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What is the current experience for entering Thailand, particularly regarding the DTV visa?

Feb 11, 2025
11 days ago
Just got back in Bangkok! Got aproved yesterday enter today, not questions asked . Lots of people in the detention area and my officer took someone out of the line because apparently was recording in that area. Best of luck to everyone . Thanks again .
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent experiences shared by individuals entering Bangkok indicate that the entry process can vary. Many travelers report minimal questioning upon arrival, with some only needing to show proof of accommodation, such as a house contract. However, there are warnings that travelers with excessive visa exemptions may face entry refusals, suggesting a possible shift towards stricter immigration controls, encouraging applicants to opt for the DTV visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Riccardo ************
Me too...just arrived in Bkk with my fresh DTV... they only asked where I was going to stay...I showed a copy of my house contract on my mobile and all was good!
Sean *******
Lots of people are getting refused entry with too many visa exemptions. They're being told to get a DTV.
Beth **********
@Sean ******
yes they told me this last time so I’m now getting my DTV
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
this is true ! It happened to me in Nov they hold me for almost 3 hours I almost did not enter the country I had to literally beg and show them ticket getting out of Thailand in the next month wich I had to buy on from of them, reservations for tourist activities and they make me sing a doc. They told to get the DTV or I will no re enter Thailand next time so that’s what I did and that day multiple people who can’t show proof of leaving Thailand soon was denied to enter.
Greg ********
@Sean ******
I think even before DTV it was said those with Visa Exemptions and other complex histories were going to be looked at. The ETA was going to make it much easier but it is postponed for now. If implemented it would make "Safe" border runs nigh on impossible.
Abhishek *******
@Sean ******
not true for all 11th in 23 months for me. I don't stay all year and don't extend visa exemptions ever. Only people who use visa exempt to stay all year are being questioned I guess
Jason *******
@Abhishek ******
abuse the system get questioned
Greg ********
@Abhishek ******
It really does depend. Like you I used to do a lot of Visa exempt. I am sure I did over a dozen one year from Singapore with both business and leisure. A pal was doing month off month on work in Singapore. After about his 5th trip one year he was told to get a METV.
Anonymous ******************
@Abhishek ******
That's not because it doesn't happen to you that it doesn't happen at all 🤔. There are clear signs that Thailand wants to cut on people abusing of the exemptions for long stays (DTV, E-TM6, planned ETA, lots of people being denied, etc.)
Abhishek *******
Anonymous participant 550 officers clearly can differentiate who is abusing who is not. I believe even dtv is not the answer for full 5 year long term stay
David *******
@Abhishek ******
believe what you like. You don’t make the rules 😊😂
Abhishek *******
@David ******
I don't but there is no clarity on how officers judge who is abusing visa exempt who is not
Greg ********
@Abhishek ******
Exactly. There might be guidelines we do not know about but much of it is discretionary and down to the individual Immigration Officer.
Anonymous ******************
@Abhishek ******
Well, if you're coming sometimes but not too often, you'll be fine for sure. But that's not because a tourist stays "only" 300 days a year under visa exemptions that he will never be questioned.