Answered2 years ago
Is a 65,000 Baht quote for a one-month cooking course in Thailand reasonable for a DTV visa application?
I’m applying for a DTV visa for cooking classes in Thailand. The Thai/British Embassy requires the course to last at least one month. I’m being quoted 65k baht. £1500 for a one month course. No accommodation. Is this what you expect to pay.
Answer summary
A user is inquiring about the cost of a one-month cooking course in Thailand, priced at 65,000 baht (£1,500), which is required for applying for a DTV visa. Various comments provide insights on pricing, experiences with different learning options, and the necessity of the course for obtaining the visa. Some suggest alternative ways to stay in Thailand, while others comment on the perceived value of the course and its relationship to the visa application process.
96 repliesnewest first
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Gregor **********
compared to these prices for DTV-elegible courses, I dont find 65.000 -THB to expensive . . . . .
***************************************************
Jorgen *******
Hi
I have just asked them regarding:
Discover Thai nature
It would be nice to know if these courses qualify me in section 5b for the DTV visa.
I have already filed documents from 1 to 4
It is only number 5 that provide me with challenges
I first tried to apply with freelancer status.
Long story short.
I have difficulties (maybe language barrier ) to get the documents needed from Bulgarian authorities that The Thai embassy in Bucharest they ask for
For this reason and also because I actually find the course interesting I told them that I am willing to apply again and pay 10,000 bath
But first I would like to know if this actually qualify me under 5 b Thai soft power
( seminars ) 
Wait answer
———-
Unfortunately it is my experience that there is big difference from Embassy to Embassy on the DTV Requirements
On a phone call I ask her what kind of cooking class school she can recommend me in Phuket that will grant me access with the Thai soft power 
Her answer back where :
Are you a cook
In which I have cost applied no
I guess it’s up to the opinion off the employee off each embassy
How they interpreted the soft power 5b option 


@Lester ********
Since I’m living in Bulgaria I am connected to the Thai embassy of Bucharest I have just asked them regarding:
Discover Thai nature
******************************************************************
It would be nice to know if these courses qualify me in section 5b for the DTV visa.
I have already filed documents from 1 to 4
It is only number 5 that provide me with challenges
I first tried to apply with freelancer status.
Long story short.
I have difficulties (maybe language barrier ) to get the documents needed from Bulgarian authorities that The Thai embassy in Bucharest they ask for
For this reason and also because I actually find the course interesting I told them that I am willing to apply again and pay 10,000 bath
But first I would like to know if this actually qualify me under 5 b Thai soft power
( seminars ) 
Wait answer
———-
Unfortunately it is my experience that there is big difference from Embassy to Embassy on the DTV Requirements
On a phone call I ask her what kind of cooking class school she can recommend me in Phuket that will grant me access with the Thai soft power 
Her answer back where :
Are you a cook
In which I have cost applied no
I guess it’s up to the opinion off the employee off each embassy
How they interpreted the soft power 5b option 


Jorgen *******
If there were a little bit more clarity it will be sow nice
For example if I for sure knew that a cooking class school will qualify me
Situated in Phuket
I will join the class
I actually like cooking and it will be nice to learn some new things
But then again I’m not a cook

For example if I for sure knew that a cooking class school will qualify me
Situated in Phuket
I will join the class
I actually like cooking and it will be nice to learn some new things
But then again I’m not a cook

Graeme ******
Perhaps ask the thai embassy in London about a medical appointment? You could book an appointment for a 12 month health check at one of the hospitals, get confirmation of the booking and see if that qualifies you for the DTV, you can then chose where to do your cooking classes when in thailand
Lester *********
OP@Graeme *****
Thanks for the inputGraeme ******
@Lester ********
I have also looked at options and the retirement O-A year multi entry visa looks ok. The AXA approved health insurance is only approximately *****
bht ( with deductible)for a year so cheaper than a cooking class and you get a year with an extension if you want itGraeme ******
@Lester ********
I have ready many posts and medical or dentistry seems to be an easier and cheaper option
Bea **********
DTV Visa (5years) is more cheaper 🙈 my friend got her student visa last week, it cost 66k baht and its only 15 months 🙈🥹
Stephen *******
There is some w****** on this side
CK **************
First of all, the length of 1 month cooking class is not eligible for apply DTV. (correct me I am a wrong). May I ask if you have any prior experiences or qualifications? I can get you a proper cooking class from renowned culinary school to be eligible into your application. Drop me pm..
Rogerio ******
@CK *************
you are wrong, i've seen posts of people applying on a simple medical appointment follow up. I've been approved on a follow up botox appointment in 6 months.CK **************
@Rogerio *****
DTV are mainly for digital nomads but not limited to 'soft power' category where various activities are included such muay Thai, medical purposes even cooking class.Like you mentioned 6 months and it satisfied the eligible activities in that duration.
Radius ******************
@CK *************
dm me I'm intersted
Rok ********
@CK *************
hi. Could i have info re: the cookery school.
Pete *******
@CK *************
DTV has been issued on the strength of a single dental appointment.CK **************
@Pete ******
DTV includes 'Soft Power' where it contains various eligible activities. Like I mentioned, the approval of the application does varies from each Embassy and I do not represent any authority to comment on that. Please check with your Embassy for more details 😉
Bogdan *******
@Pete ******
hi mate can you give me more info in private about this kind regards .
Brandon ************
@CK *************
the required length is whatever the embassy says it is. Each embassy sets their own requirements.Lester *********
OP@Brandon ***********
Absolutely CorrectLester *********
OP@CK *************
I had official confirmation from the Thai Embassy in London that you need at least a one month course. I have over 20 years experience as a qualified baker. Can you share your information?George *******
@Lester ********
There's people on here making spurious comments on a subject they know nothing about. For one unless you contact an Embassy and ask specifics about what is required, how would you know? 2. I presume a lot of people commenting on this are retirement visa holders who don't know the actually requirements.George *******
@CK *************
If I was applying for any visa, I'd contact the visa section of any Embassy/Consulate and not take much notice of some so called experts on Sadbook. I get the impression that most of the regular commenters on FB., on visa questions are probably living in Thailand on retirement extensions and they are all experts on all visa issues.CK **************
@George ******
I totally agree, while the requirements are set but each Thai Embassy hold the final say in approving each application.Retirement visa is totally different from DTV. While retirement visa primarily focus on Retirement where applicant should fulfill the age and financial as well as other requirements for their application. DTV are focus on Digital Nomads but not limited to "Soft Power" activities.
Nevertheless, consult your nearest Thai Embassy for accurate information 😉
Lester *********
OP@George ******
it’s a shame George that people behave in such a manner. Not the group I expected but thank you for your comment.Preston **********
If you only want to do a 1 month cooking class why don’t you just come on a tourist visa? I am not sure about British passport holders but for Australians we get a 60 day free tourist visa on arrival the are able to extend that for another 30 days.
I am sure you can then just enroll at a Thai cooking school for the months course.
I am sure you can then just enroll at a Thai cooking school for the months course.
George *******
@Preston *********
Duuuuurgh! They booked a one month cooking course to get a five year visa.Preston **********
All the visas have changed since I lived and worked in Chiang Mai for 3 years. I had a non immigrant b and still needed to leave the country to get my work permit extended yearly and repot to immigration every 90 days. I was wanting to come back when I turn 60 and build up my Thai language skills and was looking at a student visa. Have you compared the student and Dtv visa? If so what are the advantages of the dtv visa?
Rogerio ******
@Preston *********
DTV lets you stay 180 days each time, u can then literally fly out and back again and you get another 180 days. Valid for 5 years. Way better than a student visa and likely cheaper too once you factor the cost of whatever course.Preston **********
@Rogerio *****
thank you
Kev *********
@Preston *********
and he would get 60 days anywayLester *********
OP@Preston *********
Good shout but I want to spend a lot more time in Thailand and don’t want to be illegal or hopping through borders in order to do so. At least the DTV gives you 180 days with multi entry. So you get the course which I’m really interested in and the freedom of movementPreston **********
@Lester ********
fair call
Christopher ********
Muay Thai with EVO360 in Pattaya much more reasonable, ask for Sharon, she can help.
Damo ***********
If you want to stay in another country ‘illegally’ you pay the going price… or else stay at home m0r0n
George *******
@Damo **********
Look in the mirror next time you want to call someone a moron is my advice.
David ******
@Damo **********
What is he doing illegal? Seems like he is going through the legal steps to me.Lester *********
OP@Damo **********
Obviously didn’t read the post and just put on a random commentDamo ***********
@Lester ********
love people like you …
James *******
What has the British Embassy got to do with you getting a DTV?
Lester *********
OP@James ******
Sorry the Thai Embassy in LondonJames *******
@Lester ********
got ya, that sounds more like it. I've not enrolled on a cookery course so I'm no expert but it does sounds a bit pricey, however you obviously need to consider exactly what's included in it as well.Lester *********
OP@James ******
Thanks for that. They all seem about the same price
Andi ***********
@Lester ********
That price is about right if they supply all the DTV documentation. If you do a cooking course outside a major city that will cut costs. Muay Thai is a much cheaper option.James *******
@Lester ********
like this one offers a diploma for example ***************************************************
Lester *********
OP@James ******
Yeah. Thanks for you input. Some people just don’t read the post and post any old rubbish
ALi *****
No
Kev *********
1 month £1500? Give my partner £800 and she'll give you a month's course and we'd throw in accomodation.
Randy ******
@Kev ********
Deal! I am a slow learner. I snore at night.Lester *********
OP@Kev ********
I would gladly if you are a registered cookery class in Udon Thani. Don’t need accommodation, I have my own
Rene ********
Sounds cheap to me .....they get something, you get something,!how long must you study and how long is the visa?
Rene ********
@Lester ********
, okRene ********
@Lester ********
, how long does the visa last after the one month course?Lester *********
OP@Rene *******
It’s a DTV visa so it’s 5 years. I do understand that if you break it down then with the cost of the visa it’s about £400 a year for the visa. But the visa is not my priority as I have multiple ways to access the country. I was asking if the cost of the course was what you would expect to pay
Nongnuch ********
@Lester ********
cooking classes could be had for 6.000 THB for 4 weeks. When the DTV was introduced, these school's prices soared. Supply & Demand that's what it isLester *********
OP@Rene *******
. I do think it’s a little overpriced, that’s why I was asking and to give other people some context.Randy ******
Just go watch old Thai lady on the streets cooking Thai food and learn for free.
Mark *********
Truthfully it is impossible to say without knowing names and quotes. Are we talking Blue Elephant or Dusit Thani or Dao's Disastrous Dishes. To be honest the location doesn't sound promising unless Dao charges low and sorts the visa issues.
Jim ********
@Randy *****
Yeah but she won't give you a five year visaMark *********
@Jim *******
No. You aren't undestanding the plan. After the old street food lady, it's change to a medical needs based visa.
Raed ****
try to sign up for thai boxing ,, good for your body and your health
Lester *********
OP@Raed ***
I wish, my days of fighting are well overGeorge *******
@Lester ********
You don't have to compete, you can just do the fitness side of Muay Thai
Ralph *******
Do you really want the cooking classes or are you just doing it for the DTV?
Lester *********
OP@Ralph ******
. I actually do want the classes as I’ve worked in the food industry for over 20 years. I’m 55 so I could apply for the retirement visa. The courses are in Udon Thani. I will be living in Nong Bua Lampu and contrary to the stupid comments you get on here I’m looking for genuine feedback. Unlike the @Andy ***********
s of this World
Andy ************
@Lester ********
Genuine feedback? What do expect to pay for a guaranteed five year visa? You really believe a cooking course will cost that much in Thailand? Still, I see you are choosing to live in that Godforsaken wilderness called Isaan. That speaks volumes! 😂Andy ************
@Lester ********
You're an overeating fat pr*ck. Go away you stupid little man. 😂😂😂😂Lester *********
OP@Andy ***********
Point ProvenLester *********
OP@Andy ***********
However, your comments are born from someone without intelligence. You didn’t provide feedback, you implied a situation that wasn’t true. ผู้ชายโง่Ralph *******
@Lester ********
Ok. It is very likely that the prices are inflated when a DTV is involved. Is it possible to find a class that suits you but you get the DTV another way? Just thinking it could be a lot cheaper. By the way, it can be a bit of a journey from Nong Bua Lamphu to Udon Thani - about an hour. Just in case you want something closer.
Lester *********
OP@Ralph ******
Yeah it is the closest oneAndy ************
@Ralph ******
Come on! You know the answer alreadyRalph *******
@Andy ***********
I didn’t want to assume. But was going to advise that there are other ways such as booking dental treatment or other things hat can be cancelled.
Elías ********
Don't quote me on this, but I'm sure there are two types of rates: a cheaper one for a course NOT offering any supporting documents for the DTV or any other visa, and a more "premium" price for a similar or same course, with documents/letter/support evidence for the DTV.
Rogerio ******
@Elías *******
there's much simpler ways than going through any school for DTV. I got mine via botox appointment, through online US/LA location. Different embassies tho have different requirements. Plus I did a lot earlier 4 months ago, now they're clamping down on required docs.Lester *********
OP@Elías *******
The British Embassy requires a letter of acceptance from the course operator
Peter ********
@Lester ********
Pardon my ignorance. What’s the British embassy got to do with this pls?Peter ********
@Rok *******
Oh. Thanks.Rok ********
@Peter *******
he meant the Thai Embassy in UKLester *********
OPThank You. I’ve just looked on there website and it does appear that my quote is competitive
Elías ********
@Lester ********
Yes, so what I means is that even if expensive, it'd worth as long they allow you to get the DTV.
Kool *******
@Lester ********
the top of the line short term cooking school is Blue Elephant for price comparison purposes. That might help to determine if what you were quotes is fair.Lester *********
OP@Elías *******
Yes I agree, but I could apply for the retirement visa and do cooking classes as and when I please. Just trying to gauge costs
Randall *********
Dont know about cooking classes but I was chatting to a friend yesterday who wants to go to learn the Thai language and he was quoted around 45k for the year which includes all application fees for the visa and their payment. So does it perhaps cover all of that
Brandon ************
@Randall ********
Thai language is not a qualifying activity for the DTV visaGeorge *******
@Brandon ***********
Wrong!George *******
@Brandon ***********
I know of someone who got his DTV on enrolling on a Thai language course. I have been in contact with him personally, not on open Sadbook 😂😂😂.Pete *******
@Brandon ***********
I have seen a report of Thai language being accepted for soft power DTV in a separate forum. Several Embassies refused but one accepted.George *******
@Nongnuch *******
Not necessarily.George *******
@Pete ******
CorrectNongnuch ********
@Pete ******
😅😆😅 it indeed is the good ole' Indian potlatch *****************************************
Pete *******
@Nongnuch *******
that was also my understanding and many Embassies refused but in the report I read he found an Embassy that would accept a Thai language course for soft power option DTV visa. Looks like it’s pot luck.Nongnuch ********
@Pete ******
Thai language course, they make you apply for the Non-Imm-ED visaLester *********
OP@Brandon ***********
The application is done in your home country by the applicant. The British Embassy requires a letter of acceptance from the school which states the one month courseRandall *********
@Brandon ***********
oops, I miss read. Sorry.Activity
34 joined34
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