It is over a year since my DTV was issued. It was issued in the UK under the workcation category. I have entered Thailand three times on it. The only thing I have been asked to confirm is the address where I would be staying including the full house number, tambol, amphoe, jangwat. This was before the TDAC was introduced.

 

So, in summary, for me no issues yet.

On 6/26/2025 at 12:59 PM, Jake44 said:

It's technically required, but why would I bother doing it?  There is no consequence of not doing it if you never visit immigration.  Many  of us with DTVs simply don't do it.

There can be consequences, if Immigration choose to enforce the law.

 

Section 76 of the Immigration Act states; Any alien, who fails to comply with the provisions of Section 37(2),(3),(4)or(5) shall be punished with a fine not exceeding 5,000 Baht and with an additional fine not exceeding 200 Baht for each day which passes until the law is complied with.

 

The more a system is abused, the more the chance at some point they'll clamp down and start enforcing it.

 

 

On 7/1/2025 at 4:35 AM, BrandonJT said:

I've had my LTR for almost 2 years now and still have issues sometimes with very long wait times while the officers process it.  With the amount of flip-flopping and changes the government pushes on the immigration officers, I pity them.  Not only do they have to navigate constantly changing and sometimes archaic rules and laws, they also have to deal with entitled people that think they shouldn't have to show certain requirements or even their visa in order to enter.

 

We are a bit off-topic but I am curious, what border crossing or international airport did you enter? I have an LTR.  I have entered Thailand many times on the LTR.  I never had a very slow to proccess issue flying into Bangkok.

 

A couple times ( in Phuket only) slightly slow.

 

Why?

 

In Phuket on one occasion  ( 1st or 2nd)  shortly after getting  my LTR visa, the Phuket  IO called another IO over to help ensure they completed permission to stay correctly.

 

The  other  time entering in Phuket the IO called over many other IOs to show them my passport as they had mostly never seen an LTR stamp in a passport before.

3 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

 

We are a bit off-topic but I am curious, what border crossing or international airport did you enter? I have an LTR.  I have entered Thailand many times on the LTR.  I never had a very slow to proccess issue flying into Bangkok.

 

A couple times ( in Phuket only) slightly slow.

 

Why?

 

In Phuket on one occasion  ( 1st or 2nd)  shortly after getting  my LTR visa, the Phuket  IO called another IO over to help ensure they completed permission to stay correctly.

 

The  other  time entering in Phuket the IO called over many other IOs to show them my passport as they had mostly never seen an LTR stamp in a passport before.

Almost all of my entries have been through Bangkok.  When the LTR was first issued, it took 2 levels of supervisor for them to stamp me in, and the final guy that came over looked annoyed at the officer and kind of threw my passport back at the officer and said to let me in.

 

For the next year or so it sometimes took a supervisor coming over for me to get stamped in.

 

After that it was mostly quick and easy, though even in Bangkok still took a long time earlier this year.

 

At Nong Khai it took forever, for both exiting AND returning.

30 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Almost all of my entries have been through Bangkok.  When the LTR was first issued, it took 2 levels of supervisor for them to stamp me in, and the final guy that came over looked annoyed at the officer and kind of threw my passport back at the officer and said to let me in.

 

For the next year or so it sometimes took a supervisor coming over for me to get stamped in.

 

After that it was mostly quick and easy, though even in Bangkok still took a long time earlier this year.

 

At Nong Khai it took forever, for both exiting AND returning.

 

Wow.

 

I have never encountered that.

 

I typically enter the Thai immigration line, immediately after my Thai wife.  I cannot see how that ( being in Thai line with my wife) would make a difference. 

 

Hopefully your next entry experiences will be easier.

On 6/26/2025 at 1:08 PM, NorthernRyland said:

The OP can go the "soft power" route and sign up a cooking class provided he has the 500k baht in his bank but I see this like you.

 

So, this is like an ED visa, but with proof of funds? I thought, one needed to prove freelance employment... 🤔

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

So, this is like an ED visa, but with proof of funds? I thought, one needed to prove freelance employment... 🤔

There are 2 ways to qualify for DTV.

One is through workcation, which is remote work.

The other is soft power activities, like Muay Thai, Thai Cooking, Medical Care, and a few other ways.

Trolling post removed

6 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Medical Care

 

Is that a class??

5 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Is that a class??

 

No. You can get a DTV for "medical tourism". In the early days, people reported being able to get a DTV on the strength of a dentist appointment, but nowadays you'd need to be prepared to show more extensive paperwork  Still, the option remains available, at least for people who require ongoing treatment or check-ups and wish to use Thailand's hospitals for this.

4 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

6 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Medical Care

 

Is that a class??

Is that a serious question. 

Already answered with..... "The other is soft power activities, like Muay Thai, Thai Cooking, Medical Care, and a few other ways" 

 

There is a pinned thread on DTV posted in the forum. 

 

2 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

No. You can get a DTV for "medical tourism". In the early days, people reported being able to get a DTV on the strength of a dentist appointment, but nowadays you'd need to be prepared to show more extensive paperwork 

 

For a one- or two-time dentist appointment? Applying for a DTV for that seems a bit 'over the top'... 🤔

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Is that a serious question. 

Already answered with..... "The other is soft power activities, like Muay Thai, Thai Cooking, Medical Care, and a few other ways" 

 

There is a pinned thread on DTV posted in the forum. 

 

Okay, thank you. 

1 minute ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

For a one- or two-time dentist appointment? Applying for a DTV for that seems a bit 'over the top'... 🤔

 

As I said: in the early days. Some embassies were very easy, they mostly wanted to see that you have the money. 

17 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

As I said: in the early days. Some embassies were very easy, they mostly wanted to see that you have the money. 

 

Well, I'm not interested in Muay Thai, or Thai cooking, so, without someone employing me for 'freelance work', I guess this visa is not for me...

On 12/3/2025 at 11:08 AM, StayinThailand2much said:

Well, I'm not interested in Muay Thai, or Thai cooking, so, without someone employing me for 'freelance work', I guess this visa is not for me...

Unlike an ED visa, which requires going to immigration for extensions, with the DTV there is no ongoing "checking" (or payoff to avoid this) that you keep doing whatever class.

 

It seems to me the MFA / Tourist-Authority side of things created the DTV visa to create a way for those who can show 500K to spend money in Thailand (vs other countries in the region), without immigration blocking them via agent-extortion rackets.

41 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

Unlike an ED visa, which requires going to immigration for extensions, with the DTV there is no ongoing "checking" (or payoff to avoid this) that you keep doing whatever class.

 

It seems to me the MFA / Tourist-Authority side of things created the DTV visa to create a way for those who can show 500K to spend money in Thailand (vs other countries in the region), without immigration blocking them via agent-extortion rackets.

 

Well, I neither own a freelance-business, nor am I employed to be a freelancer, so I wouldn't qualify.

44 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Well, I neither own a freelance-business, nor am I employed to be a freelancer, so I wouldn't qualify.

What is your point.

DTV not for you. Great.

Leave it there. 

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

What is your point.

DTV not for you. Great.

Leave it there. 

 

Just replied to Rob Browder's answer...

54 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Well, I neither own a freelance-business, nor am I employed to be a freelancer, so I wouldn't qualify.

The classes option doesn't require freelancing - is in the "soft power" category.  Anyone can pay for for such a class, show 500K in the bank, and get the DTV.  If over 50, retirement-based is less hassle, though.

7 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

The classes option doesn't require freelancing - is in the "soft power" category.  Anyone can pay for for such a class, show 500K in the bank, and get the DTV.  If over 50, retirement-based is less hassle, though.

 

What do you mean with 'retirement-based'?

 

"The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a 5-year, multiple-entry visa for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and participants in Thai "soft power" activities (like Muay Thai, cooking classes) or medical tourism (...)"

 

Someone doesn't want me to post here. Never mind.

6 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

What do you mean with 'retirement-based'?

What don't you understand. 

He was referring to Non O based on retirement with annual extensions. 

For many a better option than DTV. 

On 6/26/2025 at 1:08 PM, NorthernRyland said:

The OP can go the "soft power" route and sign up a cooking class provided he has the 500k baht in his bank but I see this like you. Is immigration really going to let people come in and out of the country for multiple years just because they signed up for a cooking class? I would expect to get questioned eventually (...)

 

I'm still trying to understand this visa...

 

1. Are there reports, how many initial applications were denied, and why (and the fee not refunded)?

 

2. Can one really stay 'continuously' for 5 years, i.e. 180 days, then extension, or just doing a border run, repeat, etc.?

 

3. Do I sign up, say, for a 6-month 'soft power' course, then use the visa for another 4.5 years, or do I have to attend classes for the whole 5 years while in the country?

 

4. What documents are needed for the '180-day extension' at Immigration?

 

5. Do IOs at the airport request proof every time one arrives, or is the visa a "visa guarantee" for the whole 5 years?

35 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

I'm still trying to understand this visa...

There is an extensive pinned thread in this forum regarding DTV. 

Also if you google "DTV Thailand AseanNow" a zillion threads will pop up that will answer all your questions. 

Also many agents that assist with this visa 

5 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

2. Can one really stay 'continuously' for 5 years, i.e. 180 days, then extension, or just doing a border run, repeat, etc.?

 

 

I don't trust this visa because of how out of line it is with the rest of the categories and generally what immigration has been known for over the years. If you applied for a cooking class or the "workcation" category is immigration really going to let you live in the country doing border runs every 6 months? They stop tourists doing that so I don't see why it matters if you can prove 500k in your home bank once every 5 years. 

 

Everyone else with Non-O visas need to reapply every year and go under scrutiny so it doesn't make sense to me they would let all these other people just live in the country for 5 years. In theory you can reapply again in 5 years and live permanently in Thailand the same as people who work for Thai companies, bought the Thailand Elite or are retired, married etc... Doesn't seem right does it?  

12 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

I don't trust this visa because of how out of line it is with the rest of the categories and generally what immigration has been known for over the years. If you applied for a cooking class or the "workcation" category is immigration really going to let you live in the country doing border runs every 6 months? They stop tourists doing that so I don't see why it matters if you can prove 500k in your home bank once every 5 years. 

 

Everyone else with Non-O visas need to reapply every year and go under scrutiny so it doesn't make sense to me they would let all these other people just live in the country for 5 years. In theory you can reapply again in 5 years and live permanently in Thailand the same as people who work for Thai companies, bought the Thailand Elite or are retired, married etc... Doesn't seem right does it?  

 

Yes, I just watched a YouTube clip uploaded by Siam Legal. Someone commented, they had read reports that visa holders were asked for proof of studying every time they entered, meaning for 'soft skills', one would have to sign up for Muay Thai, or Thai cooking classes for 5 years (perhaps to become a Thai cuisine master chef?), if one wanted to use the visa for extended and frequent stays... 😆 

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Yes, I just watched a YouTube clip uploaded by Siam Legal. Someone commented, they had read reports that visa holders were asked for proof of studying every time they entered, meaning for 'soft skills', one would have to sign up for Muay Thai, or Thai cooking classes for 5 years (perhaps to become a Thai cuisine master chef?), if one wanted to use the visa for extended and frequent stays... 😆 

 

it's always been the rule if you want to actually live in Thailand you at least need a non-O category. Ben on the Integrity Legal channel makes frequent videos where he mentions the DTV and he clearly doesn't like the visa. He says it's a political stunt from the previous administration and they never got agreement with immigration itself so there's a inherit conflict baked in wherein the visa holders got the visa but now they need to go through immigration every 6 months who may have a different idea about what the visa means.

1 hour ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

it's always been the rule if you want to actually live in Thailand you at least need a non-O category. Ben on the Integrity Legal channel makes frequent videos where he mentions the DTV and he clearly doesn't like the visa. He says it's a political stunt from the previous administration and they never got agreement with immigration itself so there's a inherit conflict baked in wherein the visa holders got the visa but now they need to go through immigration every 6 months who may have a different idea about what the visa means.

 

Good to know, thanks.

On 6/26/2025 at 1:38 PM, NorthernRyland said:

 

Is immigration really going to let people come in and out of the country for multiple years just because they signed up for a cooking class? I would expect to get questioned eventually. 

It is a money grab and corrupt.  THey will keep offering the visa and not questioning reentries as long as possible to keep the money flow from agencies. These are an expensive visa if obtained through an agency and this is because somebody(s) is making loads of money at immigration.  Easy to obtain a DTV in Savannakhet using soft power if you use an agency but good luck if you try solo.

 

Somebody eventually will close the loophole in regards to soft power and the 5 year visa will be useless if soft power was the reason it was granted.  Could be wrong but doubt it.

46 minutes ago, atpeace said:

It is a money grab and corrupt.  THey will keep offering the visa and not questioning reentries as long as possible to keep the money flow from agencies. These are an expensive visa if obtained through an agency and this is because somebody(s) is making loads of money at immigration.  Easy to obtain a DTV in Savannakhet using soft power if you use an agency but good luck if you try solo.

 

Somebody eventually will close the loophole in regards to soft power and the 5 year visa will be useless if soft power was the reason it was granted.  Could be wrong but doubt it.

 

If what you wrote is true, someone at the embassy or consulate where agent-assisted applications sail through smoothly is cashing in on it, NOT immigration.

 

Certain IOs at certain points of entry will probably try to get their cut selling their "safe entry" service to DTV holders, so that's something that might need to be priced in eventually.