Anonymous participant We went with all the documents such as passport (original and copies), one year contract, DTV printout, 2 photos but the officer only checked our passport and the TM30 before giving them back.
Make sure your TM30 is the latest one. You can get it from any hotel by staying overnight. In our case, I got mine directly from our landlord.
Yes, we went to the immigration office and got our certificate of residence to apply for Thai driving licence and purchase a bike as well. Waiting for our exam/appointment now.
Anonymous participant 987 Labor department handles the work permits and can provide more clarity.
Look if you go to MoFA, they will either check with LD or redirect you to them. So better check with the people who oversees what's permitted and what's not.
Oh god, here we go again — people acting like immigration officers in the comments.
Let’s get a few things straight.
There are thousands of content creators promoting Thailand through videos, blogs, and photos. Most are on visa exemption, visa on arrival, or the DTV visa.
If your YouTube channel or online business is monetized outside Thailand and your income is generated outside Thailand — which is the case for most creators — then you’re likely operating within the scope of the DTV visa.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), especially under the “Workcation” category, is specifically designed for remote workers and freelancers employed by or earning from foreign entities. If you’re making content as part of your remote or freelance work, you may fall under this definition.
In my case, I submitted a complete portfolio — clearly stating that I create travel content globally, including Thailand. I provided my YouTube channel name and URL. If that was an issue, my visa wouldn’t have been approved in just 5 days.
Do I generate money in Thailand or take money for promoting business based in Thailand. No.
The day I do, I will convert my DTV to business class visa.
Yes, immigration rules may vary slightly depending on the consulate, embassy, or local immigration office. But instead of blindly following random opinions from strangers online — many of whom have never worked as a digital nomad or verified the information from a IO. — just do the smart thing: contact the Thai Labor Department or immigration office directly for proper clarification.