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Answered6 months ago

Why are first-time DTV entrants experiencing increased scrutiny at Chiang Mai Airport?

Anonymous *************
asked May 1, 2026
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Just got grilled in CNX, looks like they pull aside every DTV first entry. A lot of questions on previous visa but eventually let me go. I asked the officer if this only happens to first time entry and she said no, gosh so stressful.

P.S. it's pretty quiet in the airport today maybe they are bored...
Answer summary
The post describes a stressful experience at Chiang Mai airport for a first-time DTV visa holder who faced multiple questions during immigration. It notes that while this seems to be a trend for initial entries, others report varying experiences, with some entering without any issues. The conversation touches on the scrutiny level for DTV entries, with suggestions for using SAFE ENTRY services, dressing appropriately, and being prepared with required documentation, such as proof of funds.
48 repliesnewest first
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Copper*******
Copper*******
You have a visa, what's there to worry about , there allowed to asked what your plans are and where you staying. Not exactly interrogation
Cliff *********
Cliff *********
Please eliminate anonymous posts!
Cliff *********
Cliff *********
Another anonymous report.

This in no way reflects my 2 entries in April. They both took about 90 seconds and no questions, only a smile…..
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Cliff ********
Naturally, because you're not anonymous.
EfficientF***********
EfficientF***********
They are bored and open season on farangs. The notice has been put out.
Rhys ******
Rhys ******
I’ve been stamped in and out 4 times on DTV not one quesrion asked
Ian **********
Ian **********
It sounds like you have an extensive history with many types of stamps
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
I did my first entry 2week ago : Didn’t get any questions asked. They didn’t check any cash or return flight at all. All done within a second.
James ********
James ********
James ********
James ********
Robert *******
Robert *******
55555555555555555555
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**********
*****
*****
*****
*****


The Immigration Officer asked a question and the snowflakes panics.

Welcome in the real world.
Chris **********
Chris **********
I came back through CNX airport two days ago and not a single question
Caro*****
Caro*****
Never had any issues whatsoever, male or female officer. They check my visa, once asked how long I’m staying this time, never had to show anything else.
Jazi ********
Jazi ********
Border crossings are much tighter nowadays. Attitudes have hardened in many places. Certainly Thailand
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
No questions asked for me. I stayed in Thailand 3 years only on border runs. With the DTV just stamped without asking anything.
Positive********
Positive********
Anonymous participant 852 I have stayed for over 14 years on the same legitimate visa and got checked. No overstay, no red flag, no border run, no ED. That's also about luck.
James ********
James ********
Thanks for your helpful report 👍
James ********
James ********
Sadly...Looks like Chiang Mai airport is back to grilling DTV visa holders..

In that event I suggest you use a SAFE ENTRY Service..
BeautifulP**********
BeautifulP**********
@James *******
where can one find such service?
James ********
James ********
BeautifulPhoenix2271 here's one that I have seen advertising... serves Chiang Mai airport too.
Karimah *********
Karimah *********
VIP Safe entry via a reputable visa agency is the best bet. No hassles. You’re pre-approved.
Greg ********
Greg ********
@Karimah ********
In Chiang Mai?
Alon ***********
Alon ***********
@Karimah ********
how much is it?
DelightfulC************
DelightfulC************
@Karimah ********
yeah where?
ChiangMaiR***********
ChiangMaiR***********
@Karimah ********
Where can I get one of those?
James ********
James ********
ChiangMaiRemoteWorker which airport will you be arriving in Thailand?
Karimah *********
Karimah *********
Thai Visa Centre is amazing! Or Friendly Thai Visa agency.
James ********
James ********
@Karimah ********
agreed 💯%
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Did you by any chance have a history of border runs to Cambodia Laos Myanmar etc while on visa exemption
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
Did they make you fill out a form? A lot of reports from Chiang Mai about first DTV entries having to fill out a form and answer questions. Haven't heard of anyone reporting issues on subsequent entries, but things may have changed.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Brandon ***********
yes there is a form! They also checked my cash.
Andrew ******
Andrew ******
Anonymous participant confused as the cash requirement is for the visa exempt entry. DTV should be bank statements

If they ask.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Andrew *****
technically the DTV is a tourist visa and the cash requirement is for all tourist entries. But I don't think they're strictly enforcing the 20,000 baht at Chiang Mai. They just want to see that you have something
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
just general info for the form, like passport info and where are you going to stay, what are you doing here. they checked my cash, but they don't really count the money, just had a look of my open wallet. Didn't ask return ticket.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant Same questions as they ask verbally then. You say it was stressful, and not limited to first time DTV entrants, thus we can expect more such reports!
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant What were the questions on this form please? I ask because being forewarned will assist other DTV holders.
DelightfulC************
DelightfulC************
Anonymous participant checked cash how so? Physical or bank account?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant did they ask for return tickets as well ?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Seems like it is moving towards Definitely Trouble Visa?
Dany ********
Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 245 i never have an issue entering the country 🤷‍♀️
Elizaveta ***********
Elizaveta ***********
Anonymous participant 245 😆😆😆😂😂😂
Josh *****
Josh *****
Anonymous participant 245 🖕
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Do you have any over stay or prior visa issues in Thailand?
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
Anonymous participant 787not at all. But I do all types of stamps.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Next time lose the chang vest and flip flops. And no beer on the plane.
David ************
David ************
Just my observation. Dress Well and be clean. Have everything ready. have your cash/funds and first night of stay. p.s. if you have arm or neck tattoos just cover them.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@David ***********
wtf from the land of ladyboys and all sort of things and they still judge a book by its cover
Chris **********
Chris **********
@David ***********
pretty much spot on mate. I've never had a negative interaction with an IO, yet I'm covered in tattoos

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