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Which passports are considered privileged in the DTV application process for Thailand?

Jan 7, 2025
3 months ago
Hello wonderful community

I've seen a lot of mention of passport privilege / the passport you have being a significant factor in success when it comes to applying for a DTV?

Which passports are considered 'privileged' in this process and which passports may face more difficulty in the application process?

Are there any other aspects which may result in 'privilege' in this process, such as including as including a cover letter on your educational attainment level and career background.

It seems somewhat unjust, however being able to understand what you can present to increase your 'brownie points' in the eyes of Thai Immigration would be highly useful.

Also - if there are things the Embassy view as red flags or reasons to reject you.

Thank you for the support once again and this wonderful community. The advice has been invaluable ♥️
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the concept of 'passport privilege' in the context of applying for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Thailand. It questions which passports might be considered privileged and which ones may face challenges in the application process. Some comments suggest that there is no inherent passport privilege, as individuals from all continents can obtain a DTV if they meet embassy criteria. However, it is noted that applicants from certain countries might face stricter application processes, especially those from specific Middle Eastern and African nations. The discussion also touches on the importance of presenting qualifications, such as a cover letter detailing one's educational and career background, to potentially enhance the application.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Greg ********
Some countries' applications will be more "Strict," shall we say. Certain Middle Eastern and African countries, for example. A simple way to understand this is to look at how easy it is for the passport holder to obtain a "Tourist Visa" from these countries. As for DTV numbers already issued the guy from the MFA said China was number now with UK, Australia and USA numerous too. Up until November circa 12k had been issued.
John *******
This is the list that most Thai embassies supply.
Andi ***********
There is no passport privilege. The DTV is given to passport holders from every continent. If you meet the criteria of the embassy you apply from then you are approved. Passport holders from every continent have also been rejected.
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
that's not true is it. Not only do have restricted countries and higher restricted countries list, they also have a list of eligible countries.

So some passports are favoured more than others.

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Greg ********
Anonymous participant 997 Just to be clear that is not an official site. For example it says China is restricted when Chinese passports holders are the most numerous DTV holders
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
That site has been proven to be full of errors for months now.
John *******
@Andi **********
the problem is, for some people with certain passports, which require 4+ weeks to process, it is impossible. Someone from a Europe or the US can fly from Thailand to Vietnam on a 30 day tourist visa and apply and then get a DTV visa in 5-10 days. If you are from other countries, it takes 4+ weeks, but can you stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa for 4+ weeks? Can you stay in Indonesia for 4+ weeks? If not, you are forced to fly back to your home country and apply (which is more pricey) while others can just hop over to a nearby county and be back quickly/cheap. One can argue that it is set up this way to make it very difficult for certain passports holders.
Andi ***********
@John ******
The passport you have does not mean you will be successful is more of the point I am making; The OP said the passport you have can be a significant factor of success when it comes to applying. Certain passports have wider access to apply but having the so-called right passport does not mean you will be approved. No banked 500k but holding a British passport will not gain an approval in any country.
John *******
@Andi **********
well if you can’t apply, because you can’t visit Phnom Penh for 30 days, then you can’t be as successful. Right? You can’t apply and therefore, you can’t be approved. Furthermore, we have no data one way or the other to show approval by nationality for those who are able to successfully apply. So we can’t say one way or the other.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 997 Yes In terms of processing some countries face extra hurdles but having a so-called privileged passport does not mean you are given an easy approval, is the main point. Applicants are not approved simply cos they have a European or American passport.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
Might not be a declared passport "Privilege," but some passports are treated differently than others, not just in Thailand.
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Yes, i know what you mean but in terms of the DTV I do not think that is happening with being approved.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
Are DTV applications being accepted at every Thai Embassy worldwide? Of course there are restrictions. Can you apply in Nogeria for example?
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Yes, can apply in Nigeria but there are many African countries with no Thai embassy or consul so have to apply from larger African countries like Nigeria, SA or go overseas.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
If you think there is an open door for DTVs for all passports globally then on you go. The question was regarding privileged passports. If you think all passports are treated equally I have a bridge for sale.
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
i never said passports are treated equally. The point really is if you have a so called privileged passport it does not mean an easy way to approval. Yes, there are countries who face tougher approval criteria for the DTV but they can still get one if they meet the criteria.