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What should someone expect when using a Thailand visa for the first time at the airport?

Jun 27, 2025
2 days ago
Has anyone experienced or heard of someone being pulled aside at the airport upon returning to Thailand when using their visa for the first time?

I recall seeing a post in this group about someone who was put in immigration detention for a few hours and had their bank accounts checked to verify the financial details provided in their visa application.

i never heard about this before, and wonder if it happened to more people.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion revolves around experiences related to being questioned by immigration upon first entry into Thailand using a visa, particularly the DTV visa. Some participants mention that while detentions for verification have happened to a very few individuals, many report smooth entries with no issues. Common themes include financial verification concerns, the necessity of documentation, and varying experiences based on individual circumstances.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Anonymous ******************
Very common at Chiang Mai, been happening for months, looking closely at soft power Dtvs
Anonymous ******************
There was a guy who said they pulled him aside to ask a few questions in Chiang Mai arriving from Hanoi.

I can confirm it happened to me too about a week ago.

Wasn't a big deal. At the counter I gave my passport and DTV visa. Lady called someone over and said DTV. Another girl walked me just around the corner. Said it's just because it's my first time on DTV.

Had me fill out another paper similar to the info in the TDAC I did the night before.

Asked to see the confirmation email about my DTV. Showed on my phone. They were super friendly the whole time, not a big deal at all.

Then walked me back to the counter, I got my 180 day stamp, and all was good.

Never asked to see financial stuff, but I was prepared to if necessary. Had all my PDFs from applying on my laptop (workcation/freelance bsuiness). And still had the money in my account if I had to open my banking app.

If you're doing everything right, it shouldn't be a big deal. And they assured me I won't have to do that stuff every time.
James ********
Anonymous participant 278 and you should have had the DTV visa printed out to give the Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand.
Anonymous ******************
@James *******
I did. Where did I say I didn't? I've been watching this group for weeks while going through this process and you regularly make weird assumptions and comments to people just like this. Edit: In fact, I just reread my comment you replied to. I literally said I handed my passport and DTV to them.
James ********
Anonymous participant 278 my apology as I may have misread your post.

Did you print out the DTV Visa or did you use your cell phone to show it to the Thai Immigration Officer ?

I'm glad you were successful in obtaining the DTV visa and with your entry into Thailand. Enjoy your 5 year DTV VISA 🤗.
Peter *********
I just get stamped in no questions asked. Last time the IO was relieved I had a DTV and wasn't trying to enter on visa exemption like the man before me.
Siggi *******
Noon imigration officer at the airport is allowed to ask for bank accounts and will also never try. All the troll post from anonymous poster are a joke
Peter *********
@Siggi ******
Ignore Luit, he has an overactive imagination.
Luit *****************
@Siggi ******
immigration officer is allowed to ask for anything he needs to decide if you can enter the country, and you can be sure it will be done.

What is true about posts here is just another story, anonymous post can be a joke, just like your posts can.
Siggi *******
@Luit ****************
no he is not allowed to ask about bank statements. At no border in the world you have to show bank statements. Only if you apply for a visa it can be necessary. In country only a court order can force you to show your statements. May be you should have been study law like me fir 5 years and working in this field.
John *******
@Siggi ******
- If you studied law, you would know that laws are mostly country level and therefore differ for country to country. I recently entered a neighboring country and 100% saw several immigration officers asking individuals from specific countries to show their balance via the ATM near by, as proof they have funds to be there.
Luit *****************
@Siggi ******
Then you just did not learn enough during those 5 years.

He might not be able to force you to show bank statements, but he can ask you to show because it might be relevant to check if you are allowed to enter the country.

When you don't cooperate he just can refuse you entry.

The same when you apply for a visa, you do not need to show bank statements, but the result wil be the application will be rejected.
Anonymous ******************
Only people who didn’t have the money in the first place so worried about it.

If you have the money in your account, you wouldn’t be worried about it or asking a bunch of people would you?
Wayne *******
Anonymous participant 366 My guess is you're American. Am I correct?
Anonymous ******************
I always pay for fastrack, 2500฿. Skip all queues, no questions asked and no hassle every time 👍🏼
Biff *******
Anonymous participant 682 That seems expensive. I usually pay ฿1300
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 682 can you share the contact ?
Rich ********
Nope. Straight through fine 🙌
Rogerio ******
There's so many variables around that short story.
Greg ********
I can only recall one person posting they were pulled in and questioned. An Agent said it was due to a "Complex" immigration history.
Wannikea *********
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