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What should I say to immigration when returning to Thailand on a DTV visa after my cooking course?
Mar 14, 2026
2 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERIf IO ask what I’m doing returning to Thailand once my cooking course has finished..
(With DTV visa). Can I simply say “I will live here and live off of my savings”? I feel like saying “I’m on vacation” is more likely to result in being denied entry. Thoughts?
(With DTV visa). Can I simply say “I will live here and live off of my savings”? I feel like saying “I’m on vacation” is more likely to result in being denied entry. Thoughts?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is concerned about how to explain their return to Thailand after completing a cooking course on a DTV (Digital Visa). They wonder if saying "I'll live off my savings" is better than claiming they're on vacation, fearing the latter might lead to entry denial. Comments from the community emphasize the need to be truthful, suggesting that stating one is planning to continue education (by enrolling in another cooking class) or even working remotely may be more effective. It is noted that immigration officers may require proof of purpose, so clarity about one's situation and intentions is essential.
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Rjw *******
Been asked this 3 times at swampy. My reply is always staying in my room coz I don’t know what else to do. They know I’ve been coming for the complete period exempt visas are permitted over past 20 years (sometimes 6 months a year) - what else is there to do? So I just be normal, be nonchalant... I was also asked once if I had a return flight, my reply was no but I can buy one now if you want. That’s it. I’m way too old and unbothered to pretty things up for them.
Rjw *******
Obviously not on a dtv though…seems alot easier if I were on it previously
RoadtoHappiness ****
@Rjw ******
everything was easier beforeReply to
RoadtoHappiness ****
Reply
Anonymous ******************
"doin drukz n pills"
Sky ***************
You can say that you are traveling, but in this case you will be considered a tourist, and you need to prove it with paid accommodation and a flight ticket out of Thailand and 20,000 thb in cash.
You can also say that you are working online as a workation traveler, but be prepared that they might ask you to show proof of this.
Another option is to say that you are planning to apply for a new Soft Power course, such as Thai cooking or Muay Thai.
All of these reasons have been used before and have worked successfully for some of our previous participants in the Soft Power course.
All reasons for entry in Thailand must be confirmed by documents.
You can also say that you are working online as a workation traveler, but be prepared that they might ask you to show proof of this.
Another option is to say that you are planning to apply for a new Soft Power course, such as Thai cooking or Muay Thai.
All of these reasons have been used before and have worked successfully for some of our previous participants in the Soft Power course.
All reasons for entry in Thailand must be confirmed by documents.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sky **************
won’t have documents if I say I’m planning to do another course (which seems to me the best answer to give)Sky ***************
Anonymous participant depends on immigration because this case can book it online and receive documents to email the same way as booking property to stay or flight ticket.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sky **************
well if you’ve actually booked another course then no problem. But then you’re gonna need to do 10 courses over 5 years 🫠Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer This sounds to me as that you do not need the visa to attend a course, but try to have a course to get a visa for a much longer time.
Just this kind of behaviour might be a reason for more checks.
Just this kind of behaviour might be a reason for more checks.
Sky ***************
Anonymous participant I believe only you can know this, as this information is not registered anywhere and is not available to anyone else. For Soft Power courses, there is no general database that allows anyone to check how many times a person has joined a course during the 5-year visa period, or whether they have joined at all.
Documents are rarely checked during entry, and even if they are checked by one immigration officer, it is usually not recorded. On your next entry, it is very unlikely that you will meet the same immigration officer. Even if, by coincidence, it happens to be the same person, they most likely will not remember you or the details about your case. In that situation, the entire process would simply be repeated again.
Documents are rarely checked during entry, and even if they are checked by one immigration officer, it is usually not recorded. On your next entry, it is very unlikely that you will meet the same immigration officer. Even if, by coincidence, it happens to be the same person, they most likely will not remember you or the details about your case. In that situation, the entire process would simply be repeated again.
Reply to
Sky ***************
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Anonymous ******************
You need to understand that there are 2 different things at work here that many folks assumed it’s the same thing. A visa merely gives you a ticket to a concert or event but the bouncers or security officers are the one to allow you in or not. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) gives out DTV visas but Immigration Bureau (Royal Thai Police) enforces the visas. 2 total separate departments. It’s really up to the discretion of Immigration Officer. IMO, if or when IB determines high level of fraud or deception (similar to ED visa) they will then start enforcing it. So just because you have a 5 years visa does not mean you can enter without issue at all times. The DTV visa does differentiate between workcation vs soft power category. One could argue it is easier to enforce the latter.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 805 fwiw, I am on my 2nd year of DTV (workcation). I have been in and out at least 5 times. I was asked once what is my occupation.
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 805 Total scaremongering waffle. If you are a digital nomad you wouldn't waste your time on your keyboard trying to worry others.
Reply to
Christopher ***********
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RoadtoHappiness ****
I can recommend to don't listen
@Robert ******
, this guy is a troll. Be careful of his advices.Anonymous ******************
@RoadtoHappiness ***
Why do you feel the need to make such an announcement? People are capable of thinking critically and weighing the pros and cons, rather than just absorbing basic propaganda.RoadtoHappiness ****
Anonymous participant 751 just be careful, this guy confused many people.
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RoadtoHappiness ****
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Robert *******
@RoadtoHappiness ***
Such a great advice, backed up with official documents.Ooo,, you do not know the rules, but just love to shout out to get attention.
You got it, keep going
Luit *****************
@RoadtoHappiness ***
I recommend not to listen to all the youtubers with their incorrect info.Reply to
Luit *****************
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Baggage *******
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Explained in 3 Minutes | Thailand Entry Guide 2026
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Anonymous ******************
Just say you're travelling and practicing your cooking in your rented apartment and sharing with friends you made in Thailand.
Bonus points, offer an invitation for dinner.
Bonus points, offer an invitation for dinner.
Khun ******
This Indian chap told them he came here to relax. Stamped in no problem. 👍
Robert *******
It is better to tell the truth.
Most of you DTV claim that you are allowed to work on every type of DTV, so be honest and tell you work.
Amazing to read that all answers are to avoid the truth but in every other topic they only comments are you can work on every purpose, every dtv allows you to work.
LOL, this page is funnier than a comedy show
Most of you DTV claim that you are allowed to work on every type of DTV, so be honest and tell you work.
Amazing to read that all answers are to avoid the truth but in every other topic they only comments are you can work on every purpose, every dtv allows you to work.
LOL, this page is funnier than a comedy show
RoadtoHappiness ****
@Robert ******
you're genuine troll 😂😂RoadtoHappiness ****
don't listen this troll.
Luit *****************
@RoadtoHappiness ***
I have a much better advise, don't listen to all the youtubers that pretend they know everything, but in practice only tell stories not based on reality, just as clickbait to get money.RoadtoHappiness ****
@Luit ****************
oh you're troll also lol, I didn't know, my bad.Luit *****************
@RoadtoHappiness ***
So when I not believe your stories I am a troll, you're really funny.RoadtoHappiness ****
@Luit ****************
I don't care if you believe my story because I didn't spread my story. But if you laughing is a proof, only trolls laughing because no knowledge. Good dayBtw u can read what people wrote about Legas. This guy is totally troll and he is good in that.
Luit *****************
@RoadtoHappiness ***
So when somebody thinks you are funny he or she is a troll.Strange opininon laughing people are trolls.
I don't read what people tell about other people, that is just not interesting information.
RoadtoHappiness ****
@Luit ****************
better to listen people who have knowledge in reality. Legas is genuine troll, you can check his another comments, he is always wrong and force his imaginations. Be aware.Robert *******
@RoadtoHappiness ***
Yep, llisten to people with knowledge, not to those who are to scared to use their name and keep on telling lies to avoid Immigration.BUT I dare to challenge, show me 1 comment of me where I was wrong.~
Please with official statements, not with another troll comment.
RoadtoHappiness ****
@Robert ******
you're all comments are wrong. Not only this topic.Reply to
RoadtoHappiness ****
Reply
Robert *******
@RoadtoHappiness ***
Hard to do as so many of you use nicknames or anonymousRoadtoHappiness ****
@Robert ******
take your pillsReply to
RoadtoHappiness ****
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Robert ******
Exactly all very sure they don't need to prove anything but all ready to lie at the same time 😂.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Greg ********
In the last couple of days this question has been asked a number of times......curuous
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
yeah sorry, I’m anxious as hell about itGreg ********
Anonymous participant I have not seen any credible sources yet of anyone denied entry. There is one bloke claiming someone's visa was cancelled but when asked for evidence he said "My wife told me". Now could it become an issue in the future ie need to prove ongoing activities, Soft Power or Work etc. Of course it could but no evidence right now it is an issue. Unless someone knows different?
Reply to
Greg ********
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Jamie *************
I’m pretty sure vacation is the word they want to hear
Christopher ***********
@Jamie ************
Agree Jamie! Vacation is open-ended and doesn't require any proof. Simplest solution for everyone.Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Only problem there is that "vacation" is not one of the purposes of stay for DTV.Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
More the perfect solution rather than a problem. Everyone is entitled to take a holiday. Holidays have no minimum/maximum length, acceptable frequency or permissible/impermissible destinations.Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Not everybody is entitled to take a holiday in Thailand, but when you are from a visa exempt country you might be allowed to do, and the visa exempt program certainly has limits on frequency and length.Your DTV does not have "holiday" as puupose of stay, so is not the correct visa for a holiday.
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
There are no restrictions on where, for how long and how often a DTV holder can take holidays during the five year validity. By that, a DTV holder is allowed to take holidays in Thailand. Recent report of an Indian guy asked his purpose of visit upon entry with his DTV. His answer was; ‘relaxation’. He was stamped in for 180 days. You should take this up at your immigration office if you’re not happy.Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
I know you always promote fraudulent behaviour, but entering the country for a reason that not matches your visa just is not permitted.That this often is not enforced is no guarantee you always get away with it.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
is it fraudulent though? Would be so much clearer if they officially stated you must be constantly enrolled in a course to use your DTV ..but they don’tLuit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer General immigration rules state that purpose of visa has to match purpose of stay.
That does not mean constantly enrolled in my opinion, and you should have time for a break, but without enrollment in the next 180 days when you enter, might be hard to explain.
I agree it could be made more explicit.
More often I get the idea Thai leave room for interpretation in their rules, which in case of problems will not be explained as an advantage for foreigner.
That does not mean constantly enrolled in my opinion, and you should have time for a break, but without enrollment in the next 180 days when you enter, might be hard to explain.
I agree it could be made more explicit.
More often I get the idea Thai leave room for interpretation in their rules, which in case of problems will not be explained as an advantage for foreigner.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
but they could say visa exemption is sufficient for a vacation and ignore/cancel your DTVChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant If you hold a valid visa you must enter upon it. Immigration can’t ignore it. Taking a holiday runs in conjunction with whatever you’re doing and wherever you’re doing it. It isn’t a case of either/or.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
right but they decide whether it’s valid ..they could easily say holidaying isn’t appropriate use of DTVChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant Interesting how they could determine that a holiday (being an absence of activity) is an inappropriate activity for a DTV holder?
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
You might think that is interesting, but the DTV visa is issued for an activity, not for absence of an activity, so for purpose of stay holiday you should get another visa, or just visa exempt if your country is eligable.Nobody forbids you to have also some holiday time next to your course
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Not possible. If you hold a valid Thai visa you must enter Thailand upon it. You cannot choose to enter visa exempt or apply for a different visa unless you first cancelled your DTV. No reasonable person would do that. Likewise, it wouldn't be reasonable to be denied entry to a country you held a 5 year visa for because you stated you intended to take a holiday (next).Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
What is reasonable?I think you try to create unlikely situations.
Why should somebody enrolled in a soft power activity leave the country immediately after ending the activity and then get back in the country just for a few weeks holiday?
Everybody who thinks logical should combine the few weeks holiday with the softpower activity, so not having the problem, because then the purpose of stay just is the softpower activity.
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
The difference is a holiday is open-ended and requires no proof. If you refer to your soft power activity the next question could be show me the proof?Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Again, DTV visa is not for purpose of stay "holiday".Of course when you refee to your soft power activity, the next question might be for proof.
You got the visa for soft power or workcation, so when you say you are entering for something else they might question that, or deny entry.
Just like you suggest to fraud creditcard companies with chargeback, you now suggest to ise a visa gor a not matching purpose.
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
You appear to like authority, rules and regulations. I'd rather make things possible instead. Does it state upon a DTV that entry will only be permitted for the purpose for which this visa was issued?Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Just look at general immigration rules, but as you already say you like to ignore rules to make things possible.Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
I try (and sometimes succeed) in finding out how things work in reality. For instance, I sometimes assist my wife in her shop. Shopwork is prohibited for foreigners in Thailand. The misinformed, opinionated and, of course trolls threatened arrest, prosecution, fines, imprisonment, deportation and being banned from Thailand. I knew I was OK but confirmed it with my squad leader contact at the immigration office. The answer was; 'Of course couples can assist each other, that's what they do'.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
not sure what you’re asking here exactlyChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant There is a list of prohibited employment activities for foreigners in Thailand. If you gave one of those as your reason for entering Thailand (whether with a DTV or not) your chances of admission wouldn't be good. Holiday doesn't appear anywhere because it isn't a defined activity in the same sense.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
I can’t decide between “vacation” or “I will do another course” as the best thing to sayChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant Say 'I'm going to relax to give myself some time to consider which course I'm going to enrol upon next'.
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Christopher ***********
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Anonymous ******************
I just took some photos of simple thai dishes. Mama noddles, pad thai etc. immigration officer thought it was quite funny.
Chris ******
Man, all these comments are making me nervous. This is my first time on the DTV I’m thinking about paying an agency to go to Laos and come back when it’s time for my second stamp
Christopher ***********
@Chris *****
No need. The original post is BS. There is no requirement to be enrolled on a current DTV qualifying course.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
not bs. They can/do ask for proof that your course is ongoingChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant Total BS. Try pointing me to one verifiable (not anonymous participant troll) post where a DTV holder reentering Thailand has been required to prove they are currently enrolled upon a DTV qualifying course.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
there’s been lots of reports of precisely this. They are not uploading passport or video proof of course cos why would youChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant Troll posts only. Also DTV extensions obtained with relative ease at Bangkok immigration. Unfortunately, unverifiable because the name or even rank of the immigration officer granting it wasn’t noted. Photo of DTV extension stamp not posted either. Would be most valuable to any other DTV extension applicant who might initially be given a hard time?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
well they’re saying they had a hard time. The ones not getting in wouldn’t have a stamp and hardly likely to stick around taking namesChristopher ***********
Anonymous participant Who is saying they had a hard time? Anonymous Participants? The ones not getting in would have a ‘Denied Entry’ stamp in their passport. You didn’t know that? You need to improve your trolling!
Tore *********
@Christopher **********
you are the one looking like trolling. Yes, you are definitely supposed to do the activity the visa is based on for the duration of your stay. Its literally the visa condition. Are you actually serious?Christopher ***********
@Tore ********
Your DTV states that it is issued on the basis that you must be enrolled upon your qualifying course continuously for the five year duration. Failure to comply will result in revocation?Tore *********
@Christopher **********
that is literally the conditions yes. Though obviously not for continuous 5 years, DTV has 5 year validity, but is a 180 days multiple entry visa. Designed to facilitate people staying temporarily in Thailand while doing remote work, medical treatment and cultural courses. For the duration they stay. What part of that is confusing to you? Just because you get away with abusing it doesn’t mean its complient.
My DTV isn’t based on courses.
How is this news to you? It’s literally the conditions of the visa. Why do you think people are being given METV when applying for DTV often?
Any failure of visa conditions can cause revocation. But I don’t mention revocation at all.
Christopher ***********
@Tore ********
DTV holders are either required to enrol in subsequent courses or they're not. The fact is they're not. There can be no failure by the DTV holder to adhere to a condition that doesn't exist. In what way are they abusing their visa? You don't agree with me using the word 'revoked'. Are you suggesting temporary suspension would/should apply instead? I don't know why certain applicants are issued with METV's when others receive the DTV they applied and paid for. If their application is in accordance with embassy requirements, that is a failure by the embassy.Tore *********
@Christopher **********
or you could do some research. I would advise you to stop giving advice on something you don’t understand. You are essentially saying: The conditions for the conditional visa only exist in the first stay duration. Bizarre.
Christopher ***********
@Tore ********
I'm not giving advice or stating my opinions. Only confirming the requirements for DTV. 'First stay duration' doesn't mean anything. That could be one day or up to 180 days. We are told that mininum course duration for DTV application is six months, although 12 months is preferable. There is no requirement to be enrolled upon a qualifying course for the five year DTV duration. If you have seen this published by Thai government, please point us all to it as it would be most valuable information to know.Tore *********
@Christopher **********
you are able to type here, so you are able to type into a search engine or a LLM lol. And yes, it’s literally written in the visa conditions….regardless of your interpretation of thr conditions.
Christopher ***********
@Tore ********
I prefer to read requirements published on the official government website. ChatGPT (for instance) includes out-of-date, troll reports and simply wrong information people have posted and thus sometimes presents incorrect information. The fact remains that there is no requirement to enrol in a subsequent course or sign up for more medical/dental appointments beyond those the applicant used for their application.Tore *********
@Christopher **********
well clearly you didn’t actually read that 🤷🏻♂️. Anyway, good luck bending the system. That turned out so well for the ED visasChristopher ***********
@Tore ********
You must be reading something else. Who is bending any system? What have other types of visas got to do with a DTV requirement that doesn't exist? What is it to you what other people do or don't do?Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher **********
I’m a troll now too? Literally just trying to find out if I’ll be let back into the country but sure, call me a trollAnonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Don't worry that Kilcourse dude is recommending people, on previous posts, to put money in their passport when crossing the border and ask for personal IOs contacts... He's a delusional clown 🤡.
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 751 Your experience is obviously limited to trolling only.
Anonymous ******************
@Christopher **********
Sure and you’re an expert in disrespect and BS. I’m apparently limited to trolling, according to you, yet you don’t even know why some people are getting METVs. As if everyone is entitled to full benefits. You keep saying nobody has issues, but at the same time you tell people they need to show money when crossing the border. Then you also claim immigration officers are just there to stamp passports and say hello. You keep contradicting yourself the whole time and then end up insulting people. As I said, you sound like an old, grumpy, grandpa.Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 751 Try contributing something factual and helpful to others for a change. Might make your life more pleasant.
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant If you hold a DTV you will know that there is no requirement to enrol in any subsequent course beyond the one used for your application. Who has told you there is now such a requirement? Ministry of Foreign Affairs? The Thai Embassy/Consulate who issued your DTV?
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Christopher ***********
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Anonymous ******************
If youre worried about IO just book immigration fast track service before you arrive and they'll walk you past the line and ask no questions.
*Edit: Usually won't ask questions...unless you look like a bum, a psycho or have other serious issues...
*Edit: Usually won't ask questions...unless you look like a bum, a psycho or have other serious issues...
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 875 Fast track service just helps you go faster without queuing, IO still can ask questions. I had that experience a few months ago. My visa is Ed visa (language school) by the way.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 566 well they've become pretty strict on those so I imagine that's why, for example people haven't learned any Thai but have an Ed visa...
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Anonymous ******************
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ExcitingJa***********
Is this different from Business class priority lane?
Please let me know.
Please let me know.
Anonymous ******************
ExcitingJackfruit6054 it's pretty convenient, however I've never used the business class option so I cant give any input on that.
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Anonymous ******************
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Christer *****
Trying to find a new class that can take you to the next level. You want to do that in person
Anonymous ******************
You can say you are going to join another cooking class (advanced level or different cuisine, sth like that).
The best way is go get a VIP pass.
The best way is go get a VIP pass.
Terin ********
Just tell them you’re attending cooking class nothing more nothing less
Anonymous ******************
@Terin *******
Well that would be called lying to an IO if not taking part in it anymore. Not the best strategy to avoid being denied entry or worse.Justin ********
@Terin *******
#1 mistake is lying to customs, they're desperately looking to discover your 1st lie so they can burn you with it. I'd dare say being evasive is better than a good sounding lieElías ********
@Terin *******
what if they ask for a proof?Terin ********
@Elías *******
show them the letter when you signed up for the classAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terin *******
it will have expired by thenAlejandro ****
Anonymous participant yeah not sure if it's the best option. Tbh Ive also been thinking about it, I have a Muay Thai course of 9 months, maybe I'll just sign up again once I finish it to be 'safe' with the DTV, since it's going to be cheaper to pay for Muay Thai than getting a visa like Thai elite. I guess we'll know more about it in a few years anyways, I think it's unlikely they ask you a lot if you just got the visa, but maybe on the 3rd or 4th year they will be more aggressive
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alejandro ***
I’m gonna look shifty as hell as I go through passport control every 6 months 😅Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Anonymous ******************
Saying you live here having a tourist visa is definitely not a good idea.
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 140 Why on earth not? Kindly state the residence limitations of DTVs.
John **********
@Christopher **********
a maximum of 180 days at a timeChristopher ***********
@John *********
According to the original video the options are either exit/reenter at 180 days or extend. The only requirement to exit being after 360 days. No minimum time to be spent outside Thailand stated. In other words, nobody with a DTV needs to spend a single night outside Thailand during the five year duration.Reply to
Christopher ***********
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Elías ********
Participante anónimo 140 we can live on the DTV 😒
But up to for five years, yes
But up to for five years, yes
Nico ******
@Elías *******
stay and live is a hell if a difference.Luit *****************
@Elías *******
As long as you comply with visa requirements you can come when you want during 5 years.But it is a visa for a special purpose of visit, so the possibility exists IO will ask you to show proof.
Having proof you still employed for remote work, or appointments for medical treatment or proof of other soft power activity might be handy.
Of course you can gamble that 99 percent or more is not checked, but the chance they will check you is higher than the chance to win Thai lottery.
Elías ********
@Luit ****************
sure thing and I fully understand that it's not a "residential" visa, as 5 years is actually rather a short amount of time. But saying (it wasn't you who said it) that you "don't/can't" live in a place because you visit other countries make no sense.Luit *****************
@Elías *******
It just depends on your definition of living.Personally I think Thailand might have a lot of visa for all kind of purposes, but you still will be a guest.
On most visa, even when you don't have to leave the country, you have to extend yearly, and the extension can be easily denied without any reason.
DTV is even less like living in the country with obligation to leave, no bankaccount, some say only temporary driver license and so on.
I know a lot of people can live with that, but you don't have very much rights.
When government decides that a border bounce is not allowed, you can do nothing really.
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Luit *****************
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John **********
@Elías *******
no, you can enter Thailand for 180 days each time. That is not living in ThailandAlejandro ****
@John *********
it's a bit stupid though, even if it's a technicality, but if you can stay for 180 days in a country and when you come back you get another 180 days you are kinda living in that country lolElías ********
@John *********
you tell me. I've been living here since October 2024 on the DTV. That's way more than 180 days 🤷🏻John **********
@Elías *******
but not continuouslyElías ********
@John *********
And? My points stands. So, if a person on a retirement visa or marriage visa makes a trip abroad (either to their home country or another country) here and then for personal reasons, will you say they're "not" living in Thailand? The most I've spent out of Thailand since I got the DTV until now has been 30 days. That's living in Thailand. To live in a place doesn't mean it's a jail where you can't get out even for a weekend. Of course that's always an option, if voluntary.Anonymous ******************
@Elías *******
and are you also paying thai tax already? Cause over 180 days cumulative in a yr makes one a tax residentElías ********
Participante anónimo 284 I don't need to pay taxes here. My sole income now is a salary from my home country, taxed there at a higher rate (as compared to Thai rates) and covered by the Dual Tax Agreement of my country with Thailand (that prevents people from either country to be taxed twice for the same money).
Being or not being here over 180 days is not that important, what matters is the DTA, what kind of income is it, and whether you remit a bunch of it or not to Thailand (I don't).
Being or not being here over 180 days is not that important, what matters is the DTA, what kind of income is it, and whether you remit a bunch of it or not to Thailand (I don't).
John **********
@Elías *******
agreed but you still need to file a Thai tax return to claim the credits for taxes already paid on the money you bring inJohn **********
@Elías *******
my point is a DTV only allows you to enter for 180 days at a time. People living in Thailand for retirement need never leave. It's probably not a good idea to say to immigration I live in Thailand if on a DTVLuit *****************
@John *********
Exactly, and a retirement visa is intended to stay in the country, almost as a jail as @Elías *******
tells, because you need an extra document, re-entry permit if you want to leave and come back.In the same way the DTV is intended to stay several periods of up to 180 days with a possible exception of up to 360 days.
That it is technically possible to put those stays back to back legally and creating the feeling of living in Thailand does not make that the intention of the visa.
If they would have intended that, they would have created longer stays and easier and unlimited in country extensions.
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
It isn't for you, I or anyone else except Thai authorities to say what their visas are intended for. Conditions are published and providing we are in accordance with those conditions nothing else matters.Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Why should I not be allowed to say what visa intended for? That is just public available information.Who do you think you are that you can tell me what I can say and what I can say not.
Please mind your own bussiness!
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Visa requirements are stated for all to read. It is your opinion only that DTV holders might need to carry proof of ongoing qualifying activities when reentering Thailand. No such requirement exists.Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
We are not talking about visa requirements here, and what needs to be proved, only that DTV is not intended as a long stay visa and then officer Killcop starts shouting I am not allowed to say that.The simple fact is that with a long term visa like non-o retirement you have one single stay that is granted in the beginning and that same stay is extended every year.
With DTV the stay is default maximum 180 days, and then you will need a new stay, and it is up to immigration to check if you qualify for a new stay.
You might say there are no requirements to get a new stay but that is not up to you.
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Luit *****************
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