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Why was my immigration experience in Thailand so complicated with a DTV Visa?
DTV VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa QuestionsVisa ExperiencesDigital Nomad VisaImmigration ProceduresExpat Life in ThailandEntry Requirements
Nov 27, 2024
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI arrived in Thailand on a DTV Visa, but my experience with the immigration officer was quite frustrating. The officer asked me seemingly irrelevant questions, such as, 'What are you doing here?' I explained that I work online and came to stay in Thailand. Then he asked, 'Why don’t you live in your own country and work there?' I responded that I enjoy living in Thailand. Lastly, he questioned why I applied for my visa in another country instead of my home country. The whole interaction felt unnecessarily complicated.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared a frustrating experience with a Thai immigration officer upon entering Thailand on a DTV visa, facing awkward and seemingly irrelevant questions about their purpose of visit and their visa application location. The comments reflect a mix of sympathy, advice, and reality checks about immigration procedures, emphasizing that these inquiries are typical and part of the immigration officer's responsibility.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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- 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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Chris *********
I think Thailand immigration is beginning to realise that some people are working without work permits by filming for YouTube and TikTok . Some successful YouTubers are making a fortune and the amount of YouTubers has grown quite considerably.
I can’t believe the influx of westerners that have moved to Thailand since the pandemic, is it out of control?
I can’t believe the influx of westerners that have moved to Thailand since the pandemic, is it out of control?
Martino *******
@Chris ********
making a fortune? Believe me, most of them are broke. You need maaaany maaany followers to "make a fortune"Chris *********
@Martino ******
There’s a guy in the Philippines who has 15,000 subscribers and he is making enough money to live on and rent a car and has bought a new scooter from his YouTube ( pro life traveler ) .VanBoys222 has 87,000 subscribers and is making a lot of money .
Vlogging a dead horse ( Sean king ) from Norwich who travels is making loads of money .
Mashtagbrady 400,000 subscribers.
There are 1000’s of YouTube creators who are making loads of money
Reply to
Chris *********
Reply
Robin *********
Ask him back, why Thailand make a visa for digital nomands If they should work at home 😅
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robin ********
I also asked him whats wrong with my DTV Visa and enter the country then he became aggressive.Elizabeth *******
Anonymous participant He is basically power tripping you, so typical. They already know and they have a record of you that you're entering TH legally. Also, you don't have criminal record or alert from your country.
Robin *********
Anonymer Teilnehmer guess he had a bad day or just doesnt like human beeings at all
Mo ******
@Robin ********
he wanted to 💩 so badReply to
Mo ******
Reply
Jay *******
@Robin ********
that's a fair question🤣Reply to
Jay *******
Reply
Kyle ********
That’s their job. Just be nice and answer the question then they let you go.
Elizabeth *******
@Kyle *******
Nuh. You already have a visa, the embassy already asked you those questions. So those questions are totally unnecessary. Imagine having a Non-B work visa, and you decided to visit your family from your home country with re entry permit. And when you get back to TH, they will still ask you those kinds of questions. You will feel uncomfortable, right? So, their job is to verify your records, if they have legit documents (e.g. passport, visa), or if you have criminal records or alert. I hope we understand the difference between verifying questions, suspecting questions, or they just have nothing to do questions.Reply to
Elizabeth *******
Reply
Samantha **********
I got my DTV a couple of months ago.
Got my DTV stamp in my passport.
Left for 3 weeks, came back on Tuesday.
They demanded to see my Evisa print out.. even though the DTV stamp was already in my passport.
Wasn’t expecting that.
Luckily I did have it… at the very bottom of my backpack… which held up the queue for a while 🤷♀️
Got my DTV stamp in my passport.
Left for 3 weeks, came back on Tuesday.
They demanded to see my Evisa print out.. even though the DTV stamp was already in my passport.
Wasn’t expecting that.
Luckily I did have it… at the very bottom of my backpack… which held up the queue for a while 🤷♀️
Roberto ****
@Samantha *********
that's strange coz I don't have an Evisa. Just an actual visa on my passportRachel ********
@Roberto ***
me too!! I don’t have a pdf or printout just the physical sticker visa in my passportHelen ********
@Rachel *******
@Roberto ***
you only have an e-visa if you applied online, so it's not strange. If you apply in person you get the actual visa sticker in your passport, which means you have to keep that passport with you for 5 years or pay to get it transferred to a new passport. If you apply online, you get the e-visa pdf which you have to show on entry.
@Samantha *********
it does actually say, either in the approval email or when you submitted for the e-visa that you need to print off your e-visa to show at immigration. That said, it's not the easiest to spot and you'd think it should say on the visa itself to be clear. Last time we entered, the person next to me got in trouble for trying to show the pdf on their phone and was told they want the print. We always keep a paper copy in our passport now, so no confusion.Roberto ****
@Helen *******
thank you. I was worried there for a secondSamantha **********
@Helen *******
Sure it says take the paper Evisa to get the DTV stamp in your passport when you’re first approved.Nowhere does it say that you need to take that paper every time you come back in.
That was my point.
I wasn’t complaining. I was just saying it was unexpected.
Helen ********
@Samantha *********
never said you were complaining and agree it's not clear. The only place you'll see that they want your e-visa is when you are about to go through immigration. The windows all have a little sticker showing to have your boarding pass, visa and passport ready but when you've already presented the visa, you'd expect it's fine based on the stamp Still not super clear since a lot of people have immigration anxiety, are just off a long flight, etc. At least now you know so next time will be easier.Reply to
Helen ********
Reply
William ********
@Samantha *********
I’m starting to guess people have very different expectations than me, but an immigration officer asking to see your actual visa seems completely reasonable.William ********
@Samantha *********
An immigration officer will always check your visa stamps and actual visa, its protocol. The convenience we get from applying online is slightly offset from not having a physical stamp in our passport. c’est la vie, Etc…Martino *******
@William *******
mhh but the visa is not printed inside the passport? I did a dtv in presence and they give me that and a receipt. Should i conserve the receipt too?Samantha **********
@William *******
Yeah, I got that nowReply to
Samantha **********
Reply
Samantha **********
@William *******
It does… I just assumed that since I must have provided that to get the DTV stamp in the first place…they might have a record of it? Or trust that the first immigration officer saw it?Ah well, no harm done.
Reply to
Samantha **********
Reply
Achanster ******
That's really uncalled for and very rude !
Sean *******
Sounds like it's Benjamin Hart again.
John **********
He was doing his job. A visa is not a golden pass, he still has to ensure you come for the right reasons
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
He is not knowing the purpose of DTV visa. Just lack of knowledge.Michael ********
Anonymous participant TBH reading the comments here you sound a bit cold and harsh yourself. No offense. Just warmly and positively answer their questions and you’ll be fine. Maybe he had a bad day. No big deal. Mai pen rai you know.
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
He's doing his job, answer the question correctly and smile, it's there job to question people it's also their country
Martino *******
Partecipante anonimo 697 how you can comment anonymously?
Reply to
Martino *******
Reply
Paul ********
Hats the point
Paulie ********
By any chance was it a lady immergration officer?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paulie *******
It is a young aged male officer.Tim ***********
@Paulie *******
yup I always choose a male officer if I can. Had some nasty experiences in the past with female immigration officers. They’re more likely to want to abuse their power in my experience.Paulie ********
There the worse I after covid came in after 3 months working in Singapore asked me what am.i doing here why don't I go somewhere else on like Australia realy arrogant my reply was you just had 2 years no tourist im.comming here to spend money do you not want that sad to say but true fact women office's are the worst they think were all female abusers sad but true
Ahmed *******
@Paulie *******
my entry on dtv i had a female officer , she saw the first thai visa on my passport that was edu then she said what are you doing in thailand , i said i like it here , then she said what are you studying in thailand , then i said this is not the visa look at the next page , then she saw the dtv and before she say another word i said this is dtv visa then she said ahhh dtv ok and she stamped me for 6 months , phuket airport 😂Mo ******
@Ahmed ******
i always do that because I work in finance. And no one understands what we do. I like to make them feel awkward 😂 but with a big smile on my face like a stupid guyAhmed *******
@Mo *****
i never try to be rude with thai people , they are so nice that i would be ashamed to give them hard time , some times they are nervous or anxious so they make mistakes but i would tolerate it from them anyway unlike back home i would go like crazyMo ******
@Ahmed ******
you should play with them. When she asked what you study. You can say what you study and then ask do you know about this subject? It’s very interesting (for example do you know about physics? Do you know that mechanics laws do not apply to the microscopic scale? And then quantic physics apply? Quantic is very different? You know why? And keep going. They will feel bad and stop you, stamp you, and say goodbye. Same applies with anythingReply to
Mo ******
Reply
Jarek ************
Should have told him you're spending money in TH so he and his family have a better life :p
Paul ********
@Jarek ***********
an a jobReply to
Paul ********
Reply
Mercy *********
Welcome to Thailand. Everything is unnecessary and more complicated than it has to be.
But also, have you never been through immigration anywhere before? These are basic questions.
But also, have you never been through immigration anywhere before? These are basic questions.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mercy ********
I have been more than 10 countries and been to Thailand more than 10 time and never faced these questions.Mercy *********
Anonymous participant You've been lucky then I guess. Those are pretty standard questions I've been asked in other places as well. Not every time of course. But on occasion. You won the lottery this time.
Angelo ***********
@Mercy ********
Perhaps Mr. Anonymous is a Mss. Anonymous, looks breathtaking beautiful and the immigration officer only wanted to chat - or assumed she might (plan to) work in an odd profession.I wonder why people post such stories on FB.
I entered Thailand via a bridge last time. So after immigration is a bus bringing me to the next town. An officer at the bus door, double checked my stamps on my passport. And he aske the same ... long after I passed immigration.
Why? Oh he liked to speak English. So? He probably recognized me, as recent years I passed there a dozen of times. But since a year or more I live in Bangkok. So did not use that border long time. So he likes to talk to me.
Would I make a post about that? Obviously not. But as a answer here it seems fitting.
Joshua ***********
@Mercy ********
you are not on digital nomad visa when you were asked the same questions at other places.Mercy *********
@Joshua **********
how does that matter? These are basic immigration questions anywhere you travel with whatever visa. Sometimes you get picked to be grilled and sometimes you don't.Joshua ***********
@Mercy ********
you don’t know what is DTV visa 😁Mercy *********
@Joshua **********
I do know. It doesn't matter. They can question you all the same. Not sure why you think it makes a difference.Barc ***********
@Mercy ********
no you are allowed to come in Thailand, it's not a visa exemption, it's not a common tourist visa.They don't have to repeat, and certainly not to be aggressive for nothing. Try to not be so submissive once in your life
Mercy *********
@Barc **********
I didn't say it was necessary for the imm official to do what they did. But yes they CAN do it. They have the power in that situation. What about any of my statements made me sound submissive? I clearly did stand up for myself and phoned a friend and got in didn't I? I didn't just accept the nonsense and leave the country. I also never said anything about visa exemption or anything like that. If you're going to completely miss the point and also share wrong opinions, be my guest. But it's not useful.Barc ***********
@Mercy ********
you told him "be grateful they let you in"... if it's not submission, I don't know what it is.He has not to be grateful, this agent is not the kingdom. He made all that required for his entrance, made a visa, gave reason and justifications for it, and paid for it + will spend his money in Thailand for 5 years.
That's all the agent has to know and definitely not to be thanked for a gratefulness he doesn't deserve
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mercy ********
I have never seen such an aggresive immigration officer in my life.Mercy *********
Anonymous participant Well, at this point, be grateful they let you in. I went for a change of Visa a couple of years ago, got questioned up and down when I came back, and they were ready to send me away at BKK. The only reason they didn't is because I was able to call a Thai friend who could vouch for me. I hadn't overstayed or done anything wrong, and I had a paid for and approved Visa in hand. They can do what they want at the end of the day.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mercy ********
Yeah! Even though I am half Thai, can speak Thai fluently and they are still agressive. So frustration.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Win *************
They’re paid less than $500 per month. Let them have their mood swings. Sometimes they put all their whole life’s stress on you
Wojtek *****
You feel it personal, he's at work. Now you're in Thailand, so good for you! 😀
Sharon ***********
Don't worry, sometimes it's like that and they feel the need to challenge. Never happened to me in Thailand but I did have it happen in China a few times. Just smile and answer 🙂
Mo ******
I had my DTV from Indonesia and I came back to Thailand. The immigration officer was about to stamp next to my DTV sticker page, but with his hand on the stamp he asked me “but what is your purpose to come to Thailand?”
I thought 3 seconds. I thought about the fact that maybe he still doesn’t know about digital nomad remote work.
I answered “to visit and enjoy Thailand”
Then he smiled and stamped 6 months.
Only rely on you. Don’t think everyone has the same level of Information as you.
But never lie. What I said was true too
I thought 3 seconds. I thought about the fact that maybe he still doesn’t know about digital nomad remote work.
I answered “to visit and enjoy Thailand”
Then he smiled and stamped 6 months.
Only rely on you. Don’t think everyone has the same level of Information as you.
But never lie. What I said was true too
Markus ********
@Mo *****
yes. Be polite, be friendly and show respect, even if some of the questions you are faced with seem a little unpleasant.Reply to
Markus ********
Reply
Fluff *************
An immigration officer asking questions about what the purpose of your visit to the kingdom of Thailand sounds like the person is doing it's job.
Robert ********
He wants to double check that you don't intend to work for a local company
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert *******
He asked me more than 5 times so I think it is fifth check or sixth check.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Robin *********
@Fluff ************
but why he asks him, why he dosent work at home if his country granted him a visa, made for digital nomads? That is quite a stupid questionJohannes *****
@Robin ********
The guy was just doing his job. Try entering the USA. You’ll get asked absurd questions like, “Are you a member of a terrorist organization?”Barc ***********
@Johannes ****
it has nothing to do with that, usa is a sh*thole country wearing a Gucci beltAngelo ***********
@Johannes ****
And: are you carrying a weapon? I mean, a guy just stepped out of a plane, and is carrying a weapon now? One guy I know answered stupidly: the only weapon is myself (he was a Karate and Aikido practitioner), for that answer they detained him 8 hours.Angelo ***********
It is not stupid. Why would it? There are no stupid questions. Only stupid answers.
I do not work in Germany or France:
- high level cost of living
- slow internet
- to hot in summer (hotter than Thailand)
- to cold in winter (and mostly rainy and on real snow anymore)
Simple answer. Every officer will be happy to hear that, and ask about summers and winters.
I do not work in Germany or France:
- high level cost of living
- slow internet
- to hot in summer (hotter than Thailand)
- to cold in winter (and mostly rainy and on real snow anymore)
Simple answer. Every officer will be happy to hear that, and ask about summers and winters.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Angelo **********
And I am not from Europe nor America.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Michael ********
@Robin ********
i hypothesize that immigration officers fish for information like this. They ask a strange question and try make you slip up. If you’re actually legit you won’t “mess up” because there’s nothing to mess up on, but if you are doing some sketchy or bad stuff you might slip up and not have good responses.Markus ********
@Robin ********
Your objection is quite understandable, but it is also inherently understandable that the immigration authorities remain "skeptical" and ask questions even after the DTV has been granted.A polite, friendly and honest answer is the right way to go.
Reply to
Markus ********
Reply
Markus ********
@Fluff ************
This is basically correct. Some expect the reason to be derived from the approved DTV that they have brought with them - because the DTV is a tourist visa; it is therefore intended for tourist purposes in combination with remote work or certain activity. That should be reconfirmed upon arrival if there are any inquiries. A polite, friendly and honest answer is the right way to go.
Angelo ***********
@Markus *******
A DTV is DTV, and not a tourist visa.Reply to
Angelo ***********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
How did you answer the last question? Please share.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 435 Actually it took about 20 minutes to ask me these irrelevent questions. Like, why you go apply visa in another country but not your home. Why you are not working in your country but work remotely here. Even if I said I like Thailand than my country and wanted to work here and again and again asked me what are you coming to do here for more than 5 times.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Did that incident happen at Suvarnabhumi Airport? My friend experienced a similar situation. I'm curious, did they question you for 20 minutes at the front desk, or in a private room?
If I were asked, "Why are you applying in another country instead of your home country?" I wouldn't know how to respond. What was your response?
If I were asked, "Why are you applying in another country instead of your home country?" I wouldn't know how to respond. What was your response?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 435 I just say travel to that country and apply the visa. They just questioned me at the front desk and not a private room. And I also wanted to questioned him back isn't your embassy let me apply any other countries and is there problems I applied from other countries? But I just avoid the arguments with them.
Mo ******
Participant(e) anonyme I would say “because I come back to my country only in the summer. Maybe you should try to travel too, you will like it I am sure”
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Don Meaueng or Suvana?🥲
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 435 Suvarnabhumi
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Mo ******
Participant(e) anonyme don’t think any country is like yours. I guess you come from Europe or North America. Keep it simple with no lie. Make things easier for everyone
Reply to
Mo ******
Reply
William ********
I don’t really think those are irrelevant questions for an immigration officer to ask. I’d assume that someone living itterantly rather than residing in, and applying from their own country, would naturally raise more questions. Hey, he let you in, so ไม่เป็นไร
Mo ******
@William *******
if someone asks you irrelevant questions. You should do the same and ask them irrelevant questions. Do you know where I can find a McDonald here? Do we have drinkable water here? You think I can drink? How about the taxis? They are on this floor or should I go down? Or up? Thank you madamReply to
Mo ******
Reply
Nicole ******
Lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣 so sorry my dear friend
Jai *******
Don’t worry they are tired from their work
Jody *******
Some of them just don't like foreigners & look for any excuse to deny someone. Those types must be seething over the DTV... 😂
Mo ******
@Jody ******
hard job if you work for immigration and you don’t like foreigners 😮Andrew ***********
@Jody ******
a lot of Thai men don't actuallyReply to
Andrew ***********
Reply
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