Report Confusion Plagues Thailand's New Digital Nomad Visa, Leaving Applicants Stranded

[snoop1130]

 

Picture courtesy of Global Residence Index, Unsplash

 

Thailand's recently launched Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at attracting digital nomads, has faced significant challenges, leaving many applicants stranded across Southeast Asia. Delays, confusion, and inconsistent procedures at regional embassies have complicated the application process, turning it into a bureaucratic ordeal.

 

Digital nomads in Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, who travelled specifically to apply for the DTV, are experiencing considerable delays. They face extended wait times, backlogged appointments, and changing requirements. The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has drawn particular criticism, with some applicants reporting no response for more than ten days after submitting their applications. Complaints include embassy staff resetting application timelines by requesting additional documents days after initial submissions.

 

One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

 

In Laos, particularly in Vientiane and Savannakhet, the process is fraught with appointment backlogs of two to three weeks. This delay poses serious challenges for digital nomads managing accommodation costs and aligning with visa expiry deadlines in neighbouring countries.

 

Discrepancies in the application process across various embassies are also causing confusion. While some consulates process applications quickly, others are following more stringent and time-consuming procedures. Applicants must remain in the country where they applied until a decision is reached, and leaving even temporarily can lead to cancellations or additional delays, heightening stress for those with limited funds or expiring visas.

 

The DTV visa was introduced as a progressive measure to attract digital workers, content creators, and location-independent professionals. While the initiative was initially well-received, its inconsistent implementation has led to widespread dissatisfaction.

 

Visa agents and applicants are urging Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau to provide clearer, standardized instructions to embassies and implement a digital tracking system to allow real-time monitoring of application progress.

 

As the situation stands, many hopeful digital nomads find their plans to relocate to Thailand stalled amid the visa backlog, awaiting more streamlined procedures to realise their ambitions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-09

 

 

[Artisi]

Typical, the Thai brains trust couldn't arrange a drunks party in a brewery. 

[redwood1]

Are these DTA applicants stupid or what.....Whats missing is the magical ingredient that fixes problems.....$$$ 

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"I've run out of money.

 

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

poses serious challenges for digital nomads managing accommodation costs and aligning with visa expiry deadlines

 

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Applicants must remain in the country where they applied until a decision is reached, and leaving even temporarily can lead to cancellations or additional delays, heightening stress for those with limited funds

 

What's the problem?  So what if they need to spend an extra week or three in one country waiting?

 

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The DTV visa was introduced as a progressive measure to attract digital workers, content creators, and location-independent professionals.

 

If they truly are "digital nomads" then they should be earning a living regardless of location.

 

Seems more like the DTV is gonna be used by unlicensed dive instructors and illicit tour guides.

[Upnotover]

30 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

If they truly are "digital nomads" then they should be earning a living regardless of location.

Absolutely.  But I think they are more likely no-marks than nomads hence the issue.

[StayinThailand2much]

40 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

I've run out of money.

 

Weren't they supposed to have half a million baht in the bank, plus being employed by a reputable foreign employer? So, how can they be 'out of money'? 😆 

[ikke1959]

Typical Thai immigration.. every office its own rules and requirements..No wonder all laws have plenty opportunities, nothing is clear... fines up to 2000THB is an example... So what is the exact fine?? in one place maybe 200thb another 500 and somewhere else 2000???

[Pouatchee]

4 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

If they truly are "digital nomads" then they should be earning a living regardless of location.

 

you beat me to it... or they are coming to teach illegally

[2long]

Although I disagree with some of the categories for getting a DTV (cooking class and 'influencer' for example) it's perfect for digital nomads.

But as @NoDisplayName rightly points out, any genuine applicants shouldn't be 'just over the border waiting to be let back in, trying not to spend all their money.'

 

I have a DTV and I really hope that the bad eggs don't ruin it for those who deserve it from merit.

 

Let's hope that, as others have suggested, the delays are partly due to bad applications. Although I feel it could be the consulates and embassies not being as fantastic as the Thai guys at HCMC. 

[norsurin]

Goodbye to digital nomads.U believed the thai government and what did u get?

Who's next?

[DonniePeverley]

This visa is a disgrace, and should never have been introduced. It's a magnet for criminals. 

 

With my own eyes i'm seeing bad eye visitors staying here for a long time, who just simply set about on rampant crime here in Thailand, anti social behaviour, drug dealers, all are on this visa. 

 

It's been slyly slipped in there with factions who wants to push in as many immigrants as they can, without anyone catching on. The backdoor open door immigration policy - done by the same people who gave visa free to most of the world. 

 

The disgraceful non balance of checks to get this is ridiculously easy.

 

One of the questions that should have been requested was a criminal record check (even countries like India have relevent checks for this), which is not requested, especially when you are essentially allowing someone to move here. No wonder the country has seen a raft of criminality. Vietnam request this on all long term visas. 

 

Then you have people openly saying on social media how they can bend the rules to get it. It's a mockery of any visa system. 

 

An absolute travesty. I blame this visa for the troubles we are getting. 

 

Most on this visa are then illegally trying to fund and work in Thailand. Go look at those selling tours illegally, they're all on this visa. If you want to stay in Thailand, these cheapos then try and work here. 

 

If they want this kind of visa, it needs to be more stringent, more stronger to stop abuse. 

 

It's not attracting digital nomads - it's attracting criminals. 

 

Who on earth wants digital nomads anyways ? A digital nomad is just a backpacker with a laptop. Let's be honest none of these 

[Quentin Zen]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

Can't you just print money online?  Digital nomad, just be digital??  I don't think this visa is for the broke backpackers.   Try the ED visa.  

 

Here are all my socials, follow me on.......................................  shhhhhhh.......I don't need a headache.   Go take your selfies with the elephants, think this is being a digital nomad, and then gofundme when you run out of cash.  

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's recently launched Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at attracting digital nomads, has faced significant challenges, leaving many applicants stranded across Southeast Asia. Delays, confusion, and inconsistent procedures at regional embassies have complicated the application process, turning it into a bureaucratic ordeal.

Nothing is simple with Thailand immigration

[DarthChuckler]

13 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Are these DTA applicants stupid or what.....Whats missing is the magical ingredient that fixes problems.....$$$ 

One European applicant, stranded for five weeks,  ran out of money  🤣🤣  there are supposed to be able to work and make a living online out of money, go home.

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

a: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

Good work Thai embassies: keep the riffraff and scum out of Thailand if they don't have money.

The song of "digital nomads" being able to work from everywhere got a wrong tune. 

[NorthernRyland]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

 

 

How did they print this without raising eyebrows. So-called digital nomad arrives in a 3rd country then runs out of money after a mere 5 weeks of not being in Thailand. It's almost like his money was coming from *inside* Thailand. 🤔

[BritManToo]

13 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

How did they print this without raising eyebrows. So-called digital nomad arrives in a 3rd country then runs out of money after a mere 5 weeks of not being in Thailand. It's almost like his money was coming from *inside* Thailand. 🤔

I would assume they had a room/house in Thailand, and couldn't afford the hotel bills in Vietnam on top of their commitments in Thailand. Keeping two homes going on one wage isn't something everyone can afford.

 

Decent long term condo in Chiang Mai 5,000bht/month vs Saigon 1,000bht/night

So 5 weeks would be 6,000bht Vs 35,000bht.

[Ken444]

They want your details so they can tax you 🙂

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Who on earth wants digital nomads anyways ? A digital nomad is just a backpacker with a laptop. Let's be honest none of these 

Probably worth more to Thailand than Indians and Chinese.

[Pompeygeezer]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

and changing requirements. 

Oh what a surprise! Immigration changing requirements.  making it up as they go along as per usual.    Although DTV applicants claiming they're spending too much on hotels and are broke while they're waiting for the process is nonsense.  they have to be earning big money to get a DTV and have a load in the bank. 

[Colabamumbai]

Why would you expect anything less. Only elephants move forward in Thailand. 

[sikishrory]

I can attest to this. Denied in Savannakhet then approved in HCM with the exact same documents.

A lot of wasted money and seems it has gotten worse since.

They release a vague infographic that looks like it was made for a school project and then leave everyone to figure out the actual details using online groups and giving embassies lots of room to interpret and make up things as they please.

[FritsSikkink]

15 hours ago, Artisi said:

Typical, the Thai brains trust couldn't arrange a drunks party in a brewery. 

What about the Digital Nomad: "One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money."

Not very nomadic while working.

[FritsSikkink]

31 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So 5 weeks would be 6,000bht Vs 35,000bht.

Should be peanuts for a digital nomad

[Grumpy one]

13 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Weren't they supposed to have half a million baht in the bank, plus being employed by a reputable foreign employer? So, how can they be 'out of money'? 😆 

Daddy hasn't sent this month's stay away from your family money yet.  

[Stocky]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

 

In Laos, particularly in Vientiane and Savannakhet, the process is fraught with appointment backlogs of two to three weeks. This delay poses serious challenges for digital nomads managing accommodation costs and aligning with visa expiry deadlines in neighbouring countries.

The whole idea of working remotely and online is that it doesn't matter where you are; you can work in Cambodia, Laos or wherever whilst waiting for your visa. If you can't manage that and 'run out of money'  you probably should have stayed at home. 

 

Seems the Thai delaying tactic helps winnow the chaff from the grain.

[frank83628]

No a very good digital nomad if he's skint after 5 weeks, why can't he work while waiting..  they have the internet where he is.... looks like he just exposed himself and lying for the visa.

[novacova]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

Why do poor people go to a foreign country and run out of money? They should never be allowed to cross a border in the first place.

[NorthernRyland]

56 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I would assume they had a room/house in Thailand, and couldn't afford the hotel bills in Vietnam on top of their commitments in Thailand. Keeping two homes going on one wage isn't something everyone can afford.

 

Decent long term condo in Chiang Mai 5,000bht/month vs Saigon 1,000bht/night

So 5 weeks would be 6,000bht Vs 35,000bht.

 

Yeah 5 weeks in a hotel is daunting. There was supposed to be 500,000 baht in the bank for the visa but maybe that's all they had and it was tied up. 

 

I'm surprised they even allow you to apply for them outside your home country. It sounds like people are coming on a tourist visa or exempt and then deciding they want to stay longer. In the past you'd have to do border runs but now they're just giving them a full 5 years.

 

This was always the kind of people they were trying to keep out but now they're given special privileges (I wish I only had to apply for my visa once every 5 years).

[818Pilot]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted."

Cry me a river, if they are out of money then they can't afford to be here anyway.