How long does it take to get a Soft Power visa for Thailand, and what documents are required?

Question

**DTV Soft Power Approved! Two weeks!**

Location: Washington DC

Activity: Cooking (1 year program)

School: Arun Thai

Visa Service: ISSA Compass

Applied: May 14

Approved May 29

I was sweating a bit hearing all the stories of 1 or 2 day turn arounds but mine took 2 weeks. I provided all my documents and didn’t get any further document requests. I was not asked to provide flights.

Documents provided:
* 4 months bank statements. One consolidated PDF for each month. I had a summary sheet showing the balances in each account and doing a Baht conversion. I did a screenshot of the bank balance on the summary but provided the entire statements with no edits or removing pages.
* In February I opened a WISE account and started moving my balances there in March so I made a note on the summary sheet with some arrows and explanations showing what I did and why.
* Passport photo – I got it taken at Walgreens
* Every page of my passport
* Driver’s License
* Photos of me cooking
* Hotel booking for 2 weeks around the time I want to enter
* School documents & payment receipt

The Visa agency asked for foreign sources of income. I’m really taking a sabbatical so this where I kinda got lucky. I quit my job in early April but I happened to be picking up a few little contract jobs to keep busy (and stash cash). I also happen to have an LLC I ran my contracts through.
* Paystubs January – April
* Copy of my contract
* Articles of Incorporation for my LLC
* EIN for my LLC
* All the invoices I’ve submitted for my contract

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user shares their experience of applying for a Soft Power visa for a cooking program in Thailand. They received approval in two weeks, providing various documents including bank statements, passport photos, and a hotel booking. Other commenters discuss their own experiences and offer advice on visa applications, particularly regarding remote work options and document requirements.

Wannikea ********* · Answer

If working remotely you'll also need a letter stating you're allowed to work remotely and specifically Thailand needs to be mentioned, also a side note that you won't deal with any Thai persons or entities.

Annie **** · Answer

In my opinion, Soft power is easier document wise. You basically just need docs from a gym + bank statements. That’s in case if you plan to do trainings anyways. If no, then there is no need to spend extra for MT course and go with your remote work option. In Laos it took me 3 or 4 days without interview

John ********** · Answer

If you work remotely then apply using the Workation option, it's the only one that allows you to do so legally

Marcin ******* · Answer

What is an employment certificate?

Fred ******** · Answer

Vietnam better

James ******** · Answer

Forget Cambodia... MONTHS before decision

Andi *********** · Answer

Some are waiting around 2mths to get approved in Cambodia. If you apply for Softpower in Taipei you need to submit the same work docs as Workcation.  Laos is a good choice.

GreenNar******** · Answer

Just apply for soft power muay thai less hassle

Winston ************ · Answer

Does your employer allow remote? If you go with workcation then the Tokyo embassy would be my recommendation. I tend to recommend home embassy before others, especially if going with Workcation route.

How long does it take to get a Soft Power visa for Thailand, and what documents are required?

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