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Can you apply for a DTV based on Thai culinary or language courses, and what are the time requirements?

DTV Thai culinary courses Thai language courses visa rules immigration Thailand expat resources

Feb 9, 2026

3 months ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can you apply for a DTV based on either of these two criteria:

Thai culinary

Language 

What are the timescales/hours per week required? TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) under either Thai culinary courses or Thai language courses, provided the program is offered by a recognized institution. There are anecdotal reports of success with cooking classes, while applications for language courses are more variable. Although official requirements for the DTV do not specify mandatory attendance hours, practical experiences suggest a commitment of approximately 10–15 hours per week for several months. It's important to verify that the school meets the necessary DTV requirements and to check on any associated costs or deposit requirements.

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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Kurt *************

Thao culinary yes. And language usually no but there is a school in chiang mai with success with language

3 months ago

Markus ********

only the ED visa has officially a requirement to attend classes and follow a schedule. For the DTV no such thing exists so its totally up to you whether or not you follow the course

3 months ago

Hǝınz ***********

Markus Jamnig wrong

3 months ago

Markus ********

Hǝınz Mɐzǝnɐnǝɹ Show me where it says that

3 months ago

Reply to

Markus ********

Sharpays ***********

Yes, you can apply for a DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) under either category:

• Thai culinary courses

• Thai language courses

The program must be provided by a recognized and legally registered institution in Thailand.

While official regulations do not always specify exact hours, in practice the course should be a structured, long-term program, typically involving regular attendance (often around 10–15 hours per week or more) and covering several months.

Supporting documents usually include an acceptance letter from the school, course details, duration, and study schedule.

We can review your specific course and advise whether it meets DTV requirements, as well as assist with document preparation. Feel free to contact us for a case assessment.

3 months ago

Andrew ********

Yes to both with language check with the school you want to enroll with in chiang mai i know "We Learn Thai" does DTV with their school

3 months ago

Greg ***********

Andrew Romine I checked theit website. Just amazing, and not even that costly. But I am greatly wondering why they don't mention anywhere on their website that for the DTV application (which they say THEY will handle!!!) you need a bank account with the equivalent of 500,000 THB in it. They ask for a 15,000 THB deposit before they work on your request. Legal or Scam?

3 months ago

Andrew ********

Greg Alexander that is a deposit to get working on packet and enroll in class.

Im using them for ed visa same requirement for me on deposit.

3 months ago

Reply to

Andrew ********

Brandon ************

Many people have reported success with Thai cooking classes.

Most have reported being rejected for Language, as that is covered by the ED visa and was not listed on the initial MFA flyer for the DTV.

The time commitment is based on whatever your school says it is.

3 months ago

Maria *********

@Brandon ***********

what about medical treatment like dental treatment with a solid treatment plan for 1 and half a year

3 months ago

Graeme ******

Maria Donovan medical treatment with an approved plan from an approved medical facility that meets the DTV requirements would be another option

3 months ago

Reply to

Graeme ******

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you. I’d happily do a cooking class!!

3 months ago

Steven *******

Stuart Knowles A cooking class? You'll need to do way more than that.

3 months ago

Graeme ******

Stuart Knowles typically you will need around 6 months of lessons and it be through a ministry approved venue who can submit or give you the correct approval documents to apply. You need to check out which cooking schools meet this requirement as many don't

3 months ago

Reply to

Graeme ******

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