Hello community,
I want to share my recent and frankly *horrible* experience entering Phuket International Airport — posting anonymously as I don’t want any trouble.
This was my first time entering Thailand on the new DTV (Digital Workation) visa. As soon as the immigration officer realized it was my first entry on this visa, I was pulled aside. Another officer took my passport and asked me to wait.
I wasn’t nervous at first because I had applied for the visa myself and prepared everything properly. I had my house lease and bank statements printed, and the rest of the documents on my phone.
After around 10 minutes, an officer gave me a form to fill out with detailed personal info. I completed it and waited another 15 minutes. Then they asked to see all my documents. I showed everything I had printed, then they asked for the rest from my phone. I had *a lot* — I really overprepared during the application process and had every possible supporting document.
The officer started going through everything very carefully. I began to feel nervous and even started shaking — not just from fear, but also because the airport was freezing cold. About 20 minutes later, he came back and said he still wasn't convinced and asked for *more* documents.
At that point, I was panicking. I started pulling out anything I could think of — LinkedIn profile, old diplomas, past certificates, anything that could prove my career and remote work. I explained everything politely, clearly, and with a smile, trying to stay calm.
Still, the officer said he needed to consult his supervisor. He was grilling me for over an hour. I’m a white woman, dressed appropriately, speaking respectfully and openly — and yet I felt like I was being treated with suspicion from the start.
Eventually, after what felt like forever, he handed me my passport and let me go. I understand they have a job to do and must be careful, but the whole experience was incredibly stressful. I really thought I might be deported.
I’m sharing this so others are mentally prepared — especially if you’re entering via Phuket with a new visa. I hope your entry is smooth and drama-free, because I’m still shaking as I write this.
Very unpleasant experience.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A community member shared an anxiety-inducing experience upon entering Thailand for the first time on a Digital Workation Visa (DTV) at Phuket International Airport. After being flagged by immigration due to it being their initial entry, they faced extensive checks and document requests, causing significant stress. Many commenters expressed sympathy while also discussing the implications of previous visa issues and how they can affect new entrants. The post serves as a cautionary tale for others entering Thailand with the DTV, highlighting the potential for rigorous scrutiny from immigration.
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