This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is it possible to leave Chiang Mai during the burning season while on a DTV visa?

Chiang Mai Burning Season Air Quality DTV Visa Visa Regulations Health Risks Residency Travel Restrictions

Feb 23, 2025

15 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anybody know how things work with the burning season if you’re DTV in Chiang Mai? 

Like that air is seriously hazardous. 

Is there anyway to spend those months in a different part of Thailand or are you just doomed to lung damage?

3,498

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the air quality issues during the burning season in Chiang Mai and the implications for those holding a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). While some members suggest relocating to other regions during this time to avoid hazardous air quality, others clarify that DTV holders are not restricted in their travel but should ensure their visa conditions remain compliant. The risks associated with poor air quality, including long-term health issues, are also highlighted, indicating that many expats tend to move south during this season for their health.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Derry *********

No one knows

No has ever lived to tell the story 5555

11 hours ago

Damien ***********

DTV allows travel across Thailand. If you move just have an updated TM30 for your report if you move long term < 90 days

12 hours ago

Ni**

Alien registered under “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)” program must remain in the designated province as per approved visa purpose. Seasonal environmental conditions, including but not limited to burning season, are considered a natural occurrence and do not constitute grounds for relocation.

Unauthorized movement to another province may result in additional scrutiny from the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau and may impact future visa considerations. All aliens must strictly comply with visa conditions and adhere to directives issued by the local immigration office.

As a guest in the Kingdom of Thailand, it is the responsibility of the alien to respect and uphold all regulations pertaining to their stay.

In the event of the alien losing their life due to suffocation, repatriation will be permitted pending proper documentation and formal approval from relevant authorities.

13 hours ago

Steve *******

Admin can you delete these comments. It's misinformation that's leading other members to post and ask if they're allowed to move between provinces.

10 hours ago

Ni**

Can you provide an official source,

@Steve ******

? Given the inconsistencies in immigration enforcement, it is reasonable to verify rather than assume no such requirement exists.

10 hours ago

Reply to

Ni**

Anonymous ******************

@Ni**

DTV holders are actually permitted to spend up to five days per calendar month in an immediate neighbouring province. However they must report to immigration within two hours of arriving and within two hours of planned departure

13 hours ago

Ni**

Alien under ‘Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)’ may transit to an immediate neighboring province for up to five (5) days per calendar month with prior approval.

1️⃣ FORM TM-420 REQUIRED – Submit 72 hours in advance with hand-drawn route map.

2️⃣ MANDATORY REPORTING – Report to Immigration Transit Checkpoint (ITC) within two (2) hours of arrival and departure.

3️⃣ ZONE RESTRICTIONS – Remain within 5km of authorized area or face visa review and fines.

4️⃣ RE-ENTRY CONFIRMATION – Report to primary Immigration Office upon return.

UNLESS ALIEN LOSES THEIR LIFE, ALL FORMS AND HAND-DRAWN MAPS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY ALIEN. IN EVENT OF DEATH, RELATIVE OR APPOINTED POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY COMPLETE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION.

Failure to comply may result in visa forfeiture, administrative review, or involuntary repatriation.

13 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

@Ni**

Gold!!

10 hours ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Sophie *********

Ignore those laughing. It's not so much fun when you get cancer - and CM cancer rates are off the scale. Move down South for those months maybe. And use good quality purifiers.

13 hours ago

Keith ************

@Sophie ********

air pollution is also a risk factor for heart disease, emphysema, stroke, and dementia.

13 hours ago

Sophie *********

@Keith ***********

Indeed.

11 hours ago

Reply to

Sophie *********

David ******

How about not booking your courses in CM in burning season? The time frame is known long before.

13 hours ago

Joseph *********

What are you on about 😂

14 hours ago

James ********

You must stay and suffer. It’s the rules.

14 hours ago

Alex *******

There's your answer

15 hours ago

Jef ********

@Alex ******

no …. This is DTV approved

14 hours ago

Lee ***********

@Alex ******

is it DTV approved

14 hours ago

Reply to

Lee ***********

Anonymous ******************

The pollution affects everyone, not just DTV holders. Many people head south for the burning season, especially those with respiratory issues (although even those without will soon have them!)

15 hours ago

Steve *******

Can you elaborate your question? The DTV doesn't restrict where you are staying.

15 hours ago

Jack ********

What are you asking? You are free to travel anywhere in Thailand and nothing to do with a DTV or any other visa type

15 hours ago

Lena *******

You can do as you wish. You paid for those classes as did loads of people so the Muay Thai School and Thai Govt did well out of it. The classes are probably overbooked so they won't miss you for 3 months.

12 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jack *******

dtv soft power requires you take those Muay Thai or cooking classes at the school you signed up with.

You can’t just leave Chiang Mai and those classes behind to goto Phuket for 3 month burning season right?

I’m asking - is there no arrangement to be made to travel in Thailand if you’re going to miss your classes? Or does anyone know if this would be possible.

14 hours ago

Jack ********

Anonymous participant no one cares if you got to the classes or not

11 hours ago

Reply to

Jack ********

What is the best option for leaving Thailand after 180 days on a DTV visa: flight or border run agency?

10 comments

4 days ago

Can I apply for a Thailand DTV visa for medical reasons without employer support?

42 comments

11 days ago