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Can learning Thai massage qualify for a long-term visa option in Thailand?
Thai massageDigital Nomad VisaDTVEducation VisaSoft PowerCultural programsChiang MaiWat PoITMmassage training coursesremote work
Dec 16, 2025
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI’d love for learning the art of Thai massage to be one of the DTV soft power options!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the inclusion of Thai massage as a soft power option under the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand. While some believe it should be an option, many comment on the lack of qualifying programs that provide adequate training. It is noted that while you can obtain an Education Visa (ED visa) for Thai massage, working in Thailand remains an issue as the DTV does not allow for work. Some participants also mention existing cultural programs that include massage seminars.
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David ***********
Soft Power now has another option available so this may please a few people in the comments. It's training course where you can learn how to become a Lady Boy.🤣
Asia *********
Course you do
Jim ********
There are dtv cultural programs that include massage seminars: foot and oil, but other seminars are included too.
Chris *********
Do you have a link to any of those programs? I’ve been trying to find different options than cooking and Muay Thai.
Jim ********
@Chris ********
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Reply to
Jim ********
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Erikh **************
Not an option... I was thinking the same for the art of "Thai Chi"... Also not a viable option! 🤷🏿♂️
Stephan ******
It is
Christer *****
The whole soft power thing will destroy the DTV.
George *********
@Christer ****
why ??Christer *****
@George ********
Because it's daft to give out a five year visa based on Muay thai once a week for 6 months. They are starting to crack down on it and doing more follow ups.George *********
@Christer ****
well, the Thai authorities offered the soft options ...why would they " crack down " on their own criteriaChrister *****
@George ********
"Thai authorities" aren't one, permanent, entity with a coherent plan. They sometimes change things drastically from one week to another. Like with cannabis. They are tightening up soft power. Try to follow Thai news?Reply to
Christer *****
Reply
Dany ********
@Christer ****
the same was said in july/august 2024Christer *****
@Dany *******
DTV started on the 15 of July 2024, so since right from the start.Dany ********
@Christer ****
yes thats right. since the start we read this sentence and nothing has happened since then. :)Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
It is an option, technically, there just aren't any programs here (that I know of) that are long enough and qualify.
Maybe ask at ITM in Chiang mai or Wat Po in Bangkok. If anyone has done the paperwork to make a qualifying program, it would likely be one of those 2 schools.
Maybe ask at ITM in Chiang mai or Wat Po in Bangkok. If anyone has done the paperwork to make a qualifying program, it would likely be one of those 2 schools.
Kurt *************
Your not allowed to work in thailand anyway so why would it be ;p you gonna do remote massage?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kurt ************
I’m not gonna start a restaurant or fight for money either but I can take cooking or Muay Thai classes. I think it’s called learningKC ****
Anonymous participant exactly 👍
Reply to
KC ****
Reply
Dany ********
with happy end?
George **********
@Dany *******
if no happy end, it’s just called ‘massage’Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
grow upDany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 257 its a serious question as many many shops offer that too. its literally part of the experience 🤷♀️ dont be prude
Doug ********
@Dany *******
best part is, if immigration stops you and wants proof, just cover your eyes and give him a handeee ✋️Reply to
Doug ********
Reply
Andi ***********
It is not part of SP.. You can get an ED visa for Thai massage
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
opposite. It is a soft power, but it doesn't qualify for ED.Katherine *******
Anonymous participant 245 wrong. I did massage on ED visa then switched to Muay Thai soft power dtv.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 245 It does qualify for ED visa and it is not a soft power option.
Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
NunyaBi********
It is
Greg ********
As far as I am aware it is not a SP option - I find it strange as surely it ought to be.
George *********
@Greg *******
I agree....surely comes under Thai culture activityAndi ***********
@Greg *******
Comes under Ed visa.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
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