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How did I successfully apply for a DTV visa after being denied entry into Thailand?

Apr 6, 2025
a day ago
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I got my DTV (Soft Power - Muay Thai) approved today via embassy in Jakarta after beeing deported from Thailand 2 weeks ago😁😛😎

My story is for all the supporters, believers, phat kaphrao heads and everyone else that is in between!

Let me tell my story how it really was


21th of March:

I entered Suvarnabhumi aiport after beeing away from Thailand for 1 month. I was on the ED Visa prior for 9 months and that’s why I had to leave.

I wanted to enter the kingdom on a regular tourist visa this time but they denied my entry and deported me back to Cambodia where I came from. (I spend 1 month there)

The reason they deported me was "wrong visa". Unfortunately the immigration officers weren’t very "talkative" so they let me wait 4 hours until they told me I’m getting deported. They put me and the other boys into detention room, made us pay for the room & forced us to buy a flight ticket back to the same airport via the same airline we came with.

My flight was the next day 8am so I only spend a few hours there.

22th of March:

Arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in the morning. After back and forward with the immigration officers there and answering the question "Why Thailand deported me?" several times they gave me back my passport and gave me the regular tourist visa for 30 days.

23th - 25th of March:

Staying in Phnom Penh and figuring out a plan how to enter the kingdom again.

26th of March:

Flying to Bali from Phnom Penh, layover was in Kuala Lumpur. The flight was fairly cheap.

27th of March:

Applying for the DTV E-Visa. I had all my documents and muay thai gym papers already ready.

My original plan was to do it in Cambodia when I was there for a month but because I heard they ask for a personal letter from

the administrator of sport or something like that I got scared to apply there😂

I didn’t want to throw the visa fees out of the window due to that.

Documents I applied with for Jakarta:

- Muay Thai Docs, Invitation letter, etc.

(I used Muay Thai Fever in Chiang Mai)

- Bank Statement 6 months

(Last 2 months were over 500’000 Thai Bath.. first few months the balance was sometimes minus😅)

- Passport Picture made in Cambodia

- First Page of Passport (Bio data)

- Hotel Booking in Bali (1 night)

- Plain Ticket to Bali

- Electronic Visa on Arrival (Sent to E-mail)

29th - 30th of March:

Staying inside the hotel for 24 hours because nobody on the island is allowed to leave the house. The whole island shuts down for 24 hours. It felt a bit like covid again😂

I used this time to think about my life, think about thailand and all my (potential) girlfriends waiting there for me.

1th of April:

So here comes the part where I messed up but I didn’t realize until that day.

This could be really interesting for the group‌

I have an US Passport but when I filled out the form I put "Switzerland" in the field "Place of Issue" instead of "United States Department of State". The reason is simple because I’m a dual citizen and got my passport in Switzerland. I realized it when I was scrolling through the group that this is a mistake and that many people got rejected cause of it after all those days of not hearing anything.

I wrote them an e-mail right away when I realized it (it was before they reached out to me) and told them I messed up and that I’m aware of it. I apologized and translated the message also into thai. Don’t know if it made a difference but in my case maybe I just was lucky that they still approved me.

3th of April:

Finally they reached out to me and asked me for further documents. They asked for a bank statement where my name was clearly visible. So I provided the already sent bank statement and highlighted my name with color.. made it all neat and stuff. This time I only send them 2 months.

4th of April:

Status changed to Pending Approval

5th of April:

Got approved at 10:30am Bali Time.

Joined the DTV CLUB and super happy now!

Story to be continued


Thanks for reading this far & big thanks to this group! I will still keep on reading comments in here because it’s so entertaining😂
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experience of being denied entry into Thailand due to a visa error and subsequently applying for a DTV visa while in Bali. After navigating immigration issues, providing necessary documents, and a mistake in the visa application process, they succeeded in obtaining approval for the DTV visa. The story highlights challenges faced by expats in Thailand and offers insights into visa applications and immigration processes.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Moe *****
That did not happen. It’s simply doesn’t add up and there is plenty of context missing.
Moe *****
Bank balance less than 3 months old

Wrong passport details

Rejected entry after leaving for a month?

Doesn’t add up.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Moe ****
Sure brother! I was waiting for this comment! Thank you
 you made my day! I love youđŸ„°
Ibra *********
I noticed highlighting the parts you know they’re looking for is helpful đŸ™đŸœ
Seanx ****
Wait, if you were issued your US passport in Switzerland, shouldn't the "place of issue" infact be Switzerland?
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Seanx ***
Nope it should be exactly what is written in the passport under authority or place of issue. Also since the US embassy gave me my passport the embassy is considered as US Land even tho it’s based in Switzerland.
Josete ******
Is there lockdown in bali?
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Josete *****
No it was only 24 hours nobody is allowed to go out cause of a holiday. It’s not covid related or any other disease.
Josete ******
@Damodar *******
whattttttytf, a "holiday" that nobody is allowed to go out. So terrible how the words are using to mean the opposite and repress ppl
Muay *************
Congrats mate glad it worked out, we worked hard on this case
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Muay ************
Thanks for the teamwork and great support!

See you in Training!
Anonymous ******************
Unfortunately even having DTV visa can’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed entry to Thailand at this time. Get yourself prepared for an interview upon arrival. The officers will surely ask you about your visa and how you got it.
Avalyn *********
Congrats!
Marianne ***********
P
Anonymous ******************
“ all my potential girlfriends waiting for me “ đŸ€ŁđŸ€ŁđŸ€Ł that made me laugh 😆
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 420

Glad it did😆
Anonymous ******************
Wow! Congratulations!
Tara ********
They made you work hard for it..well done for getting through it. Side question.. why was nobody allowed leave the house for 24hours?
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
"Nyepi" Bali's "Day of Silence," is a Hindu New Year celebration marked by 24 hours of complete stillness. Observed annually according to the Balinese Saka calendar (e.g., March 29–30 in 2025), the island shuts down: no lights, travel, noise, or work is allowed. Locals stay indoors to meditate, fast, and reflect, aiming to purify themselves and the island from past negativity.

The day before Nyepi features vibrant "Ogoh-Ogoh parades" where giant demon statues are paraded and burned to scare off evil spirits. The silence on Nyepi itself is believed to trick lingering spirits into thinking Bali is deserted, ensuring a fresh start. Even tourists must follow the rules, staying in their accommodations while the airport closes entirely. The holiday ends with "Ngembak Geni" a day of forgiveness and community celebrations.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
most people are hung over cause of the day before party😂
Tara ********
@Damodar *******
oooh nice..energy must be insane that day if people actually all meditate same time
J.P. *********
Happy ending! Crazy they wouldn't let you in as a regular tourist. Why isn't it possible after having learned 9 months and away a month you are just coming to chill? And with a US visa yet, not a suspect country where you are sneeking for freedom or anything. Scary stuff.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@J.P. ********
It was really weird but maybe the red flag was that I didn’t have a return ticket when they asked me. Also they asked me how long I want to stay and I told them 2 months. Than they asked me what I plan to do and I told them train muay thai. But still in my eyes no clear reason to deny the entry.
J.P. *********
@Damodar *******
aah!!! For training, you can no longer be considered a tourist. If you just said holiday it would have been smooth sailing. Man, they are really cracking down.
Andi ***********
An interesting journey to being a DTVER. Congrats!
Amanda ************
What a journey!
Raquel ********
Congratulations
Beechwood ******
You said DTV e-visa, so you applied online for everything?
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Beechwood *****
Yes of course! Everything is online these days.. it’s 2025😁
Beechwood ******
@Damodar *******
well aside from that not being completely true, the last time I checked (some months ago), US passport holders could not process the DTV online from Indonesia. The DTV system would clearly indicate that once you select your nationality and current location.
John **********
@Beechwood *****
you must have been trying to apply via a US consulate. You must apply via the consulate that serves your location (not your passport country)
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Beechwood *****
Yes true some months ago it was different but for now everything is online!
Lauren ******
Amazing ♄ wondering did you have to go to Jakarta or you did all from Bali ? Could I maybe DM you and ask some things x
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lauren *****
My Dm’s are open to anyone! If you apply with Jakarta embassy you need to be in Indonesia somewhere.. it doesn’t matter where. I just have chosen Bali!
Peter ******
You were refused entry into Thailand , you weren't deported
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *****
Yessir I understand now!
ElĂ­as ********
Congratulations. But as other pointed out, you WEREN'T deported. You were denied entry. Those are very different legal concepts, and if deported is near to impossible to get a visa later. On the other hand, denied entry means nothing for future entries/visa applications.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@ElĂ­as *******
I agree but beeing denied into the country means also that they see it in their system I assume. Because one other guy that got the entry denied the same day as me and with who I kept contact tried again a few days later and they didn’t let him in again. They told him he needs to get an other Visa than tourist if he wants to enter the kingdom.
ElĂ­as ********
@Damodar *******
yes, shouldn't have said "means nothing" but rather "almost" nothing, in comparison to being deported. đŸ‘đŸ»
ElĂ­as ********
And for those wondering an easy way to differentiate both things: you need to be already inside the country to be deported. At the airport is always entry rejection (before you pass Immigration you're still not inside the country).
James ********
Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thank you!!!
John **********
Just one small but important clarification. You weren't deported, you were denied entry. Good luck
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thanks for the clarification! The thing is the immigration officers told me like 100 times you are getting deported😂 Probably lost in translation but yes you are right!!!
Andy **********
@John *********
I was thinking the exact same thing, if he was deported, he would have received a ban for X amount of years, that is what I'm thinking anyway??
James ********
@John *********
correct ✅
Jayson **********
Wow, Im currently applying in Jakarta and waiting to hear back too. I put Shanghai as my place of issue, I need to reach out to them and fix that. Can you please give me the email you used?
Jonas *************
@Jayson *********
I don't know why embassies put other countries in the passports it seems like a really bad idea because you should never ever state that information....
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jayson *********
Sure brother!

This one:
*************************
Jayson **********
@Damodar *******
thanks man
Jayson **********
Okay cool, thanks, sent them one. This gave me a little jolt but hoping for the best. I submitted on the 2nd and waiting to hear back.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jayson *********
I think you’ll be fine. It takes a bit longer in Indonesia because there been a few holidays. Hang in there brother you’ll have it soon!
Celestine ********
Congratulations! Enjoy your stay. 🎉
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Celestine *******
Thanks I will!!
Abhishek *******
Why would they deport you ? Aren't Americans allowed 60 days visa exempt
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Abhishek ******
They are but I was just unlucky! My ED Visa expired in february which I was on for 9 months and before that I entered Thailand only 2 times. So shouldn’t be a red flag at all.
Lola ********
@Damodar *******
that’s so wild to me! Do you also have a Swiss passport?
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lola *******
yes I do!
Lola ********
@Damodar *******
I also have two passports and may use my Uruguayan one for short stays and U.S. with DTV only when I know I'll be in the country over a month as there have been so many strange examples of people given a hard time entering with the DTV.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lola *******
Use the passport you travel the most for the DTV. And whatever passport you use to get the DTV make sure to enter on that one.
Lola ********
@Damodar *******
Yeah it's in my US passport but some people are having issues entering even with the DTV
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lola *******
It depends on the IO you have. But if you have all paper work with you and proof of funds there shouldn’t be any problems.
Lola ********
@Damodar *******
yeah I’m good on that front. I’ve entered twice with the DTV without issue and am away for 6 months now.
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lola *******
perfect than no need to worry!
James ********
@Abhishek ******
has a Thai Immigration history of staying in Thailand. Needs a correct Thai Visa.
Abhishek *******
@James *******
oh so i guess 180 days in a year limit is true for tourist and visa exemption
James ********
@Abhishek ******
no. . there's not a 180 day limit per calendar year. Admission is totally up to the Thai Immigration officers on arrival.
Michael *******
@Abhishek ******
even stay 180 day "consecutive" may be problematic , the under rule is more about less than 60 days in the last 90 days ( some people get deny entry after 60 day and 1 week vietnam and comeback )
Wesley ********
That’s a nice write up, surprised they deported you the first time but good you got it sorted.

Was your ED visa legit? I assume Thai school? Did they test your Thai? Or ?
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wesley *******
My ED Visa was legit! I studied Thai in Koh Samui for 9 months. Yes Immigration lady that refused me talked Thai with me.. unfortunately she was speaking very fast and was a bit stressed so I only could understand 50%.
Stefani ********
You will love training at
@Muay ************
Damodar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stefani *******
I’m looking forward!!