Answereda year ago

Can you obtain a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through a Thai massage school application?

Destination Thailand Visa Thai massage schools Visa application processes Soft Power activities Thai cultural education Ministry of Education accreditation

Isaiah ********

asked Jul 29, 2025

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Has anyone been able to receive a DTV through application in a thai massage school?

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the possibility of obtaining a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through enrollment in a Thai massage school. It notes that while some schools like the ITM and Wat Pho are accredited by relevant ministries, there are uncertainties about the acceptance of this route after inquiries and experiences from the community. Additionally, comments highlight the high costs of classes and the lack of clarity from authorities regarding the DTV's association with Thai massage training.

8 repliesnewest first

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Brad *********

My hands ache just reading this.

a year ago

Wannikea *********

You'd think accredited Thai massage would be a soft power activity that would be promoted right out of the box. Who knows why it wasn't. Curious to get the MFA reasoning behind their decision to not promote it from the getgo. Possibly it would take spaces away from Thai people who are genuinely looking for and transitioning into a career path using the few highly recognized schools such as Wat Pho.

a year ago

Bradley ********

Probably nobody goes that route because the classes are very expensive and you would spend a small fortune to enroll in enough classes to last you 6 months.

a year ago

Kool *******

Any qualifying school must be registered with the ministry of education. The Way Pho, and the ITM massage schools are registered, but I don't know anyone that has tried that route, so it just might be accepted without too much hassle.

a year ago

Bradley ********

@Kool ******

here are a few others. Let us know how it goes. Several massage schools in Thailand, including the Sunshine Massage School, ITM – International Training Massage School, and Nuad Thai School, state they are recognized by both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand. This accreditation is important for those seeking to potentially qualify for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) under the "Soft Power" category, which includes cultural and educational activities like Thai massage training.

a year ago

Isaiah ********

@Bradley *******

Ok amazing thank you both. I’ll reach out and let everyone know the outcome

a year ago

Andi ***********

Not heard of anyone approved for that, does not seem to be part of the Softpower activities. You could double check with the embassy you are applying from.

a year ago

Anna *********

I’ve not seen any I don’t think any massage schools were given the accreditation needed to be a DTV soft power provider as it’s not cooking or Muay Thai

a year ago