Will the DTV visa lead to westernization and commercialization in Thailand?

Aug 4, 2024
4 months ago
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Unpopular question:

Is the DTV visa going to make Thailand too westernised and more commercial?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around concerns about the DTV visa potentially leading to increased westernization and commercialization in Thailand. Many commenters argue that the visa's impact will be minimal, noting that only a small percentage of people qualify for it. Others highlight that current remote workers likely had similar visa types before and that the DTV visa simply formalizes their status. The overall sentiment suggests that while there may be demographic shifts, significant changes in local culture or economy are not expected.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Steven *******
I think it won't change things too much to be honest, I know lots of remote workers who worked out there on other visa types (TR, ED, etc.), now they are just making it legal.
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ******
it’s always nice to see the tourists reduce in low season though lol
Mikolai ********
I think it will just change the demographics. 2022 was the year of Russian tourists due to the RussoUkrainian war and the uncertainty of draft in Ru. Phuket was largely Russian speaking at the time (I was there). I would expect things to be more balanced now.
Sue **********
@Mikolai *******
same same last and this year they haven‘t left
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mikolai *******
it’ll be interesting to see what numbers the gov expects.

I’ve been super busy but finally will catch up with MOFA this week.
Jared **********
Its not an unpopular question, it’s out of touch
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jared *********
don’t be resentful of others who think ahead of you.
Jae *****
I assumed most of the DTV holders have already do visa run for years, most of them knew the local tricks, so why not right? But still not many of them have 500K in account.
Максим **********
@Erik ******
many people did border runs for years, and was on COVID stamps. And now some have Ed visas. But all want to switch to correct visa, that is DTV 😅
Andy ************
@Tommy *******
And many who have lived here for years on clunky non-O visas, ready to switch to DTV to make life easy. Watch the decline in "retirees" and the upsurge in "digital creators"
Erik *******
@Jae ****
Visa runs were finished even before covid: people after 3 visa exemptions per year were being questioned and some were refused entry

For the 500k, they can have a “guarantor”. Super easy.
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jae ****
I think it’s attracting a different type of so called “digital nomad” perhaps those who haven’t lived here legally before
David ***********
If your country pays your salary or pension and you spend that money in Thailand, who wins?
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **********
if too many westerners jolting up rent, this conversion rate and the patience of Thais may run thin
David ***********
It's true, and also wonderful land and people
Jae *****
@David **********
Example US$1 to 30++THB, you gonna live like a king.
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **********
Thailand economy, but for the people who live there? Unsure
Mike *******
Any effect will be marginal, and probably only barely noticeable in the already busy tourist areas (which I tend to avoid). The more dominant change will probably be seen in the 93 countries / 60 days visa exemption numbers. We’ll have a better indication in a few months, when the arrivals trend data is published.
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ******
interesting take
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ******
interesting take
Alexander ****
buy property now!
Matt ******
No, the DTV is not going to cause overtourism. Only about 5% of people are even eligible.
Jae *****
@Andy *********
Real digital nomad earn decent wages, pretty much of them earn more than a bank manager. For those who only taking advantages for Free WiFi in eateries or cafes are not Digital Nomad, they are mobilized refugee who didn't survive in their home country.
Andy ************
@Matt *****
Anybody can be eligible. I've been retired years but I'm making a comeback as a "digital creator" in order to get the easy-DTV, as I'm sure many retirees and tourists will
Matt ******
@Tommy *******
out of that 5% about 0.2% will probably be interested, if that
Andy **********
@Tommy *******
Yep. all those who are worrying if they have 500k baht in the bank.
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
do you think it will attract the tight remote workers?
Tommy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matt *****
if that’s a worldwide percentage that is still a lot of people!
Andy **********
@Matt *****
Plus, based on queries in this group, many applicants haven't two brass farthings to rub together, not too fearful of inflationary impacts. Price of Lattes might rise, and no seats in those tiny Amazon cafes, as the Digital Nomads pretend to do work with the free wifi.
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