Answered4 months ago
What should gym owners and DTV visa holders in Thailand know about immigration inquiries?
Immigration officer called my gym
A notice for everyone. I own a gym that is popular for those looking to train Muay Thai and apply for the DTV (Tiger Eye)
For the first time since the launch of the DTV we got a call from an immigration officer at the airport (not sure which airport as my staff answered the phone)asking to confirm someone's attendance.
For context, the person in question came via an agency, an agency we stopped working with because we suspect they are forging people's bank statements after I reached out to the agency incognito as a potential client.
The person was from a former Soviet bloc country.
The staff member told the immigration officer the truth that this person hasnt come in yet and it was a short matter of fact call.
A notice for everyone. I own a gym that is popular for those looking to train Muay Thai and apply for the DTV (Tiger Eye)
For the first time since the launch of the DTV we got a call from an immigration officer at the airport (not sure which airport as my staff answered the phone)asking to confirm someone's attendance.
For context, the person in question came via an agency, an agency we stopped working with because we suspect they are forging people's bank statements after I reached out to the agency incognito as a potential client.
The person was from a former Soviet bloc country.
The staff member told the immigration officer the truth that this person hasnt come in yet and it was a short matter of fact call.
Answer summary
An owner of a popular Muay Thai gym in Thailand has reported receiving a call from an immigration officer regarding the attendance of a client who applied for the DTV (Tiger Eye) visa. The gym owner suspects that the client came through an agency previously suspected of forging financial documents. Community comments range from concerns about visa scrutiny and documentation requirements to debates about best practices when questioned by immigration. Users emphasize the importance of adhering to the visa's purpose and suggest maintaining active training at a gym to align with the Muay Thai visa's intent.
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Kool *******
With the crackdown on scam call centers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and to a minor extent in Thailand. That is what they are concerned about, and giving everyone that fits the profile, and stereotype, extra scrutiny. This is what they are concerned about.
EmeraldP*********
@Kool ******
I’m a white guy in his 20s from Norway. Do I really fit the stereotype for extra scrutiny? 😅GrayWal********
Well, after this you should always have an active Muay Thai course when arriving in the country, you got your visa based on Muay Thai so you will have to stick to it. Once your course is over and you don’t book a new one, there is no reason why the IO would have to let you in the country🤷♂️
Mason *******
EmeraldPapaya7418 No you don't need to reapply all DTV holders are permitted to work remotely 👍
GrayWal********
@Mason ******
it seems you don’t really understand what is this post about, nobody said he is not allowed to work remotely. You are allowed to work remotely even on visa exemption, that is not the issue hier. This is about the purpose of his visa and the purpose of which he is let to enter the country. Once you don’t fulfill the purpose of your visa there is no reason for you to enter the country with that specific visa. Read the topic before you commentMason *******
GrayWallaby8130 The IO asked him what is he doing in Thailand and nothing about the purpose of his visa. The IO clearly didn't know how they applied for their Destination Thailand Visa. Read the post correctly before you comment.
EmeraldP*********
GrayWallaby8130 Even if I have all the docs of a workcation approved my the consulate? I mean the actual DTV itself doesn’t actually specify soft power. Do I really have to cancel it and reapply?
GrayWal********
EmeraldPapaya7418 yes, and yes, the visa does specify soft power. Even if you had to show pay slips, income and all that stuff you were approved under soft power and not under workation. So again, yes, you have to stick with the purpose of your visa. If you want to change it to workation, you will have to reapply and there is the possibility to be rejected
Mark *********
Had the same thing but with cooking what i do is book a class in every time i need to fly out so i have an explanation when i come back in lol
SoftLy******
Next time someone ask you what do you do in Thailand, say eat fried rice chicken and enjoy the beach and the beautiful islands, you are a tourist and have a tourist visa! Why people are lost and apply for a visa that they have no idea the purpose behind it
Steve ******
My DTV lists my remote job right on it.
David *******
With a name like EmeraldPapaya I am not surprised 😂😂
Aaron *******
I would suggest you enroll in a Muay Thai School. Maybe go once a week. It's a great thing to study martial arts and it conforms with your visa.
Anonymous ******************
Whats the point of getting a visa if they scrutinize every entry you make to the country as if you didnt go through all the hoops *that they designed* to get one?
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 891 When you are really eligible for the visa, there are no hoops to go through...
Anonymous ******************
Stop overthinking You have a 5 year multi entry visa. Immagration dont need to know anything. If they ask you anything just knod and smile just like thai people do to farang when they don't want to answer. If he insists just say l have a 5 year visa is there a problem. They will stamp you. Only if they take you out of the line into a room should you answer but only answer what they ask again keep insisting you have a 5 year visa Whats the issue? Same as your Muay thai they dont need to know but if they ask just say muay thai and ask the officer you can do muay thai.and laugh. Some immagration officers are annoyed because they cant run their scams now. You just have to be polite but firm. If he continues ask for the supervisor dont let them intimidate you
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 942 Immigration don't need to know anything?
You suggest pretending stupid is the best option when you not comply with the rules?
When you comply with rules, just answer calm and honest on each question should be the best option.
You suggest pretending stupid is the best option when you not comply with the rules?
When you comply with rules, just answer calm and honest on each question should be the best option.
Garrett ***********
They lack professionalisum, it's nothing new unfortunately.
Greg ********
I think you just got a more strict officer. I would not read anything into it. You were approved for soft power. You need to stick to that now unless you want to go through the rigmarole of cancelling the soft power and reapplying under workation. You are allowed to work remotely on soft power, though.
EmeraldP*********
@Greg *******
I mean yeah, they basically wanted me to keep working remotely during my stay in Thailand to support myself financially for 5 years. Nothing on the actual visa states anything about soft power through. I kinda just assumed once you got the DTV, as long as you fulfill any of the categories, you’ll be fine. I just did soft power as it seemed to be an easier/faster approval, but they still decided to request all the docs associated with a workcation anyways…
Greg ********
EmeraldPapaya7418 yeah, I don't know what is put on the immigration system. Some people seem to indicate that there's a type one or type two DTV, but I've never seen that confirmed. It is my assumption that the only time you have to show this would be looked at is if you extended in-country. Now that raises the question: if you got a soft power DTV and then you wanted to extend in country, could you extend in country using workation? I really have no clue about that.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
That sounds rational. The MFA granted it based on SP or Workaytion. Immigration cannot or will not change it. Need a whole new application to change it.
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
i heard the DTV category is locked for 5 years. Immigration will not change it during extension. You need to reapply outside of Thailand.Andi ***********
EmeraldPapaya7418 It was your first DTV entry, and it is not unusual to be asked that question first time, i was and know a few others asked the same. You have a valid 5 yr visa so no need to worry but as Greg mentioned best to stick to the SP line on arrival.
Greg *******
You had to show your payslips, and such to the IO or when you applied they asked for it?
EmeraldP*********
@Greg ******
As an additional docs request before the visa was approved, didn’t have to show anything to the border officer. But if I am taken to second inspection, I assume I’ll have to provide documentation.
James ********
EmeraldPapaya7418 Which Muay Thai training gym are you signed up for and where is it located in Thailand?
James ********
EmeraldPapaya7418 wonderful 👍 Enjoy your next 5 years of the DTV visa 🤗
EmeraldP*********
@James *******
Tiger Eye in Bangkok. Was approved with 3 a months course about a week ago. Applied in HCMC, Vietnam.Greg *******
EmeraldPapaya7418 you usually will at secondary. Was pulled aside last year before I got my DTV, wasn’t to bad.
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