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What should I know about re-entry to Thailand on a DTV visa after traveling?
DTV VisaThailand ImmigrationDigital NomadVisa ExperiencesRe-entry IssuesBorder RunsThai Airport ExperiencesFamily DynamicsImmigration Officer BehaviorLong-Term Travel
Apr 13, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERStrange experience at DMK airport,
I’m on DTV remote work, went on a 5 day trip to Vietnam (so called border bounce, instead of the documentation nightmare in immigration extension).
I come to the counter, and the following:
Officer- “how many days you plan to stay?”
Me - “around 90/120 days, still not sure.”
Officer - looks at me with strange look.
Me - I thought he think I’m tourist visa so I mention “I’m on DTV visa.”
Officer - “visa in nothing, I’m decide if you come or go. Where you go after Thailand”
Me - I have a booked trip to Hong Kong and then Dubai.
Officer - you don’t go home country? You don’t miss your mom or dad?
Me - not sure, I’m digital nomad, I travel and work on laptop.
Idk why I got the “tourist on 7th attempt to visa run” treatment while I do have the proper visa and everything is legit. I guess officer had sudden urge to flex he’s the boss?
Should I start considering elite visa? I do live in Thailand, have Gf, 4 cats, car - kinda bummer
I’m on DTV remote work, went on a 5 day trip to Vietnam (so called border bounce, instead of the documentation nightmare in immigration extension).
I come to the counter, and the following:
Officer- “how many days you plan to stay?”
Me - “around 90/120 days, still not sure.”
Officer - looks at me with strange look.
Me - I thought he think I’m tourist visa so I mention “I’m on DTV visa.”
Officer - “visa in nothing, I’m decide if you come or go. Where you go after Thailand”
Me - I have a booked trip to Hong Kong and then Dubai.
Officer - you don’t go home country? You don’t miss your mom or dad?
Me - not sure, I’m digital nomad, I travel and work on laptop.
Idk why I got the “tourist on 7th attempt to visa run” treatment while I do have the proper visa and everything is legit. I guess officer had sudden urge to flex he’s the boss?
Should I start considering elite visa? I do live in Thailand, have Gf, 4 cats, car - kinda bummer
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post details a traveler's challenging experience at DMK airport in Thailand upon re-entering with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). The immigration officer questioned the length of the stay and expressed surprise at the traveler's lifestyle, which emphasizes remote work and long-term travel. The traveler felt misjudged, as they provided valid documentation but received treatment more akin to that of a tourist. Comments on the post suggest that the officer's behavior may reflect personal biases and the need for DTV holders to navigate cultural expectations around family and residency. The traveler contemplates whether to consider an Elite Visa for smoother entry experiences.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Anonymous ******************
Well, that's a common IO behavior from many countries around the world. The DTV doesn't protect you from any questions or check on the purposes of your stay unfortunately.
Tommy ********
The DTV is a glorified tourist visa. They don’t want people living here on it. It’s only going to get more tight I think
Chris ******
@Tommy *******
If being able to stay for 6 months at a time is not living here then what do you call it? Squatting? Asylum? Illegal? Invasion?Tommy ********
@Chris *****
it’s temporarily basing here. You only legitimately live somewhere if you’re legal to live, on the correct permit and visa etc.I would say has to be over a year before you can you live there.
Essentially, all DTV holders are supposed to be remote workers who often like to travel and more around. Clearly some DTV holders are using the visa for other purposes it wasn’t intended for
Chris ******
@Tommy *******
so with that logic, DTV holders should not be eligible to pay tax in Thailand right? I suspect the Thai government has other ideas.Anonymous ******************
@Tommy *******
“some DTV visa holders are using the visa for other purposes it wasn’t intended for”Absolutely agree with this! Abusing the system is exactly why immigration officers might eventually start getting stricter and maybe even start demanding to see proof of finances etc upon arrival. It’s only a matter of time IMO.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Jim ********
Easy fix: Say that both of your parents are dead 💀 and you are upset about the high tariffs on Thailand from America (or whatever country you are from)
Alistair **********
If they don’t like the look of you, they don’t like the look of you!  Happened to a cousin of mine Oxford educated has a big Afro haircut and the Chinese were like nope! Turned him around.
Anonymous ******************
Almost sounds like there's a paid solution to avoid such harassment. Gotta drive demand.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 123 you think that officer getting something from the paid solution? I don’t think
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant well I would go for elite for sure, if it wasn’t so expensive):
Anonymous ******************
You don't think? Sounds like it!
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Bobo ************
I still dont understand why you people go to country where they treat you like a garbage ? Go somewhere else where you are more and real welcome !
Anonymous ******************
You don’t miss your mom or dad? No.
David ******
I am on DTV... handed them my passport and DTV printout. Didn't even look at the printout and stamped me for 60 days. I was also coming from Vietnam. I was only staying for 30, so didn't bring it up...
Paul *******
@David *****
You are supposed to get it corrected before leaving. They are supposed to look at your visa too.David ******
@Paul ******
maybe my mistake, but didn't worry about it as I will be travelling well before the 60 days...Reply to
David ******
Reply
Marwan ***********
You should tell him i will stay in Thailand 2 months, not more than that because some officers in the immigration will start thinking why he wants stay more than 2 months? Even u have Long visa there, and try to answer that u will visit ur country after any trip, the immigration can decide whether let u in or reject for small reason
Paul *******
@Marwan **********
If you have a DTV, you can spend 6 months. Thus no need to bargain it down.Marwan ***********
If you have PR it is better then DTV. For DTV they will change it soon and the officers are not happy with people who applied for DTV as I saw by my self and my friends told me.
Reply to
Marwan ***********
Reply
AllSabai ******
The answer of your question is inside your story.
( visa is nothing, he decides you go or no ) simple like that.
You are advised to use some airport VIP safe entry service to avoid hassle with immigration and minimize your time at entry process.
You may reach us.in case needed.
Welcome back to Thailand and enjoy Songkran 🙏
( visa is nothing, he decides you go or no ) simple like that.
You are advised to use some airport VIP safe entry service to avoid hassle with immigration and minimize your time at entry process.
You may reach us.in case needed.
Welcome back to Thailand and enjoy Songkran 🙏
Lee ***********
You travel enough as most of us have and you understand that the majority of IO's are the same, I wouldn't worry, it's their opportunity to flex. I've just come back to England and the attitude of the coach driver is enough to U-turn. 😆 your back, just smile. Always ask for a supervisor as alot do not understand this visa or these new modern ways, most have never left or probably understand our attraction, to them it's just another day in paradise 😀
Oswald *******
Definitely get the Elite Visa. And a few more cats
Sam ******
If you have remote job, spend money to who are friendly toyou, don't take a bo....s..t. their are over 190 countries and depending which country citizen you have it but most of them visa friendly..
Sam ******
If they don't wanna you to spend money then you spend at laos, Cambodia, vetinam and east Europe..you have acar whow care...
Shaughn ***********
Sounds like an advertising post for Thailand elite.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shaughn **********
nope, the price sucks.I heard previous price was not bad, 900K for 20 years but now it’s so overpriced
Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Jesse ******
I entered via DMK last Thursday and had no issues at all.
Tatiana **********
Same experience . Maybe jealousy plays role. Maybe you just met a narcissist .In BKk just stamp & go , in DMK 1 question & pass but don’t like the energy of that place at all
Paul *******
@Tatiana *********
Totally agree. Having said that, I've not used DMK since BKK opened. Why? DMK is a low cost hub. I don't fly low cost and there aren't any intercontinental flights from DMK so in all likelihood, I'll never use it again. I have visited the airport to pickup or drop off friends and business associates and do miss the old vibes, but I'm not likely to use the airport anymore. Also, it's much further away and thus inconvenient for me to get there.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Dean *****
dmk is the strict one airport suvanahumn is betther than dmk these days
John *******
He didn’t understand why you not with your family. Probably sad that he is working on Songkran and misses his. You should have mentioned that you have GF here. He would then understand
Carlos *********
I arrived at DMK yesterday as well (Sunday 9pm), and heard an officer yelling ¨How many days are you going to stay?!!¨ immediately moved to a line far away and the officer welcomed me with a smile.. It totally depends on the person you get
Paul *******
@Carlos ********
The recipient of the yelling was probably on a visa exempt stamp.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Hundred times this happened. Also officers asked to show 500k at your bank account app. If have no money - goodbye. Check stories - Facebook groups.
David *******
Did you present your printed visa with your passport as instructed?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
yeaReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Rogerio ******
I think the easiest answer would've been that you have a Thai gf.
Literally that would explain everything about your long stay.
Literally that would explain everything about your long stay.
Fabian *******
@Rogerio *****
Slippery slope because DTV is still considered as a tourist visa. And having a girlfriend, condo and car basically proves that you are under no circumstances a touristRogerio ******
@Fabian ******
I said gf, didn't say condo/car which is what makes it a slippery slope of evidence of residency that you don't have to share."Gf" is much more open to interpretation than owning major property.
My opinion anyway, YMMV.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fabian ******
yes exactly that’s why I’m afraid to say something like that…When I did this visa, I thought it long term visa - but looks like everyone understands it differently
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Andrew ********
Mind me asking your nationality?
Anonymous ******************
As someone said and you know if you lived here, thais are very family oriented. When you are asked why you don’t go home and see your mom and dad, I think your response should be “I missed them and looking to go back soon!” Just my 2c
John *********
Anonymous participant 200 or quite possibly “sadly they have both passed away now”🤷🏿♀️
Paul *******
It's a dumb assumption. Firstly, maybe his parents already came to visit him. Secondly, maybe he went to Vietnam on business. Thirdly, I don't know his age but assuming he's older (by the sounds of it, he's probably a bit younger but let's play devil's advocate here) then his parents might not be around anymore. Or he doesn't have a good relationship with them. Or perhaps they live in Thailand or Vietnam. The possibilities are endless.
Kevin ********
Anonymous participant 200 for me it’s simple, I would simply tell them that’s why I’m here. They live here 😉
Anonymous ******************
@Kevin *******
haha exactly, keep it light hearted!Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Fleace ********
That is true in most countries. Even with a visa, the immigration officer makes the final decision and can refuse entry.
Ronnie ***********
Kick his head and steal an aeroplane
Brian ********
@Ronnie **********
happened once before********************************************************************
Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Tommi *******
Famous Iast words..up to me
Anonymous ******************
@Tommi ******
Hhaha 🤣 I’m sure that’d go down well. would love to be a fly on the wall tho 🤣Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Sounds like you just didn't understand his tone of voice and took it as being rude mean or super bossy. Thai are pretty much emotionless when they talk He was just doing his job
Frank **********
Anonymous participant 871 nah. There are some proper A holes at airport immigration- nothing to do with being Thai or not. There are a holes everywhere
Anonymous ******************
@Frank *********
I didn't say there wasn't. But misunderstanding tone expression and words will have you think in the wrong people or a holes when they're not.Oswald *******
@Frank *********
And you are one.Reply to
Oswald *******
Reply
Wannikea *********
Three questions at an airport by immigration and paranoid already. It's not a VIP visa.
Felipe *********
@Wannikea ********
I bet he's American, and wants to be treated like a prince everywhere.Oliver *********
@Felipe ********
or maybe he has a visa and wants to go through hassle free 😹Reply to
Oliver *********
Reply
Iñigo ************
What is your nationality?
Anonymous ******************
@Iñigo ***********
asking the real questionsIñigo ************
Anonymous participant 316 it is a relevant question. Let's not pretend that we are in a country that is not racist or doesn't discriminate. Age and gender also play a role. And what was the gender of the officer?
Steve *************
@Iñigo ***********
yep, 👍🏻Oswald *******
@Iñigo ***********
I see only unicorns and rainbows hereReply to
Oswald *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I sometimes wonder if they just personally don’t understand long term travelers. That question about not going to your home country almost sounds like they’re asking you is there a reason you can’t go to your home country, like you’re on the run or something 😅 Thais are very family orientated and many can’t imagine being away from their family and travelling the world so maybe this guy is automatically suspicious of people who don’t return to their home country.
Chris ******
Anonymous participant 151 A person with such a narrow outlook on the world should not be working as an Immigration officer then!
Oswald *******
Anonymous participant 151 My family is all dead
Anonymous ******************
@Oswald ******
Still better than US/UK officers who treat third world countries people as criminals.Oliver *********
Anonymous participant 661 Don't worry they treat UK citizens like criminals too
Oswald *******
Anonymous participant 661 US/UK officers are nothing but c0cksuckers
Reply to
Oswald *******
Reply
Tolga *******
being respectful goes a very long way - and yes nothing matters unless you have a Thai passport - the officer has the last say 👍🏻
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tolga ******
Yes, I think only reason I got in was me being respectful. Even when he “visa is nothing I decide if you go home”, I smile and say of courseOswald *******
@Tolga ******
They are dumb and don't deserve any respectGreg ********
@Oswald ******
Angst by name. Angst by nature.Paul *******
@Oswald ******
I agree that respect needs to be earned. What I do is, I always talk to them. I hate awkward silence. Also, immigration officers are supposed to ask questions, it's part of their job. I find airport immigration officers are the surliest bunch, but you do sometimes get a nice officer mixed in with the quiet ones. At land borders, officers are usually very nice but it does depend on the border. The more remote the border is, the friendlier the officials are. At border crossings which are neither very quiet nor very busy and regularly used by foreigners, you'll generally be treated well, with minimal questions asked.Oswald *******
@Paul ******
Spot on!Reply to
Oswald *******
Reply
Pete *******
@Oswald ******
irony is not the opposite of wrinklyOswald *******
@Pete ******
T!t is the opposite of TatReply to
Oswald *******
Reply
Juju *****
@Oswald ******
sounds like you might be projectingReply to
Juju *****
Reply
Andrew ********
Just sounds like you got an officer having a bad day.
Ever have to do deal with lost luggage officals at an airport ? Now there is someone who really hates their job can you imagine all they deal with is people in bad moods
Traveler "My luggage didn't arrive with me"
Offical "Has your plane landed yet?"
Traveler "No, I'm having an out of body experience"
Ever have to do deal with lost luggage officals at an airport ? Now there is someone who really hates their job can you imagine all they deal with is people in bad moods
Traveler "My luggage didn't arrive with me"
Offical "Has your plane landed yet?"
Traveler "No, I'm having an out of body experience"
Biff *******
Still let you in though.
Get another cat, you’ll be fine
Get another cat, you’ll be fine
Michael ******
get another cat you’ll be fine .. lol just about spat my coffee out
Reply to
Oswald *******
Reply
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