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Can someone get a refund for a soft power course fee after receiving a DTV visa?
Oct 29, 2024
2 years ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERIf someone applies for the DTV using a soft power category and recieves the visa, and decides (for whatever reason) NOT to do soft power activity, so you feel they can to be refunded the course fee that they paid?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether an individual who has applied for a Digital Tourism Visa (DTV) using a soft power category can receive a refund for their course fees if they choose not to engage in the soft power activities. The community consensus is largely against refunds, citing concerns over visa compliance and potential abuses of the system. Comments suggest that pursuing a refund could be seen as dishonest and may lead to complications with immigration authorities, particularly as rules regarding the DTV visa are still being developed. Overall, the sentiment is that refunds are unlikely to be granted and could jeopardize the integrity of the program.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Matthias ********
I can’t imagine that. However, what I can imagine is that the person who issued the documents (in this case, likely a studio or whatever) will report you to immigration!
Henrik *****
In Thailand “no refund” is king.
James ********
Absolutely NO 👎 Even the thought of you asking this places everyone else at risk of losing the opportunity to get the DTV Visa. Drawing attention to even the possibility of fraud in obtaining the DTV is NOT 🚫 good 👎
James *******
Depends on the terms & conditions of the sponsor.
Bo **********
All the Scamers Are get out off hand...
Mar *****
Even with Faulty goods from huge retailers or multi-national companies you'd be hard pushed...
Makes Warranties for items obsolete useless not even worth the paper they're written on ....
😎🙏🏽
Makes Warranties for items obsolete useless not even worth the paper they're written on ....
😎🙏🏽
Mar *****
Your very lucky to get any refunds in Thailand with a receipt in my brief experiences trying to get one...
Most of the time never happens very rarely ya get anything at all ..
😎🙏🏽
Most of the time never happens very rarely ya get anything at all ..
😎🙏🏽
Helen ********
Depends on the reason for cancellation and what your original terms and conditions are on the contract... assuming as business you already have contracts in place which state refund procedures? If the DTV wasn't involved and a regular customer quit, what happens?
If there is a valid reason, like no longer physically able to complete, then I'd at least keep a fee for the time, paperwork and refund the remainder as a goodwill gesture. Since it appears that the person just used your services to get approved, I'd keep at least 50%- 75% since your companies name is now attached to the DTV. Again, depends on your contract.
If there is a valid reason, like no longer physically able to complete, then I'd at least keep a fee for the time, paperwork and refund the remainder as a goodwill gesture. Since it appears that the person just used your services to get approved, I'd keep at least 50%- 75% since your companies name is now attached to the DTV. Again, depends on your contract.
Sam ******
@Helen *******
it's pretty simple, businesses should just charge a separate fee for providing visa services. If you cancel the course you still pay that fee.Reply to
Sam ******
Reply
Alessandro *********
I wouldn't refund and I would report them. These are the kind of people that will make it difficult for all the other that follow the rules.
Wesley ********
If I was the provider and someone used my soft power company to get a visa and then didn’t show and asked for a refund I would not provide it. No refunds for paperwork for visa purposes.
Jim ***********
Don't be so stupid u buying visa wake up. U don't deserve Thailand asking stupid question like this
Flemming ********
Never seen a group with so many "Anonymous participant" 😅
James ********
@Flemming *******
sadly the admin knows it and obviously welcomes it...its CLICKS that count 😭D**
As mentioned in the comment thread, this post comes from a soft power provider that understandably prefers to keep discussions about potential refund situations with their applicants private, especially when some of those applicants might also be group members.
To clarify,
For many members, sensitive aspects of their lives—such as employment, finances, income, housing, and visa status—are private. They may not want these details exposed in a public forum, especially in one that could be monitored by others or frequented by agents. Anonymous posting offers a safe avenue for members to seek advice and support without risking exposure to potential downsides like unsolicited messages from agents, judgmental comments, and even risks of identity theft.
Providing a secure, supportive space where members can ask questions and discuss their situations anonymously is one of the ways to foster a helpful, inclusive environment. I recognize that not everyone is comfortable with anonymous posts, but it's currently optionally enabled to support individuals navigating such a complex and often sensitive process. I would love to hear more helpful feedback—and open to having a group poll decide the fate of the feature, too.
To clarify,
@Ja***
, this group is not about generating clicks or profiting in any way. This group is not a visa agency trying to make revenue off of engagement here. This is a genuine community support group focused on the DTV visa, where people can freely ask questions and exchange experiences without the added pressure of identity exposure. If you prefer not to support anonymous participation, that’s completely understandable. You can vote with your actions by choosing not to engage with anonymous posts, rather than assuming motivations and making claims that aren’t accurate.For many members, sensitive aspects of their lives—such as employment, finances, income, housing, and visa status—are private. They may not want these details exposed in a public forum, especially in one that could be monitored by others or frequented by agents. Anonymous posting offers a safe avenue for members to seek advice and support without risking exposure to potential downsides like unsolicited messages from agents, judgmental comments, and even risks of identity theft.
Providing a secure, supportive space where members can ask questions and discuss their situations anonymously is one of the ways to foster a helpful, inclusive environment. I recognize that not everyone is comfortable with anonymous posts, but it's currently optionally enabled to support individuals navigating such a complex and often sensitive process. I would love to hear more helpful feedback—and open to having a group poll decide the fate of the feature, too.
James ********
@D**
thank you for your well stated reply 👌Reply to
James ********
Reply
Dmitry *******
Nah, these days - every second farang FB group in Thailand. I'm waiting for the moment they start asking questions about the weather in the anonymous mode.
Reply to
Dmitry *******
Reply
John **********
You won't get a refund
Rod ******
Just do the right thing…if not…go somewhere else. Not this amazing country.
Don *****
Can you guys just not lol
마리오 ***
Eh, report them to Immigration and they will get sorted pretty quickly I imagine.
D**
For additional context: the question in this post is being asked by a soft power provider, not from someone who's after a refund themself.
Bo **********
@D**
shut take Are way the DTV Visa at the same time if ppl not show op for the soft power... ScamersAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@D**
Thank youWannikea *********
Anonymous participant Under no circumstances should you return the registration/course fee or deposit. That's like buying concert tickets and expecting a refund because you don't want to go.
Pascal ***********
Anonieme deelnemer if the applicant has a valid reason to cancel, like a serious illness, then I would refund the fee minus the administrative cost you had.
But I would also warn him/her that Thai authorities will be notified and his/her DTV might be revoked. Not sure if you can do this, but it would deter people abusing your services.
But I would also warn him/her that Thai authorities will be notified and his/her DTV might be revoked. Not sure if you can do this, but it would deter people abusing your services.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pascal **********
But since this is a 5 year visa, couldn't a situation like an illness simply require them to wait until later and come do their course?Pascal ***********
Anonieme deelnemer could be depending on the reason of cancellation. But then you can offer a voucher instead of a refund.
You don’t want to be fair with your customers, but you don’t want your club to be abused for people who only want to cheat on the DTV regulations.
You don’t want to be fair with your customers, but you don’t want your club to be abused for people who only want to cheat on the DTV regulations.
Reply to
Pascal ***********
Reply
Aoife *********************
So this person used your course to apply for the visa and now that they got it don’t want your course anymore? No I would not be giving a refund. ( unless ok you are a Muay Thai gym and the person has since lost a fricken arm or something). Otherwise no.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Aoife ********************
But how can you be sure of their intention to even come for the course in the first place? You bring a valid point -someone gets into a catastrophic accident and cant do the course, whether it be cooking, massage or muay Thai - however, we all know there are many people with no intention of attending the course, so how can anyone be sure of what the intention was regardless of the circumstances they are requesting to be refunded the course fee?Aoife *********************
If you feel they had no intention I absolutely would not refund. And I might even notify the visa office too if I was feeling especially mean 😂😂😂
Aoife *********************
But further to that I would look for a medical report if it was a medical reason. Otherwise I mean if they are well enough to come here they are well enough to do your course It’s very cheeky. I hope you aren’t giving a refund.
Reply to
Aoife *********************
Reply
Brian *********
When I see stuff like this it makes me wonder how long I want to live in TH… it’s filling with dishonest, scheming riff raff (even more than it was already)…
I suspect thai authorities are going to be reading pages like this and wouldn’t be surprised if DTV goes away due the clear and obvious abuse that’s happening.
I suspect thai authorities are going to be reading pages like this and wouldn’t be surprised if DTV goes away due the clear and obvious abuse that’s happening.
Greg *********
@Brian ********
Oh, it’s going away. Just a question of when.James ********
@Brian ********
agreed 👍Michael *******
@Brian ********
they should not allow 5 years visa for 1 month lesson or 5 dentals appointments ...Brian *********
@Michael ******
I suspect once they’ve discovered this Facebook group, they will change it 😂Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Wannikea *********
there is no such thing as a refund in Thailand
Linhof *********
@Wannikea ********
Lazada gives refunds 😂Mar *****
@Wann****
there ya Go they don't exist in Thailand in Thailand...Reply to
Mar *****
Reply
Jef ********
Please don’t do this. Even if you get a soft power letter and pay for the activity don’t seek a refund. This is how visas like this go away and it will be ruined for people who did the right thing
James ********
@Jef *******
Agreed 💯✅Andy ************
@Jef *******
You have a lot to learn about Thailand visas!Roberto *********
@Jef *******
What about all those who pay bribes via a visa agent for visa extensions? Those visas haven't gone away!! FFS this is ThailandJef ********
@Roberto ********
sounds like your but hurt about something you big sook. Do you need a shoulder to cry on. Did your Thai girlfriend take another man ?Roberto *********
@Jef *******
If you can't handle the truth just jog on. Stop hiding behind delusions. You obviously have no idea how Thailand operates! 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Jef ********
@Roberto ********
calm down Roberto please use your inside voiceReply to
Jef ********
Reply
Vic ********
Nope. What you re doing is illegal. Maybe if you get your visa cancelled as well, you might have a case.
Vic ********
@Roberto ********
Sorry you feel that way and think visa agents are corrupt. What they do and what he’s doing is are both wrong. Only difference is pulling this garbage on his end will make them reconsider issuing DTVsSteve ********
@Vic *******
Don't think they'll be "pulling" this visa anytime soon! **************************************************
Paul *******
@Vic *******
LOL, Roberto Stephen calls out "corrupt" visa agents, but himself engages in the practice, having claimed to purchase a less than genuine Covid certificate from Khao San Road back during the lockdown days.Brian *********
@Paul ******
as I said above, sociopaths like him don’t understand nuanced ethics or the fact that pervasive government corruption is different than conning a small business owner. This part of their brain doesn’t function and they are juist ethically bankrupt…Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Vic *******
So you're trying to tell me that the *****
+ baht which people pay for a 1900 baht extension is not corrupt? Have you really got your head buried that far into the sand? 😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Vic ********
@Roberto ********
It’s their country. Doesn’t make it right. But to intentionally defraud the Thai government is still criminal. We are talking about this particular guy, not all crimes in ThailandRoberto *********
@Vic *******
Yeah it's so funny. Every day expats are paying hundreds of thousands of baht in bribes to secure dodgy visa extensions through visa agents, and yet here are people going into meltdown because someone wants to cancel a course and get a refund! Do you realise how stupid this is? 😂😂😂Brian *********
@Roberto ********
you are talking about 2 different things. Signing up for a class to get their documents and then cancelling affects that small-business owner specifically, at a local level… but people with sociopathy and lack of morals often tend not to understand nuance.Roberto *********
@Brian ********
We live in a "I'm all right Jack" world. People do what's best for them. Pretty sure the business will retain an "admin fee", so they're making money for nothing. If they don't have such a fee, it's their own stupid fault! 👍👍Brian *********
@Roberto ********
spoken like a true sociopath…Roberto *********
@Brian ********
Actually spoken like a realist! 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Vic *******
Haha! Just about every visa or extension bought through a visa agent is illegal. How many people worry about that?Vic ********
@Roberto ********
You push things too far and they will go away. This cheap Charlie should just pay and then don’t show up for the classes. It’s d-bags like this that ruin it for everyone else.Roberto *********
@Vic *******
It's gone on for years. Why should expats be allowed to pay *****
baht to avoid putting *****
0 baht in a Thai bank account? This is blatant corruption. But it's gone on for years and no-one cares. You really think Thai government are going to start caring now? 😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Kool *******
As it stands now immigration hasn't set the rules to maintain the soft power visas. They will set rules as more people try to scam the system, as you are suggesting. With any other visa if you don't meet, and maintain, the requirements of the visa it is cancelled. There will be rules covering this with the DTV visa, they simply haven't been drawn up yet, but they will. Thailand always believes people will be honest, until they prove them wrong, at which point Thailand corrects, and puts rules in place to prevent the scams
Roberto *********
@Kool ******
Thailand believes people will be honest? And yet Thailand does nothing to stop the visa agent practice of paying bribes to immigration officers to "look the other way"? 😂😂😂Deepak *******
@Roberto ********
Because it helps the low paying IOs maintain their living standards with fancy cars, mia nois, etc,, why it will be only be restricted to the retirees who could not afford to live in their country and had to flee their homeland to seek refuge in Thailand. Any scams not directly benefitting the IOs will not be tolerated and stern actions will be taken. Thailand believes in equally sharing of benefits. The scheme proposed by the OP does not benefit any IOs. In fact it is a loss for Thailand. Why are they going to tolerate it?Roberto *********
@Deepak ******
OMG! Now we're looking into morals!! They will tolerate it because the guy stays in Thailand spending money - that's the whole point of the DTV!! Jesus, when did expats get so moralistic over paying corruption to government officials? 😂😂Deepak *******
@Roberto ********
No, it does not work that way. Why not have America or Europe open their borders to rich people from all over the world? Why rich people have to buy residency or citizenship in America and Europe?Roberto *********
@Deepak ******
No idea what that has to do with cancelling a course, but I'm sure you've got it covered!Brian *********
@Roberto ********
god forbid people should have ethics in 2024 eh?Roberto *********
@Brian ********
Absolutely agree! The number of expats paying bribes to government officials is certainly proof of that! 😂😂😂Brian *********
@Roberto ********
as I said below, people like you can’t grasp the difference between operating in a corrupt system and conning a local business owner out of money.Roberto *********
@Brian ********
The business has the right to refuse a refund or charge an admin fee. How's that a problem? 😂Brian *********
@Roberto ********
I love the childish smiley you put at the end of each post… If it has to be explained why this is a problem, chances are you’re a sociopath incapable of thinking through the implications with anything other than what psychologists call “pre-conventional” reasoning (common to children, and sociopaths).
Roberto *********
@Brian ********
As I said, I'm a realist living in the real world. Why don't you try it, instead of judging people?Brian *********
@Roberto ********
ah, the old “I’m a realist” line used to turn poor behavior into a virtue… seen it a million times. Always from degenerates…Roberto *********
@Brian ********
You really believe every foreigner in Thailand behaves with the utmost of honesty and integrity? Even though many are paying bribes to immigration officers, police officers etc. Are you serious? Come on! Are you new in Thailand?Reply to
Roberto *********
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