What should I say to immigration when returning to Thailand on a DTV visa after my cooking course?

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.

"doin drukz n pills"

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 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.

I can recommend to don't listen

@Robert ******

, this guy is a troll. Be careful of his advices.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Explained in 3 Minutes | Thailand Entry Guide 2026

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.

This Indian chap told them he came here to relax. Stamped in no problem. 👍

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

In the last couple of days this question has been asked a number of times......curuous

I’m pretty sure vacation is the word they want to hear

I just took some photos of simple thai dishes. Mama noddles, pad thai etc. immigration officer thought it was quite funny.

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

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...

Trying to find a new class that can take you to the next level. You want to do that in person

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.

Just tell them you’re attending cooking class nothing more nothing less

Saying you live here having a tourist visa is definitely not a good idea.