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Does learning Thai qualify for a DTV visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa Thai Language Education Visa Types EXPAT ID Soft Power Activities Immigration Advice

Jan 2, 2026

4 months ago

Luke **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello,

I could really use some help on understanding the DTV visa as I’m currently confused on what is right and what is wrong. 

I initially messaged a school and told them I wanted to learn Thai with the school. I said I wanted to apply for the education visa route. 

A teacher at the school called me back shortly after I messaged the school and he told me that the DTV was a better visa to apply for. He explained the school would charge me 30,000 THB for the required documents plus charge me 25,000 THB for 6 months of the school. 

I was not aware learning Thai could count for the DTV visa which is why I didn’t even bring it up. However, I am keenly aware that the DTV visa is absolutely better in every way and I would be over the moon if I could get it. I meet all the criteria for a DTV visa. I’m just not sure if learning Thai counts. 

The teacher explained that if I am rejected for the DTV he will have me apply for the education visa instead.

AI initially told me learning Thai DOES apply under the soft power umbrella for the DTV visa but I asked it again today and it said it does not apply. Not sure what is accurate anymore. 

Any advice would be super appreciated, thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) can be a viable option for learning Thai, but eligibility depends on the school being approved for DTV Soft Power participation. It's crucial to ensure the school can provide the necessary documentation confirming that the course qualifies as a Soft Power cultural activity. The discussion highlights concerns about the cost charged by the school for paperwork and courses, pointing out that many language schools typically handle Educational (ED) visas rather than DTV visas. Additional suggestions include exploring Thai cultural classes or events as potential components that could make an application for a DTV visa more acceptable. It’s advised to clarify all costs and DTV approval before making any payments.

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James ********

Where will you be living in Thailand?

What's your passport nation?

Where are you now ?

4 months ago

I♥️MyPri********

30k for school paperwork ? The greed is stunning.

Usually learning Thai is in the Education Visa group. Still the language schools are going that way.

Consider Thai cooking for DTV, unless you're up for Muay (Boxing).

If you want to learn Thai aside...

Find another way, for sure another school. 30k 555

4 months ago

Elías ********

30K including the visa itself or 30K + the visa? I think it's very expensive, as besides the visa fee itself, and the course fee, there shouldn't be other fees.

4 months ago

Luke **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

just for the school to give me all the alleged required documents to apply for the DTV cots would cost 30k baht and then 6 months of learning this would cost 25k more baht.

4 months ago

Elías ********

@Luke *********

the 25K price is OK, whatever they charge, but 30K for "just getting the documents" seems a bit step.

4 months ago

James ********

Absolutely a RIP off 😞

4 months ago

Luke **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

I agree. I certainly don’t like it. If I am understanding everyone’s comments in here though they are saying by default learning Thai is not considered under the soft power DTV visa umbrella.

So some schools to get around that are including like a week or 2 of a cultural class to therefore allow the visa to fall under the umbrella. Does that make it worth it if they can get the visa approved?

4 months ago

Reply to

Luke **********

I♥️MyPri********

@Elías *******

Max 10% of that... 3k to get 'DTV assistance' from a school, I'd say.

4 months ago

Reply to

I♥️MyPri********

Jan ******************

Learning Thai can qualify for a DTV only if the school is specifically approved for DTV Soft Power participation, not merely approved for ED visas. Many language schools are ED-approved but not DTV-approved, which is where most confusion arises. If the school can issue DTV-specific documentation confirming the course is a Soft Power cultural activity and has a track record of successful DTV applications, then it may work. Applying for a DTV first with an ED visa as a fallback is common, but a DTV rejection is not refundable and depends heavily on how the activity is documented and assessed by the specific embassy. Always verify DTV approval in writing before paying any fees.

4 months ago

DTV_Be*******

I believe what some schools have been doing, which may work, is combining Thai language with Thai cultural classes/events. It is the cultural classes/events that might make the package eligible, not the language component.

4 months ago

James ********

Correct ✅

4 months ago

Reply to

James ********

Can I apply for a DTV visa while registering for an online language school in Thailand?

15 comments

6 months ago

Can taking Thai language classes help me obtain a DTV visa in Thailand?

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6 months ago