Do you need to prove ongoing enrollment every 180 days for a DTV Visa after completing a course in Thailand?

DTV Visa Thai visa rules Visa extension Course enrollment Thai cooking course Immigration advice Expat life in Thailand

Jan 29, 2025

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, for me this is the most important thing to clarify with DTV: Imagine you complete your course (cooking, muay thai…) in the first 180 days. Is just this enough for the rest of 5 years? Or do you have to show proof every 180 days that you are enrolled in a course and actively studying? 

Apart from that,

I have consulted online with Siam Legal International and they told me that the minimum course length to be DTV eligible is 6 months. So then I have asked what is the cheapest cooking course in this school ( The food school Bangkok) and this is their answer: 

DTV Visa Application Process

The DTV Visa application can be done by enrolling in a Thai cooking course with more than 72 hours of study at The Food School Bangkok.

Thai Cuisine Intensive (Weekend Programme)

Course details: [members only]/

Course Duration: Every Saturday for 11 weeks, or Sundays for some weeks

Course Time: 08:30-5:30pm

Hours per day: 8 hours/day

Total hours: 88 hours

Fees:

Tuition fee: 96,800 THB

Application fee: 2,500 THB

Chef uniform (1 set): 3,250 THB

Total payment amount: 102,250 THB

So as you can see 11 weeks length doesnt match with 6 month length. I am so confused about not having any evidence. 

Any answer will be much appreciated, thanks in advance 💪💪💪💪

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Digital Nomad) Visa requires proof of ongoing activity related to a course for visa extensions, but current practices suggest that proof is primarily needed when extending the visa. Some expats have successfully received approvals for DTV with courses shorter than 6 months, although ongoing activities may become important during re-entry into Thailand. It's recommended to clarify with multiple sources, such as specific cooking academies, for the most accurate and updated information.

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.

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

I highly recommend you email Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy. They helped me get my DTV and I know they have had many other successful clients. They're really good at answering any questions you may have

a day ago

Ray *****

Also they may never check when you enter the country and things may never get stricter.

The economy needs more people living here and this visa would certainly appear to be part of that.

Only time will tell but I'm one for seeing it for what it is and not on the side of they will tighten it up to be unusable

a day ago

Greg ********

@Ray ****

The economy needs more workers due to an aging population. The DTV is not supplying those. The economy needs more FDI. The DTV is not supplying that. The economy wants to boost "Visitors" and thst is what the DTV is about. It is not about residence ie "Living" here. If the DTV is a revolving door they do not care. The DTV is a MFA initiative. Once The visa is issued they do not have much say.

a day ago

Ray *****

@Greg *******

if 100,000 more people were here on the DTV renting condos and going about their daily purchases are you saying that would not help the economy? Your expectations of the DTV and others are just different. Maybe the government have plans that they haven't shared with you

a day ago

Greg ********

@Ray ****

Your knowledge of the Thai economiy is outstanding. You seem to be in the know. I am sure you can ask them. Let us know what your pals at the MFA predicted average daily spend for each DTV issued. First though what are the target numbers of DTVs? Are you saying it is 100k?

a day ago

Ray *****

@Greg *******

I guess I need to block you so I don't read any of your pontificating nonsense any longer. Bliss

a day ago

Ray *****

@Greg *******

the only numbers we know are the 30,000 they said in the last interview and that they wanted a "lot" more. I guess we can only speculate what the number might be.

I never said I was in the know. Can only look at what the government officials say.

You appear to be the pot calling the kettle black here with all of the previous things you have posted and your obvious desire for the government to make the process harder. Or at least that is what your post's suggest.

Personally be happy if they just let it flow as it currently is and more happy DTV holders enjoy Thailand

a day ago

Greg ********

@Ray ****

You are mistaken. I think the DTV is an excellent option for those that qualify. For those that are gaming the system it might just spoil it for those genuine applicants and holders. Your seem to think it should be an open door policy for everyone. Do you have the same views about the UK I

a day ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Do not take advice from a single agent selling services as fact. They have vested interests.What we do know 1) People have been approved with Soft Power Courses less than 6 months ie as little as 1 month 2) Extensions in country it looks like you will have to prove an ongoing activity. What we do not know. Will ongoing activities be checked upon a re-entry? Currently it does not look like this is being asked for. Anyone else have anything about it. Things change quickly though.

a day ago

Cissi *********

I agree with

@Gr**

, but I would like to this to the 1)-part:

Even though we know that some people have been approved with 1 month activities, we also know that others have been rejected with 1 month activities... This varies among the embassies/consulates so it is advisable to research the requirements of the embassy where you plan to apply. It is best to read all information provided on the specific embassys webpage plus using the search function in this group to read application-reports from that city.

a day ago

Greg ********

@Cissi ********

Good points. The service provider mentioned about is also connected with the "Nature" course too. Recent posts regarding a DiY applicant being rejected for that SP in Cambodia. Hmmm

a day ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Dany ********

Currently you only need to show proof of activity when extending the visa. Which you avoid by leaving the country before 180 days are up.

Down the road it will probably get checked sometimes (!) when entering the country. It will only get stricter from here and not easier. You can expect some scrutiny. (and they are right to check it - you have no reason to stay if you dont have the reason for it)

a day ago

Reply to

Dany ********

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