Why am I being interrogated by Thai immigration despite having a valid DTV visa?

Thai Immigration DTV Visa Visa Regulations Expat Life in Thailand Visa Questions Immigration Scrutiny Australian Citizens in Thailand

Jan 6, 2025

9 days ago

Harvey ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Australian citizen, just used my DTV for my second entry into Thailand. 

Both times I've been interrogated about my accomodation in Thailand, and this time the immigration officer seemed quite hostile and asked me for exit date, if I have a Thai wife, if I live in Cambodia (that's the consulate I asked for my DTV), what was I doing in Cambodia, and if I'm working in Thailand.

Could I be doing something wrong to attract all this attention? I don't mind a few questions, but I thought I'd got a valid visa in accordance with Thai immigration rules. 

So far it has caused more scrutiny than just using a visa waiver.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An Australian citizen with a DTV visa reports experiencing heightened scrutiny during their immigration process upon entering Thailand for the second time. The immigration officer asked about accommodation, exit dates, and connections to Cambodia, leading the individual to question if they are doing something wrong. Comments from the community suggest that such scrutiny can be normal, regardless of visa validity, and might simply be procedural rather than indicative of any personal issues. Experiences shared by others highlight varying levels of questioning by immigration officers and the importance of adhering to Thai immigration rules and processes.

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Kirilly **********

Suvarnabhumi is renowned for heavy scrutiny. Is that the airport you came in by?

8 days ago

Alessandro **********

You may be questionned for multiple reasons.

The same I have been, being back to my own country by french immigration. They have process / check with basic questions to ensure you are not hiding something.

I think it doesn't have anything to do with if you are welcome or not in the country. They don't really care of you as a person because they see millions everyday..

That's my opinion

8 days ago

Greg ********

@Alessandro *********

True. I got the 3rd Degre from UK Immigration entering the UK for a meeting at the HQ of one of the largest British companies. I worked for them at the time and they had posted me to Singapore. I was a 55 years old Brisish citizen and had never held any other passport and if it matters, as lily white as they come.

8 days ago

Greg ********

The same idiot of a border entry officer had a Singaporean lady in front of me in tears. She was there to visit her daughter at Oxford University. Was in the fast stream as we both came off Singapore Airlines Business Class. She was hardly the type to overstay her visa and try to claim UK benefits

8 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Abhishek *******

I think it's valid for 5 years but they don't want u to live in thailand all the time

8 days ago

Greg ********

@Abhishek ******

Same as with other visas and visa exempt. The Immigration Officer has discretion at the end of the day. They have leeway in interpreting the policy. Some people got away with living in Thailand on Visa Exempt while others pulled up about it and told to sort out a visa.

8 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Rusty ******

I entered Thailand in December on DTV, I'm an Aussie as well, applied for DTV out of Sydney and arrived in DMK. No problems, no questions asked, straight through. The immigration officer did hit up the guy before me asking how ling his stay would be. Maybe you're just unlucky and you were the 'random' person they'd scrutinize.

8 days ago

Dennis ************

I have the DTV as well immigration always hostile towards me.