This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
How important is the location for enrolling in a cooking school or gym in relation to visa applications in Thailand?
Visa RulesThailand ImmigrationNon-O VisaEducation VisaLiving Arrangements for ExpatsDocument Requirements for Visa Applications
Jan 3, 2026
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHow relevant is the location of Cooking school or gym? Does the application ask for documents like hotel reservation? Some of us live with friends or on a boat in the south, but the school is in Bangkok for example
TLDR : Answer Summary
The location of the cooking school or gym is highly relevant to visa applications in Thailand, as it directly impacts an applicant's ability to attend classes. The visa application process does require documentation such as an address verification, which includes the school's location. Comments suggest that living in proximity to the school is necessary to qualify for the visa, and that any attempts to exploit loopholes in the system can lead to stricter regulations for everyone.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Barry *************
It’s very relevant. Yes it does ask for your address and the school’s address.
I♥️MyPri********
Highly Relevant
Cause you got to live near your school in order to attend. Otherwise you are not qualified, in my book.
Cause you got to live near your school in order to attend. Otherwise you are not qualified, in my book.
Jeramy ********
These posts are annoying. Seriously people, if you want to cheat the system, choose a different country. People who abuse the system make it difficult for the rest of us.
So just to be clear, you essentially want to find the loophole, bend the rules, and bypass the process while being a guest in a foreign country?
So just to be clear, you essentially want to find the loophole, bend the rules, and bypass the process while being a guest in a foreign country?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeramy *******
seriously? How many people applying for a five year visa are intending to do 5ys of cooking class? It's absurd. This is the cheapest option for those of us that are travelling more slowly around Thailand. There is no visa for thatJack ********
Anonymous participant then do Muay Thai or become a digital nomad. You’re not taking the visa in good faith and in creates undue scrutiny for the rest of us.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERGood faith? That's not a valid argument given the very narrow options available. Even their own immegration agents suggest dtv after I explain everything
Jack ********
Anonymous participant you specifically said you can’t do cooking classes for 5 years and I offered you two other valid uses for the visa.
It’s narrow because those are the “soft power” options the government wants you to do.
Do one that will fulfill your visa requirements without having to ask anonymous questions about how to circumvent the system or don’t do it. It’s not that hard to understand.
Exercise won’t hurt you . Neither will working remotely.
I hope you get denied.
It’s narrow because those are the “soft power” options the government wants you to do.
Do one that will fulfill your visa requirements without having to ask anonymous questions about how to circumvent the system or don’t do it. It’s not that hard to understand.
Exercise won’t hurt you . Neither will working remotely.
I hope you get denied.
Reply to
Jack ********
Reply
Ryan ********
Anonymous participant yes there is. The METV. Simply re-apply every 6 months and you can come and go all you want during its validity.
Reply to
Ryan ********
Reply
Todd *********
@Jeramy *******
there will always be people who only function within the rules. That’s their prerogative. They will find success difficult in SE Asia and much of the world. It remains unstructured and more free. But if you want western world structure, regulations and rules, stay there. If you want to live in the fun part of the world, embrace that also.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I wish I had the first idea what you are on aboutReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Jack ********
Then don’t use the visa.
Abuse of the system is exactly why they’re being over-strict about bank accounts, visas, border runs, etc.
You are the reason we can’t have nice things. I’d say shame on you but you assuredly don’t have any.
Abuse of the system is exactly why they’re being over-strict about bank accounts, visas, border runs, etc.
You are the reason we can’t have nice things. I’d say shame on you but you assuredly don’t have any.
Ryan ********
People who abuse the system make it more difficult for people like me who want to genuinely experience Thailand, its people and its culture.
Jonas *************
How are you going to be attending school if you don't live near it?
Kurt *************
So your not planning to actually go and attend?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kurt ************
I might do a few classesChris ***********
Anonymous participant might? It’s because of people like you, that they are hammering down on visitors who try to abuse the system
Todd *********
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Elías ********
I think that would be a red flag for people who approve or reject the visas.
Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
10 comments
5 months ago
2 comments
8 months ago
2 comments
9 months ago
6 comments
9 months ago
5 comments
9 months ago
15 comments
9 months ago
11 comments
9 months ago
14 comments
10 months ago
20 comments
a year ago
11 comments
a year ago
11 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
19 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
1 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
5 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
9 comments
2 years ago
10 comments
2 years ago
51 comments
2 years ago
6 comments
2 years ago
35 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.