Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): One Year On

In July 2024, Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — a groundbreaking option for long-term visitors, remote workers, and cultural enthusiasts. Now, a year later, the visa has proven popular but also more complex than originally expected. While it still offers incredible opportunities, applicants should be aware of how embassy expectations have changed.

What is the DTV Visa?

The DTV is a multiple-entry visa valid for 180 days and extendable once for another 180 days, allowing visitors to stay in Thailand for up to a full year. It was introduced to attract digital nomads, tourists, retirees, and those participating in so-called “soft power” activities — including Muay Thai, Thai cuisine, traditional arts, and similar pursuits.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 20 years old

• Show a minimum of 500,000 Baht in available funds

• Submit documentation supporting their purpose of stay (e.g., training enrollment or work-related documents)

Unlike the Education Visa, there is no need for classroom hours, and Thai language courses are not recognized as valid soft power activities under this visa.

Also, there is no upper age limit. In fact, our Muay Thai gym successfully processed a DTV for a 93-year-old man who came to Thailand and genuinely trained with us — proving the visa is open to anyone, regardless of age, as long as the paperwork is in order.

How It Started

At launch, the DTV was seen as a flexible, low-hassle visa. Embassies typically only required a bank statement showing the 500,000 Baht balance and minimal supporting documents. Many applicants, especially remote workers and Muay Thai students, got approved quickly.

However, the landscape has shifted.

How It’s Evolving

Financial Requirements

Embassies have become stricter. Most now require 3 to 6 months of official bank statements, not just a balance screenshot. This has tripped up many applicants who didn’t maintain consistent balances or couldn’t prove the funds over time.

Remote Workers Face More Scrutiny

Although the DTV allows for remote work under the “Workation” category, digital nomads have recently faced difficulties qualifying. Many applicants are freelancers or independent professionals — SEO experts, web designers, consultants — without formal business registration.

Embassies are now asking for official business documents, including:

• Tax registration or proof of tax filing in the applicant’s home country

• Business incorporation or freelancer registration documents

• Evidence of permission to work abroad from an established company

This has made it hard for self-employed nomads to qualify. As a result, many are switching to the soft power route, using Muay Thai or other cultural programs to support their application instead.

The Workation pathway appears to favor those working for large, registered companies with official permission to work remotely overseas — a category that excludes most typical digital nomads.

Muay Thai and Soft Power Still a Reliable Route

For those enrolling in Muay Thai or other soft power programs, the DTV remains a reliable option — as long as proper documents are provided, such as gym licenses, instructor certifications, training schedules, and photos of the facility.

Final Thoughts

The DTV remains one of the best long-stay visa options Thailand has offered in years, but the rules are tightening. Remote workers need to be aware of stricter embassy requirements, while those choosing the soft power route — like Muay Thai — are finding greater consistency and success. One year on, the DTV is still a powerful tool for living in Thailand, as long as you do it right.