Answered6 months ago

What should I expect when re-entering Thailand on a DTV visa obtained through a school under the Soft Power route?

DTV Visa Soft Power Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Requirements Expat Life in Thailand Visa Experiences

Israello********

asked May 8, 2026

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Has anyone here done a DTV visa through a school under the Soft Power route around 2 years ago, and recently exited and re-entered Thailand without issues?

Did immigration ask you to show an active connection to the school or pay the school again?

Or was everything normal at entry?

Personally, I’ve already exited and re-entered Thailand 3 times and nobody asked me anything, but lately I’ve been seeing stories that are starting to stress me out a bit.

In reality, I only paid the school for 6 months of studies, but I do have the official receipt.

I have an Israeli passport and need to exit and re-enter again next month.

Trying to understand what’s actually happening in practice for people right now, not just rumors.

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around experiences of individuals who obtained a DTV visa through a school provider under Thailand's Soft Power route. The main concern is whether re-entering Thailand will require proof of continued enrollment or connection to the school after the initial six-month period. While some users report no issues upon exiting and re-entering Thailand (even after multiple entries), others mention stricter scrutiny from immigration officials, especially regarding proof of ongoing training or school involvement. The conversation highlights the varying enforcement of visa requirements, with some expats advising that following the visa's intended purpose is critical to avoid complications.

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Siggi *******

Nobody get ask when they enter, only trolls spreading lies

6 months ago

UginTh******

So you got a Visa because you were going to school for 6 months two years ago? And you think you still meet the requirements of the Visa even though you didn’t re-enroll in school you are not currently enrolled in school 2 years later.

Got it.

6 months ago

Israello********

UginTheGreat Yeah, honestly, in hindsight it was probably a mistake not to apply through my business route instead, because I do actually own and run a real business remotely.

At the time, the school/soft power route just seemed simpler and more straightforward.

6 months ago

John **********

Israellovethai❤️ if you got the visa based on soft power remote work won't help you

6 months ago

Shayne **********

BKK really investigated the living daylights out of me! They want all soft power people off that option.

They want you to be training everyday for 5 years, have a full curriculum for your training, photos of your training everyday, as well as paying for classes and a letter from your school saying that your training all the time.

It's sad and not fun!

6 months ago

UginTh******

@Shayne *********

why is it sad?? That is what the DTV is for? If you aren’t using the Visa for what it’s intended for then why should it remain valid?

6 months ago

Steve******

UginTheGreat I understand your point but that's one of the general issues with the DTV.

The requirements for the soft power DTV are set and it is never said that someone needs to fulfill them for all the five years.

I have the remote worker DTV but nobody asked me if I am still with my employer from 2024 or even if I still have the 500k THB in an account. My DTV is valid and I entered the country in the past several times without being asked anything.

Another general issue is that it is treated as a tourist visa. It's easy to stay in Thailand for almost/more than 5 years without major interruptions with this Visa but you can't open a bank account as it is deemed a tourist visa.

6 months ago

Gerar ********

It is treated as a tourist visa because it is a tourist visa according to Thai immigration.

And tourists don’t need a Thai bank account.

6 months ago

Fabian *****************

Paul Franklin yes, as you say “technically no need. I Solved the rental payments by Revolut, the electricity bill at Seven but the water bill (Kathu, Phuket) I had to ask a local to help me pay that one every month. Loads of “oldies” stating cash is King, but it is a hassle with the coins. I ended up with a big jar of coins. All this instead of just be able to use your phone. And the few occasions going bar hopping you do not want a big stack of bills, that everyone can see.

6 months ago

Paul **********

Steve_

*****

because as a remote worker, you're supposed to have an income outside Thailand. So technically you don't need a thai bank account.

6 months ago

Israello********

@Shayne *********

Thanks for sharing this, really appreciate it.

That honestly sounds pretty intense and a bit crazy compared to how things were before.

What did you end up doing in your case? Did they finally approve everything or did you switch to another visa option?

And based on your experience, what would you personally recommend to people who originally got the DTV through the Soft Power/school route?

6 months ago