Only available since July 15, 2024, many questions for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) are already coming in. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions we received over the past week.

Can I apply for a DTV if I’m already in Thailand?

No. If you are in Thailand you need to leave Thailand then apply at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate. If you are eligible, you can apply on the e-visa website.

Why can’t I apply online from my country?

On the e-visa homepage, under “Frequently Asked Questions”, there is a subheading, “Am I eligible to apply online?” It asks you to select the country of your passport and select the country you are currently applying from. When you click, “Check”, it will tell you if you are eligible or not.

Eligible:

Thai E-visa apply online eligible

Not Eligible:

Thai E-visa apply online not eligible

Do I need a work permit in Thailand if I have a DTV?

No, the DTV allows you to perform the activity you indicated when you applied for the visa.

Can I get a work permit in Thailand on a DTV?

No. You would need to switch your visa to a visa that is eligible for a work permit.

Does the proof of THB500,000 have to be in a Thai bank account?

No. The financial evidence should be in a bank in the country where you are employed. It remains to be seen how officers at the Thai embassies and consulates will treat those whose work contracts are in one location but their bank accounts are in another location. If you went through this already, please give us an update at info@visathai.com.

Can I show monthly income instead of the THB500,000 balance in the bank for financial evidence?

As it is written, financial evidence can be in the form of a bank statement showing the date and your name or a sponsorship letter. Thailand asks for financial evidence to ensure that applicants for a DTV have sufficient funds to sustain themselves in Thailand. It remains to be seen whether proof of monthly income will be acceptable to officers at Thai embassies and consulates. If you went through this already, please give us an update at info@visathai.com.

Do I need to pay personal income tax in Thailand if I have a DTV?

The visa is not designed to provide tax exemption. Under Thai tax law, a person is tax resident and thus subject to Thai income tax if they reside in Thailand for an aggregate 180 days or more during a tax calendar year. If you fall under this category or think you might, then it is best to get the advice of a tax attorney for your unique situation. Your country and Thailand may already have a tax treaty that helps you avoid double taxation.

Keep the questions coming and we will do our best to provide updated answers. Also, if you already received a DTV, please get in touch and share your experience with us. We’ll be happy to buy you a nice cup of coffee.

Phone: +66 2 651 5449
Whatsapp: +66 89 929 6355
LINE: @visathai
Email: info@visathai.com