Are there anyone who applied soft power but change to workation later on?

OK, I don't want to look like a bore posting links to videos made by Benjamin Hart (as this has been done before), because he's otherwise a fairly good guy, but I think the analysis he has made about the DTV and general working authorization is a little bit off base. This time he even seems to have a problem with the Pattaya Mail article he quotes from, which he would previously constantly praise.

He claims that the reason DTV holders can't get bank accounts (for the most part...though exceptions still seem to exist here and there) is because it's "not work authorized". Well, LOL - the elite/privilege and retirement visas aren't work authorized either and yet you need a bank account to qualify for a retirement extension, so there's already one flaw in his argument. Also, consulates and embassies abroad allow you to show your proof of funds in a Thai bank account, not to mention some immigration offices insist on sighting the 500K needed for a 6 month in-country extension in a Thai bank account!

Secondly, even if not all stakeholders agreed on the terms of the DTV, but the DTV DOES allow for working remotely. Like the retirement and privilege visas, it's a "employment prohibited" visa, but all that means is you can't work in Thailand for a Thailand based entity. You CAN work for a foreign entity that does not impinge on the Thai economy and has no relationship with Thailand.

Benjamin seems to be implying that the authorities aren't going after digital nomads and remote workers, but that it's still not officially allowed. Well, according to this logic, if the Thai authorities did arrest digital nomads for doing exactly what they qualified for to get their visas, then the publicity would turn off millions of potential visitors / remote workers and have a long-lasting negative impact on the economy.

There may be some grey areas with respect to YouTubing in Thailand, but I'm not going to get into that. Most of us work for companies based abroad that have nothing to do with YouTube and that's what this analysis has been about.

His last point about the DTV supposedly being for those who want to come and go but not live in Thailand for 5 years (with appropriate border runs) is also off base. So far, there is nothing to suggest that isn't allowed. In that respect, it's nothing like the US B-1 visas he references or other similar types, such as those 10 year multiple entry ones Thai nationals receive...which in practice, are supposed to be for occasional short visits or one longer visit not exceeding 6 months, followed by an extended absence before coming again. For Thailand, no need to do that, because you can just spend 60-90 days on an exemption, leave for a year and come back to do the same, no need for a DTV then.

Hi all

Looking for some advice on how to register on line for a TM30 as a private house owner.

As the immigration office is a 1 hour drive away.

I have looked at the web page but It seems to be set up for business owners regarding documents required. (The house is in my girlfriend’s name.)

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Border Bounce for DTV from Pattaya - why are van companies charging more for DTV border bounces to Cambodia than normal visa runs? The van company in Soi 6 at Queen Victoria Inn charges 3,900 baht for a normal visa run but if you've got a DTV it's 5,700 baht because the border officials require more money because you get 180 days with a DTV. Anyone else experiencing the same when doing DTV bordet bounces?

Asking for Canadian friend who’s been on Non -immigrant O-A for 6 years with consulate visa letter for extensions based on income . Can she convert in country to non -O based on retirement and show the 65,000 monthly income ? Or what’s the best advise for her ? Thank you

I have a question about the extension of my DTV visa.

In my passport I have my visa stamped until April 1, the 90 days report says it expires on March 26 and I am moving on March 21 into my new apartment that I have rented.

I have asked the landlord about the TM30 and it may take 1 week after I signed the contract on March 20.

So I will most likely have it before the 26th. I also know that I have up to 7 days from the 26th for the 90 day report.

My questions are:

1. Should I wait until I have all the paperwork (contract and tm30 of the apartment) and do the DTV extension before April 1?

2. Or do I report the 90 days previously with the current hotel tm30 and then do the extension? (I asked this because I know I can do it 15 days prior).

3. And if I just do the extension, the 90 days report would not be necessary, right?

Thanks for any advice what best to do 😊

This might be helpful information to someone.

Just left Immigration office in Bangkok.

We attempted to extend my wife’s DTV visa however it was denied.

Was told that since my wife was a dependent DTV visa and I was the main holder that she is unable to file extension unless I the main holder extend as well.

Since I’ve flown in and out recently I am unable to extend since it’s only been about 40 days in Thailand.

So we are required to leave the country and enter again.

Hope this information is helpful to someone.

We haven’t done any visa runs because of her pregnancy and she just gave birth in Thailand.

We have toerist stamp up to march 1th (entry jan 1th). Our flight is (changed to) march 4th. So we have just 3 days overstay. Any advise or experience in the group to go for visa extend somewhere or is it easy to pay at the immigration on the airport (Survarnabhumi)?

Morning. Need a bit of advice. I am on a DTV and my 90 day report is due on 15th March or thereabouts. I am going to Vietnam for a week or two end of February. Do I still have to report even though I will have left the country and re-entered?

I received the visa a few months ago and I need to replace my passport. Does anyone know what to do about the visa, but I'm continuing with it?