ask
Search
Ask
Answered4 months ago

What should I say when asked 'what are you doing in Thailand' during re-entry after my course?

Anonymous *************
asked Jun 25, 2026
4.9k
views
41
replies
3
likes
After my soft power course ends, what is a safe and consistent way to answer immigration if asked ‘what are you doing in Thailand’ during re-entry?

I do remote stock trading/investing. Is it advisable to mention that, and if so, how should I frame it? Thanks!
Answer summary
When re-entering Thailand after completing a soft power course, it's recommended to keep your explanation simple and general. Many in the community suggest stating you're a tourist, or you're here to relax and explore. While remote work is generally permitted, mentioning specific activities like stock trading may raise questions with immigration officials. It's best to avoid discussing income sources unless specifically asked, to prevent any complications.
41 repliesnewest first
23

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

James *******
James *******
Get a little laminated sign made up saying you are deaf and only speak lemerig. That should get you waved through
GrayWal********
GrayWal********
A safe and consistent way is booking a new course
Dom ********
Dom ********
Just say tourism and Muay Thai (or whatever your soft power was)

Whilst remote working is allowed, given the language barrier I would advise to avoid using the word ‘working’ at all as this will raise alarm bells
Discover **************
Discover **************
That’s why we offer, For our participants, after they completed their full-year schedule at a 50% discount😊
David ***********
David ***********
Ask if there are more courses to take
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Just tell them generally what you plan on doing. Traveling, relaxing, visiting friends/girlfriend/boyfriend, etc. I wouldn't talk about your source of income or how you're paying for your time in Thailand unless they specifically ask about that. Keep it simple.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Enroll on a new course
Robert *******
Robert *******
Two options.

Lie without making funny faces and stick to that lie,

OR

the truth, which is always to best to use against Government officials.

The truth is no problem as many well known people in this forum will tell you working is allowed on every purpose, so WHY
@Chris *********
tells you to lie should makes me and you wonder about those stories.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Correct working remotely is allowed.
Robert *******
Robert *******
Anonymous participant 331 And she is the NEW Thai Minsiter of Foreign Affairs making official announcements like that?

a Free lance business owner using DTV, must be another dreamworld citizen
Robert *******
Robert *******
Anonymous participant 331 As many of you love to call me a pensioner, old and grumpy, what is AI?

I hope you do not mean machines who are programmed to perform tasks that typically require human intellect,

I can think and use my own brain, benefit of being old and wise.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Robert ******
Use your AI assistant to help translate the posts Robert. You clearly struggle and get confused reading some of them.
Robert *******
Robert *******
Anonymous participant 331 So if a foreigner who applied for the wrong purpose of a visa tells it is allowed, the Thai law directly changed?

Please go out in the streets and explain that driving without a helmet and license on a motorbike is now allowed by Thai law as Anonymous participant 999 just explained in another topic
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Robert ******
You sound confused this about a Royal Thai Immigration Officer. Asking a traveller about his work when entering on a soft power DTV.
Chris **********
Chris **********
@Rob***
if I'm not a tourist, what am I mate?
Matt ********
Matt ********
@Chris *********
you seem like the sensible one!
Robert *******
Robert *******
@Chris *********
How should I know and why would I have any interest in what you do in Thailand ?

I only know you always comment working is allowed on every purpose as their is only 1 DTV. Now you tell people to lie and tell Im a tourist, sounds funny if it was not that serious.

Telling people to lie to Government Officials, is not a joke.
Robert *******
Robert *******
@Chris *********
Yep, do not try, just relax in the patio.
Chris **********
Chris **********
@Rob***
it's hard to keep up with your mental gymnastics 🤣
CharmingG**********
CharmingG**********
The course is over to get the visa. And you still have a tourist visa .it a 5 year one. As far as immigration goes . You have already done the right thing and not trying to stay under visa exemption. You followed the rules already. That's it. Enjoy. I wouldn't confuse things by mentioning your investment strategy's
Kool *******
Kool *******
Just say you are working out on your own now practicing what you learned, before you start the next level of classes.
Chris **********
Chris **********
@Kool ******
I just do a bit of shadow boxing and show them how high I can kick 🤣
Lisa ********
Lisa ********
You have to get the right permit otherwise you are committing fraud. Investment income is taxable this is a worldwide standard why do you think you don't have to pay it or you are exempt? You are violating the conditions of your stay if you use that money in Thailand, that is a remittance. You need to apply for the right VISA that matches your circumstances
John **********
John **********
@Lisa *******
With due respect this is not correct. The truth is more complicated. The original poster has to tell a simplified version of the truth, but the truth, as lying to government officials in most countries is illegal. He might become a tax resident, but he has to consider the rules in the countries where he has some connection before he moves. It appears that Thai immigration officers are focusing on people involved in criminal activity and working illegally. If the original poster dressed professionally, was polite and friendly, has plenty of cash on hand and in his bank accounts, has all his documents ready like electronically, does not have past immigration breaches like over-stays, he is probably fine. My understanding is the soft power and workcation requirements are only at application and 6-month in country extension unless you draw the suspicions of an immigration officer.
Lisa ********
Lisa ********
No! Absolutely do not mention investments especially if you are staying after your course ends. Also, do you not realise you become a tax resident and the implications to your visa? You cannot just trade stocks in another country, you have to file returns and update your address otherwise your bank will close your account
Sefton ********
Sefton ********
@Lisa *******
the source of funds is irrelevant tho, he would have the same filing and potential remittance tax liability issues if he was a pure tourist on TR visas (or any other class) as he would on a DTV.

Filing obligations depend on time incountry as well as amount and sources remitted, visa class has nothing to do with it (in the context of non domestic income).
Barry ******
Barry ******
Tell them what you are doing besides anything related to earning money unless you are asked for how you will support yourself.

less is more.
Chris **********
Chris **********
Holiday. I am a tourist. Works like a charm 😀
Ian **********
Ian **********
@Chris *********
A DTV is a tourist visa so why would you say anything else?
Dom ********
Dom ********
@Ian *********
exactly 👍
Chris **********
Chris **********
@Ian *********
🤷 no idea man. People on here tend to overcomplicate things unnecessarily.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Yes that's fine working remotely is allowed.
Sefton ********
Sefton ********
Anonymous participant 331 Taking immigrations opinion on Labor law is like asking your mechanic if you need a root canal.. They dont know, they dont care, and they are not responsible for the issues it can cause.

When the Labor dept or employment office make this clear, then its from the source that matters.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Sefton *******
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Sefton *******
Thanks again for sharing your opinions.
Sefton ********
Sefton ********
Anonymous participant 331 which of those statements would you consider opinion and not fact.

Its well known that immigration have given 100% wrong labor law advice many many times.
Alex ****
Alex ****
Anonymous participant 331 oh my god how come this is possible but Mr
@Robert ******
clearly made his point it's illegal to work in Thailand under Soft Power DTV 555
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Alex Ni He's just another confused bored pensioner on here.
Yasmin ***********
Yasmin ***********
It’s a good question. No one knows I think.
Steve *******
Steve *******
Since the DTV is a tourist visa, you tell them that you're traveling as a tourist.
Knowledgeabl************
Knowledgeabl************
According to the pensioners you must self deport once your softpower is finished …..

According to anyone normal I would just say you are taking some time to

Look at different provinces that offer the same softpower activities and that you intend to enrol soon

Activity

23 joined
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
23
people
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
...members
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Do I need to resubmit my TM30 after staying in a hotel during domestic travel in Thailand?
2.2k20212mo
Should I use an agent to apply for the DTV visa in Thailand?
4.6k42462mo
Do I need to apply for a new TM30 upon returning to Thailand on a DTV visa?
553152mo
Can you extend a DTV visa in Thailand after 6 months?
1.1k8105mo
Is 2-3 days enough for my first DTV border run in Thailand?
3.1k28305mo
Can holders of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) work remotely without a work permit?
6.2k53665mo
What do I need to know about 90-day stay reporting for a DTV visa in Thailand?
4.3k43305mo
What should I do after my DTV visa application was rejected in Vientiane?
7.5k74595mo
Can I convert my French driving licenses to Thai licenses without a TM30 while on a DTV visa?
1.7k1778mo
Is it advisable to do a same-day border run to Laos after my DTV visa expires?
4k36338mo
What should I check when receiving my DTV entry stamp in Thailand?
3.9k19729mo
What questions might immigration ask when re-entering Thailand with a DTV visa?
2.3k162610mo
Can DTV visa holders engage in remote work while living in Thailand?
1.1k5121y
Can I leave Thailand for a few hours on a DTV visa and return the same day?
2.3k20131y
Can I stay in Thailand for 6 months on a Tourist TR visa without leaving the country every 60 days?
2.9k21301y
Is a DTV visa the same for remote workers and soft power, and can I work while on a Muay Thai course in Thailand?
1.2k1121y
What happens to my DTV status after completing a 6-month course when re-entering Thailand?
1.1k492y
Do I need to cancel my current visa (visa O) before applying for a DTV?
1.2k5112y
Do DTV visa holders need to file a 90-day report in Thailand?
1.6k9152y
How critical is it to stay in Vietnam while waiting for DTV visa approval?
2.9k23222y
What are the pros and cons of extending a DTV Visa versus leaving the country when reaching the 180-day mark?
4.6k41322y
Can I keep my DTV if I obtain a work permit in Thailand?
4.5k33202y
Is it possible to leave Thailand after completing a 3-month cooking class on a DTV and still re-enter under the 5-year visa?
5.1k41482y
What are the TM30 residency reporting requirements for my son staying in my condo in Thailand for three weeks?
2.9k22313y
What are the risks of frequent border hopping in Thailand without a long-term visa?
6.4k56574y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?