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Can I obtain a DTV visa in Thailand with a vegan cooking course?

Nov 5, 2025
6 days ago
Adi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I'm looking to understand if it's possible to get a DTV visa based on a vegan cooking course. If anyone knows of such a course. How do I know for sure that the course gives me what I need for a visa. How much minimum time is needed. And if I have to renew the course every time or is one time enough to get a 5-year visa?

Thank you 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The possibility of obtaining a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through a vegan cooking course depends on the course's recognition as a Thai soft power activity. While there are institutions, like Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, that offer eligible cooking courses, it is crucial that the course be at least three weeks long and conducted by a licensed institution. There may be limitations to vegan courses specifically, and it is recommended to confirm the course's eligibility to ensure it meets visa requirements. The DTV can grant a five-year visa, but ongoing enrollment in a qualifying activity may be required.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
MJ *******
Yes, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit can support applications for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), as it is a type of visa for activities like cooking classes, but you must enroll in a qualifying course of a minimum of three weeks and apply from your home country.

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Luit *****************
When you got approved you will receive a visa valid for 5 years. When you want to use the visa to enter Thailand you have to be enrolled in a soft power activivity for which you got approved.
Adi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luit ****************
Not just for the first time? Or do I have to register for a new course every time I enter Thailand for a 180-day renewal?
Luit *****************
@Adi ****
Some people here say that as soon as you have the visa, there are no existing requirements anymore.

But when you ask embassy or immigration office in Thailand they will tell you that the requirements are for each entry, which also makes sense, because you got the visa for a specified purpose.

When course is finished you don't have a valid reason to enter Thailand.

Why should you be admitted and someone else who wants to enter on visa exempt not?

On the other hand for most people entering the country there will be no checks, but there is always a small chance you get checked.

You can gamble that you not get stopped, but keep in mind that it might be, and also in the future they might check more often, like they do for ED visa.
Adi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luit ****************
I'm trying to understand what the law says. Because there are unclear rumors I don't want to take any risk
Luit *****************
@Adi ****
In life there are always risks, when you want to prevent any risk, you should confirm to all requirements the whole time.

When you accept that in worst case you could be stopped, you might be able to book new course and enter after that.
Panphailin *********
Our cooking school offer Vegetarian and Vegan cooking class (DTV eligible) based on our recipe.

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Adi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Panphailin ********
Hello

Thank you

If I sign up for such a course, does that mean that all the classes will be vegan or will I be the only one vegan and those around me will use meat, fish, eggs, seafood...?
Panphailin *********
@Adi ****
2 options, joint class and private class. So private class will be only you alone as a private class.
Mark ********
@Adi ****
Entitled much,why does it matter what others use?
Adi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
As I prefer to eat in a vegan restaurant when possible. Because it disgusts me and bothers me for moral reasons. It's my personal feeling.
Mark ********
@Adi ****
Disgusts you? Stay at home best bet for you with that attitude...
Gian *******
A vegan cooking course is not related to any Thai soft power activities, unless is a Thai vegan cooking course. But, there's no licensed Thai institution offering that course that I'm aware of.
Adi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gian ******
Of course Thai.I saw that there is a vegetarian Thai course in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Maybe there could be a vegan there, too. Trying to get information from them.