Answered2 months ago
What should my Irish partner prepare for entering Thailand on a METV visa with me, a Thai national?
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Hi everyone, sorry for the long post
I’m hoping to get advice from people with real, direct experience here.
Quick background
I’m Thai, and I’m with my Irish partner. Last week we applied for a DTV visa under the Soft Power category (9-month Muay Thai training) from the Thai Embassy in Ireland (his home country). We submitted everything the embassy asked for, but in the end they issued a METV visa instead with no explanation given.
I’ve seen several other cases like this happen, and from what I understand, embassies usually don’t provide a reason. So I’ve decided not to spend time asking the embassy why. As for reapplying, I’m not doing that for now either, since reapplying would require cancelling the METV that was already issued.
Current situation
My partner already entered Thailand once back in May, and now plans to enter again this coming September, travelling together with me this time.
Questions I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. If my partner and I travel in together and I bring him through the Thai passport lane at immigration, could that cause any issues?
2. Besides the TDAC and the METV visa itself, is there anything else I should prepare or bring as supporting documents?
3. As a Thai national, is there anything I can do to help him at immigration?
4. Has anyone here dated/married a Thai partner and gone through something similar? I’d love to hear your experience.
Why I’m asking for extra guidance
Last time (this past May), my partner was pulled aside and questioned in the interrogation room by immigration officers. This is despite the fact that his prior travel history to Thailand (before the current rules became this strict) includes an ED (student) visa and tourist visas but never any overstays or rule violations.
So I’d like to know just how strict things are right now, and would appreciate hearing everyone’s thoughts after reading this. Thank you so much 🙏
I’m hoping to get advice from people with real, direct experience here.
Quick background
I’m Thai, and I’m with my Irish partner. Last week we applied for a DTV visa under the Soft Power category (9-month Muay Thai training) from the Thai Embassy in Ireland (his home country). We submitted everything the embassy asked for, but in the end they issued a METV visa instead with no explanation given.
I’ve seen several other cases like this happen, and from what I understand, embassies usually don’t provide a reason. So I’ve decided not to spend time asking the embassy why. As for reapplying, I’m not doing that for now either, since reapplying would require cancelling the METV that was already issued.
Current situation
My partner already entered Thailand once back in May, and now plans to enter again this coming September, travelling together with me this time.
Questions I’d really appreciate advice on:
1. If my partner and I travel in together and I bring him through the Thai passport lane at immigration, could that cause any issues?
2. Besides the TDAC and the METV visa itself, is there anything else I should prepare or bring as supporting documents?
3. As a Thai national, is there anything I can do to help him at immigration?
4. Has anyone here dated/married a Thai partner and gone through something similar? I’d love to hear your experience.
Why I’m asking for extra guidance
Last time (this past May), my partner was pulled aside and questioned in the interrogation room by immigration officers. This is despite the fact that his prior travel history to Thailand (before the current rules became this strict) includes an ED (student) visa and tourist visas but never any overstays or rule violations.
So I’d like to know just how strict things are right now, and would appreciate hearing everyone’s thoughts after reading this. Thank you so much 🙏
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice about traveling to Thailand with their Irish partner, who has been issued a METV visa instead of the requested DTV visa. They have concerns about entering through the Thai passport lane at immigration, additional documentation needed, and their partner's previous questioning by immigration. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating Thai immigration as a foreign partner, especially considering the stricter scrutiny of visa applications and entry processes. Several community members share their own experiences and advice regarding immigration procedures and what to prepare for a smoother entry.
39 repliesnewest first
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Peter ********
My wife is Thai and I always enter the Thai kingdom with my wife through Thai passport control
Craig **********
I just went through the Thai immigration line wirh my wife who is Thai no
Problem
Problem
Denny *******
I go through the thai section every time with my wife and kids 3 thai passports holders and never had a problem
Dave ****************
My partner isn't Thai so never used the Thai/priority lane except when our kids were little and they direct you to it (if the kids are screaming enough).
I think to get an accurate answer to your questions you should tell us what airport you're landing in.
I came back into Phuket last week and had a really hard time. My boys were already through but they weren't happy with me at all.
As others have said, they are really on the case with history now. Over the last decade I have had a mixture of ED, tourist and Guardian. The IO even told me my records show I was once deported, which is absolutely not true. Worst I ever did was a day or 2 overstay.
They are not making it easy right now, and are power tripping. Get all your ducks in a row and teach your fella to wai like a mofo . I would have been turned back last week if my kids weren't already through the gate..
I think to get an accurate answer to your questions you should tell us what airport you're landing in.
I came back into Phuket last week and had a really hard time. My boys were already through but they weren't happy with me at all.
As others have said, they are really on the case with history now. Over the last decade I have had a mixture of ED, tourist and Guardian. The IO even told me my records show I was once deported, which is absolutely not true. Worst I ever did was a day or 2 overstay.
They are not making it easy right now, and are power tripping. Get all your ducks in a row and teach your fella to wai like a mofo . I would have been turned back last week if my kids weren't already through the gate..
Helloj******
OPUgh 😩 that’s not sound good. I’ll probably prepare a lot of documents in case he got pulled out alone. I actually prepared him a loads of documents before last time but they didn’t care to have a look at all! And I tried to speaks to them through my bf’s phone, they told him to hang up the call…
Rich ****
@Dave ***************
What visa do you have? DTV?Dave ****************
Rich De none. Came back in on exempt stamp but they seriously weren't happy.
I'm sorting out a new long term now.
I'm sorting out a new long term now.
Za *******
His prior ED and tourist visas might have been the reason why he got issued an METV instead of a DTV and also the reason why he got questioned at the airport.
Helloj******
OPI believe that is the problem too 😥 probably need to stay in Vietnam for a long period of time to refresh the records
Graham ******
Helloja_5555 how long as he been "home" in Ireland as this is the only way to "refresh" his record?
Helloj******
OPWe have been back in Ireland from January - May and again July until the end of September we will go back to Thailand


Lee ********
So be aware that as of today you can only apply for a DTV from your country of residence. So if he does want to go down the DTV route I’d do it now before you leave Ireland . Application also now includes a criminal record check.
Rich ****
Lee Wilson He did apply for the DTV but was issued the METV instead with no explanation why. I suspect his travel history may be a factor. I'd just go with the METV as it's good for up to 9 months (just have to leave every 90 days vs 180 for the DTV).
Lee ********
Rich De yes I read that he applied. I’m just saying if they want to reapply the application process has changed from today.
Helloj******
OPIsn’t it issue for only 6 months?
Graham ******
Helloja_5555 Yes but enter just before the 6 months expiry date for a final 60 day entry stamp followed by a 30 day extension means you can be in Thailand almost 9 months after its date of issue
Richard ********
My Thai wife has taken me through Thai immigration lane before many times
James *****
I've been speaking with a visa service in Thailand ( I'm American)
They told me embassies outside of Asia can be very picky in issuing a DTV. ( yes, I've already had problems proving I'm a remote worker ) They suggested traveling to Laos or Vietnam and then filing for the DTV from there. Said it was much easier.
They told me embassies outside of Asia can be very picky in issuing a DTV. ( yes, I've already had problems proving I'm a remote worker ) They suggested traveling to Laos or Vietnam and then filing for the DTV from there. Said it was much easier.
Brandon ************
@James ****
as of today this is no longer an option. You must apply from your passport country or where you have permanent residence.Dave ****************
@Brandon ***********
my wife is Italian. She has 'settled status' in the UK, and is a UK tax payer. She's applying for DTV right now in London. Reckon she'll have problems or not?Dave ****************
@Brandon ***********
hm, I've learnt from this page that some embassies are stricter than others. However, this new situation of only applying from your home country is certainly going to shake things up I guess
Brandon ************
@Dave ***************
It has nothing to do with "some embassies." The visa was abused, as happens with most visas with Thailand. So now it's tightened up from the top.Dave ****************
@Brandon ***********
thanks mate. Hopefully the tax records will be good enough. Funny how the DTV was initially promoted as a kind of Flexi, almost easy option. But in practice now it seems some embassies aren't making it easy at all..
Brandon ************
@Dave ***************
This is what the embassy specifically says now:Proof of permanent residence in the UK, Ireland, or the British Overseas Territories (e.g., the UK indefinite leave to remain or Irish long-term residency)
Police clearance certificate issud within 6 months from the date of submission (e.g., the ACRO certificate or the Irish police certificate)
Mitchell *******
These days that sort of entry combination draws scrutiny, and they are also scrutinizing DTV requests more closely.
His Muay Thai course can be completed on the METV just as easily, so I think they have done that to avoid giving out the 5 year visa.
His Muay Thai course can be completed on the METV just as easily, so I think they have done that to avoid giving out the 5 year visa.
Syco *******
Yeah take him through the Thai channel if he looks like a the and was born in Thailand yep u r good to go
Ben **********
I can only assume the reason for questioning was the combination of ED and Tourist visas.
ED became the red flag visa since so many people abused it completely.
Theoretically if you are not married they can send him right to the farang queue, but if you walk in together, smile and being polite, the chances are you’ll be greeted and treated with the same kindness.
With Thai IMM it’s always random. You never know what brief they got in the morning and what triggered a tight or loose check.
ED became the red flag visa since so many people abused it completely.
Theoretically if you are not married they can send him right to the farang queue, but if you walk in together, smile and being polite, the chances are you’ll be greeted and treated with the same kindness.
With Thai IMM it’s always random. You never know what brief they got in the morning and what triggered a tight or loose check.
Helloj******
OPThank you 😊 yeah we haven’t married yet, and the problem is his previous records with the stamps are very messy. Even though he never overstay or anything 😥 our goal is to live alternately between Thailand and Ireland.
Ian **********
If your partner is selected for secondary screening, he will need to provide 20k baht in cash, proof of an onward/return flight within the initial 60-day entry period, and proof of accommodation for at least the first night. As already advised, it is best if you go first and inform the IO that you are travelling together. Going through the Thai/priority section will not make any difference.
Dave ****************
Ian Morrison he's coming in on a DTV. The requirements you are describing are for visa exempt entry
Ian **********
@Dave ***************
He's arriving on an METV, but even if he were arriving on a DTV, he would still be subject to standard tourist visa requirements. I used to think those requirements were only for visa-exempt entries, but I was wrong, as they are requirements for all tourist visa entries.
Andy *****
@Dave ***************
you should read the post again. No DTV was issued.Regardless, with the METV, he has to follow the same rules as any tourist ( visa exempt, tourist visa or DTV - all have the same entry requirements):
1)TDAC
2) THB 20 000 in cash on your person ( any other major currency equal to THB 20.000 is acceptable as well)
3) confirmed accommodation for the first few days
4) a confirmed ( genuine) ticket showing your departure within the validity of your allowed visa/ visa exempt stay
period.
The last point is also important for the flight into Thailand, as some airlines won't let you fly without a proof of leaving Thailand in the time specified on your visa/ visa exempt.
Rich ****
@Dave ***************
She said he was issued the METV. He never received the DTV.Dave ****************
Rich De ah yes, correct. My bad
Buffalo ******
I travel with my Thai partner through Krabi airport. With her it is much easier and they always let us go together.
However everything right now is arbitrary. Who they stop, if a DTV is issued, who is arrested as a nominee company, everything seems to be changing week by week, even day by day with no consistency.
I don’t think the DTV Visa will be available in a couple years or less anyways. I have it for 5 years but with all the rule changes I have no belief it will last.
Now a marriage Visa is different. I’m sure that is the safest and best route and definitely in the end cheapest.
However everything right now is arbitrary. Who they stop, if a DTV is issued, who is arrested as a nominee company, everything seems to be changing week by week, even day by day with no consistency.
I don’t think the DTV Visa will be available in a couple years or less anyways. I have it for 5 years but with all the rule changes I have no belief it will last.
Now a marriage Visa is different. I’m sure that is the safest and best route and definitely in the end cheapest.
Srey *******
Nobody can tell you what is going to happen. If your partner has already been questioned it's possible his history makes him more likely to be questioned than other people
ArticulateC***********
We used the priority lane to the right of the Thai section. Immigration turned the red light on, meaning they were going to send me to advance interrogation. The IO in the next line told my partner (who they didn’t know was with me) to go to the next line. When I turned around to tell her that the IO was talking to her, they realized we were together and let her come forward. IO talked a few minutes to her in Thai, the stamped and let me in. When they thought I was on my own, entering Thailand, they had one view, but when they saw I was with a Thai partner, it totally changed their profile of me.
Stephen *********
I’m Irish and enter the Thai passport lane with my Thai partner I’ve never had any issues doing so.
She normally goes ahead of me to explain I’m with her and we both stay in the same lane.
I’ve done this numerous times on tourist visas and just last week on my n-o retirement visa.
I always have printed copies of both visa and Tdac but have never been asked for them.
She normally goes ahead of me to explain I’m with her and we both stay in the same lane.
I’ve done this numerous times on tourist visas and just last week on my n-o retirement visa.
I always have printed copies of both visa and Tdac but have never been asked for them.
Helloj******
OPThe point is he’s only 23 and I presume he’s look young for them. No matter how nice he is he still gets pulled off the lane anyway 😌
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