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What visa should I apply for if I want to do independent research and study online in Thailand?

DTV Visa Visa Options Independent Research Workcation Visa Thai Immigration Biotechnology Unemployment Digital Nomad Soft Power Activities LTR Visa BOI Visa

Sep 13, 2025

2 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Additional Details : Basically I would like to stay in Thailand and do some work (research on my own) and study online to gain new skills without getting paid. Which visa I could get. I was  under the impression that DTV is a tourist visa for long term. 

Original post:

I'm applying for DTV from Toronto.  I'm not working since April. I plan to select "workcation" under purpose of visit and wonder what option I should choose in occupation category which has options like Unemployed, freelance, remote. I was hoping I would be considered under foreign talent category since I have a PhD in Science and past experience with biotechnology. I will be doing some independent research from Thailand. I have sufficient bank balance. I wonder are there documents I should attach other than my Resume, PhD Certificate. Would that be enough ? is being unemployed going to be a problem.  Thanks !

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV visa is primarily a long-term tourist visa and not suitable for individuals doing independent research without employment. Participants suggest exploring options such as securing an online job or looking into the LTR visa and other categories that may fit better, like the Smart T visa. It’s important to clarify that one cannot apply for a DTV visa while unemployed if independent research suggests a work-related activity.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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DTV_Be*******

DTV is basically a long term tourist visa, but can only be issued under certain categories, such as online worker (digital nomad), soft power (Muay Thai classes), medical treatment or as a dependent family member of someone who already has the DTV. From your post, it doesn’t sound like you qualify under any of these.

a day ago

Greg ********

When you say research on your own what do you mean by that. Online or physically on Thailand with Thai subjects or organisations. You are still not being clear.

a day ago

J.P. *********

No chance. Get a different visa or start a company and get even a minor income for a couple months, then apply. Or just come on a two month tourist visa for starters, since that's what you would be for now.

2 days ago

John **********

Are you sure you are looking at the correct visa for you? Take a look at both the "LTR Highly Skilled Professional" visa and the "Smart T (Talent)" visa and see if they might not be more suitable. Both are run through the BOI who are very responsive to questions.

2 days ago

James ********

Anonymous participant 929 Sorry BUT it's highly unlikely that you will be able to get the DTV visa for your proposed research from Thailand.

Suggest you look at a soft power activity with careful selection of Thai Embassy or Consulate, and supporting documents, the prospect of your obtaining the DTV visa is enhanced.

Suggest you chat with the sponsor of the Discover Thai Nature... for their recent experiences and successes with their students in obtaining the DTV visa.

2 days ago

James ********

THIS is a Canadian who got the DTV visa for Nature Studies

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2 days ago

James ********

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2 days ago

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James ********

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2 days ago

James ********

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2 days ago

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James ********

Anonymous ******************

Suggest you try the soft power route - look it up int this group there’s lots of info.

Re workcation route - Canada seems to be on the stricter side of the spectrum and will require you to be remotely employed for a sufficient duration, and have seemed to request tax slips and pay slips for proof of income and employment etc.

2 days ago

Greg ********

You need to look at LTR. The DTV is not relevant in your position. Biotechnology and other medicinal domains are target areas for Thailand. Look on the BOI website. In what area of Biotech are you experienced?

2 days ago

Elías ********

You can't apply for workcation without having a job that allows you to work remotely. I mean, you can send the application, but then, they'll request documents to prove your status as a remote worker, and if you can't show it, they'll reject the visa application, no refunds.

If you don't have a remote job they specifically allows you to work from Thailand, you need to use either soft power or medical routes.

2 days ago

Maksym ***********

Independent research sounds like a work inside Thailand, that is prohibited

No employment outside Thailand - no workation DTV 🤷

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

You can’t apply for a workation DTV if you’re unemployed, and having a PhD doesn’t make a difference. You’ll first need to secure an online job with a company abroad, or consider opting for a soft activity instead. If you're looking for a job here in Thailand, you'll need a Non-B visa with work permit; not a DTV. You can't work in Thailand, for a Thai company or any customer/business present in Thailand without work permit.

2 days ago

Elías ********

Participante anónimo 929 just to complement what you said: and you can't get nor add a work permit to a DTV

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

@Elías *******

Exactly.

2 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

What steps should I take to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without a remote job?

21 comments