immigration what I did and asked to show proof of my work. I had to pull out my computer and walk the agent through some of my published work while explaining my career. She then asked me why I was applying in Jakarta and not in my home country.

My recommendation is to keep the documents you apply with handy upon arrival in Thailand, perhaps in a folder always accessible on your mobile. 

For context, I have spent time in Thailand d and do have a couple of visa exempt entires. 

Hope this is helpful to those that I have seen asking if this is happening.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Upon arrival in Thailand with a new DTV visa, a freelancer reported being asked about their work and required to show proof of employment, emphasizing the need to keep application documents accessible. Responses from others in the community indicated varying experiences with immigration checks, suggesting that some may face scrutiny while others may pass through without issue. Key insights include the importance of having documentation ready and understanding that any visa holder can be subject to checks.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Paulie ********

Always seems to be female officers who pull pepole they just not to seem to like farlang.

I used mine for first time cumming from India officer never batterd a eye lid stamped and was sat waiting for my case at the carousel

12 hours ago

Greg ********

@Paulie *******

Must admit the one and only time I have been asked questions it was a female officer. Ver a hundred of entries over 30 years.

12 hours ago

Paulie ********

@Greg *******

I got pulled after been in Singapore working for 3 month got stopped to many stamps she said why you come Thailand why you not go somewhere else like Australia.

Honest I couldn't belive it was just after covid when had to go wait in a hotel to get result.

I said you crazy I go work come here to spend money and you think that bad.

Also last time was a lady but she had a fair excuse I was still on METV and also had my DTV unactivated

12 hours ago

Greg ********

@Paulie *******

I was on 2 year BOI Visa and she kept pointing out it had 6 months left and would need renewing.

12 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

To me these just seem like QA as in any regulated industry. "Check X for a certain X number of Visa types.". It could also be an Immigration Officer under probation knowing they are being watched. It could be anything really why some get asked questions and others do not. It happens everywhere.

12 hours ago

Andi ***********

Agreed, vast majority have no issues entering.

12 hours ago

Greg ********

@Andi **********

In a regulated industry QA goes on constantly. Pretty standard proactive practice. I am sure it applies to all visa types. Thailand is expecting 40 millions entries this year. They have to check a certain amount.

11 hours ago

Andi ***********

@Greg *******

Yep, a certain amount of checks has to go on. With the big increase of visa holders then naturally we will hear of more checks made and questions asked.

11 hours ago

Greg ********

@Andi **********

Thais like a good quality audit as well as quality production numbers system on big screens at factories. :-)

11 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Gregory *******

So wait... It's legal to work IN Thailand AFTER you get the DTV, as long as your work does NOT involve local Thais and ONLY involves foreign, non-Thai people, right?

13 hours ago

Cissi *********

@Gregory ******

it has to be online-work for a foreign registered company and with foreign clients/customers. I.e. you can't do any business in Thailand targeting foreigners.

12 hours ago

Andi ***********

@Gregory ******

Correct and the work must be online only

13 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

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

Yes, it's normal. Any visa holder or exemption can be subject to checks. I've been saying this for quite some time, but people often prefer to hear what they want to believe. 🤔 The DTV is a new visa with a short history, so conclusions drawn from that short history aren't reliable enough.

13 hours ago

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

I got mine from London embassy last august. Have entered, left and re entered with no questions. When I came back last week, passport was stamped and the agent barely looked at me, which was perfect for me lol

Wonder why some are asked and some are let roll on through.

13 hours ago

Sean *******

I got mine from there then too for soft power. What did you apply under?

13 hours ago

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

@Sean ******

self employed remote work

13 hours ago

Sean *******

Maybe this is what the agents have been talking about. The one in soi 6 Pattaya said something about people giving him dodgy work contracts and applying in Laos. So he's not doing anymore cos he doesn't want any comebacks on him

13 hours ago

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

@Sean ******

I guess if everything is above board and in order there’s nothing to worry about. The only thing for me is I pulled my savings out and put it back in investments so I would have to move money around to have it back in a regular bank account.

13 hours ago

Sean *******

I done that as well and am wondering whether to put it back in when I do a border bounce in March.

13 hours ago

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

@Sean ******

ugh I’d rather not have to do it coz captial gains 🙈

Wonder do they give you time to produce it? Like I could have it there in a few hours to prove it? It’s so silly really coz the money is there. But the rules are the rules

12 hours ago

Reply to

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

Will ************

They will think you have been working in Thailand.

14 hours ago

Sean *******

@Will ***********

It's looking like they are suspicious of those who applied in neighbouring countries. And spent time in Thailand previously and saying they are a freelancer/remote worker.

13 hours ago

Reply to

Sean *******

What's your nationality? I'm glad I got mine from the UK my home country.

14 hours ago

Daniel *******

And it begins

14 hours ago

Charles **********

Hmm interesting 🤔

14 hours ago

Reply to