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Do I need to be enrolled in soft power activities during my checks for the DTV visa in Thailand?

Sep 19, 2025
2 months ago
Hi all. New to this and learning a lot. My question is regarding the soft power DTV.  I believe if granted it covers you for five years, but you need to check in every six months to extend. Does that mean that you need to be enrolled in one of the soft power activities every time you check in?

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TLDR : Answer Summary
The DTV visa, if granted, allows for a five-year stay but requires check-ins every 90 days. During these check-ins, you may need to show proof of enrollment in the soft power activities to extend your visa while in Thailand. However, many expats opt for a 'border run' every 180 days to renew their visa stamp instead of attending ongoing courses.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks all. A border run every 180 days seems easier than 5 years of cooking classes.
Kool *******
If you extend it inside Thailand you will need to provide all the original documents you used to get it, and they need to be updated, including your courses.
Greg ********
If you extend at an Immigration Office in Thailand you will need to prove ongoing courses. However, the overwhelming majority choose to do a border run to get a new 180 day stamp. Currently, there are no checks that you have ongoing courses booked.
Jon ************
btw, you need to check in every 90 days. At 6 months, you either need to leave for a trip, or do the extension. Can't speak to the enrollment personally.
Brandon ************
You should not extend. Just leave Thailand and return to get a new 180 day stamp.