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Can my friend still use his DTV visa for training in Thailand despite a long absence?

Oct 20, 2025

2 months ago

Hi, so a friend got his DTV and through no fault of his own, will not be able to come to Thailand for a while. Maybe 1 year. He went through the Muay Thai training camp approach. This will be cancelled now. 

He basically wants to know if he can use the visa still? Will questions be asked if used it for the occasional long break and maybe some Training? TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A friend with a DTV visa is unable to come to Thailand for about a year and is concerned about the validity of the visa. The visa is valid for five years from the date of issue, and he can use it within that timeframe, but he should be enrolled in a Muay Thai training program upon entry to comply with visa requirements. It's important to note that immigration officers may ask questions regarding this arrangement.

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Alan ******

On my dtv visa application it's states I must enter Thailand before November 16th , I started my visa process September, can't remember excate date , but that looks the 3 month rule ?

2 months ago

Anonymous ******************

The visa is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. So the OP’s friend can use the visa, but will have to book a new Muay Thai course for when they actually do come into Thailand. This will most likely be checked by the IO upon entry

2 months ago

Luit *****************

The visa is valid for 5 years unless stated different and you comply with the requirements, so when enrolled in the soft power activity and having the 500k there should be no problem. There is a chance IO might do some checks because it is a bit uncommon situation.

2 months ago

Michael **********

I've read somewhere that the first entry should be done within 3 months from the issuing date EDIT: There was a british guy who applied in England a few weeks ago. He made a post here claiming that the embassy put his application on a suspension cuz he apply way too ahead (over 3 months) which could possibly lead him to troubles

2 months ago

Pete *******

@Michael *********

not for the DTV.

2 months ago

Mr *******************

@Michael *********

I think this is true for many non-immigrant visas because many are only valid for 3 months (you then extend for a year once in Thailand). Don't think it's the case for DTV which is an actual 5 year visa.

2 months ago

James ********

Mr 5 Bank Accounts correct ✅ its valid for 5 years entries into Thailand.

2 months ago

Reply to

James ********

Anna *********

@Michael *********

no ‘should’ about it

you can come in anytime within 5 years so I’m guessing you didn’t read it anywhere and have now just added to the confusion

Lee Le Bruce

2 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Anna ********

hi Anna, do you think the immigration official will ask to see a new Muay Thai course booked and paid for? As he wants to use it for short stays for training. Pay as you go sort or thing. Thanks

2 months ago

James ********

Anonymous participant has the DTV visa holder ASKED his Muay Thai training gym about delayed gym sessions when he is in Thailand ?

2 months ago

Reply to

James ********

Michael **********

@Anna ********

hey karen, there was a guy a few weeks ago who applied in England and made a post on this page stating that the embassy put his application on a suspension cuz he applied way too early (over 3 months) which could lead him to trouble at the immigration. Do you want me to find that post, Karen?

2 months ago

Reply to

Michael **********

Lee ***********

@Michael *********

correct

2 months ago

Reply to

Lee ***********

Sean *******

No problem.

2 months ago