After several months of uncertainty, the long-awaited “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)” was finally launched on July 15, aiming to boost the local economy, according to the country’s Cabinet.
To date, more than 1,500 remote workers have benefited from this new scheme, according to reports from 47 Thai embassies and consulates worldwide.
However, this figure could be significantly higher, as more than 40 embassies have failed to present their figures so far, said Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Consular Affairs, Naruchai Ninnad.
The new visa, locally known as “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV),” caters to location-independent workers and freelancers who can now legally live and work in this stunning Asian country for up to 180 days per entry on a multiple-entry basis within a five-year validity period.
It’s worth remarking that digital nomads are not allowed to work for local companies or Thai employers.
This visa has not come without detractors. For many critics, the requirements to obtain this visa are too easy to meet, so virtually everyone in the world will have access to their country.
Let’s take a look. To obtain a DTV, digital nomads must prove they own at least 500,000 baht (US$ 13,900). They also have to present proof of being a national of any of the 93 selected countries. Basically, half of the planet.
Remote workers must also produce a valid passport, proof of monthly salary over the last semester, a work contract (if applicable), a professional portfolio, and a business license.
Applicants also have to pay US$280 or (10,000 baht) for the visa and pay US$280 extra if they want to extend it for 180 more days.
So far so good—most digital nomads meet these minimum requirements.
Why are some locals so concerned about their new neighbors?
Thai academics look at other sought-after destinations such as Barcelona, Rome or London and don’t like what they see.
In 2024, Thailand is forecast to receive over 40 million tourists, generating an estimated revenue of US $95.73 billion for the local economy. This represents a significant increase from 2023, when Thailand only welcomed 28 million visitors.
The DTV, along with a number of other changes authorities introduced to other visa schemes, are expected to drive a further spike in arrivals over the next few years.
Critics’ primary concern is a potential negative impact on the real state sector. The easy requirements could bring an avalanche of people willing to pay sky-high prices for all types of properties, driving up rental prices for everyone in the country—similar to what has happened in countries like Spain or Portugal.
When questioned about these matters, Ninnad told reporters that requirements are “not easy” and that his government is not particularly targeting this demographic.