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Is the DTV Visa at risk of being canceled or regulated in Thailand?

Jan 22, 2025
3 months ago
Hello,

I heard DTV Visa is being seen as problematic and might be regulated/canceled, is that true?

Should I apply now even if I don’t plan going thailand before 6 to 10 months from now?

I want ideally do the Visa the workcation way but I don’t have customers yet.

I am thinking of using the softpower way with muay thai: can I go something like 1 class a week during 6 month and then never do muay thai class again if I want to stop but still live in thailand under the DTV Visa? or are they gonna ask me to renew classes if I want to stay in thailand?

Can I work remotely for non thai customer if I got my DTV Visa the softpower way?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around concerns about the DTV Visa and rumors of its potential regulation or cancellation. Users express skepticism about these rumors, suggesting that while some future tightening of soft power requirements might occur, the DTV Visa itself is unlikely to be canceled. Many recommend applying for the visa according to individual circumstances, considering factors like planned stays in Thailand and the fulfillment of visa requirements. There is also emphasis on managing expectations about involvement in soft power activities, like Muay Thai, while maintaining flexibility regarding remote work for non-Thai customers.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Simon ******
In my opinion is better to just fulfill the requirements of the visa and be thankful you don't have to stress about your status. Otherwise just go for the 2 visa exemptions and do want you like.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon *****
Yeah but are the requirements of the visa to follow a software activity for more than 6 months?
Simon ******
Anonymous participant i haven't seen software activity mentioned. I'm guessing you mean soft power activity? Would also suggest there would be certain course specific expectations within those soft power activities. The point I make is really that the stronger your own intention the less you may experience other people's intentions. Which I think can only be a good thing...
Sean *******
Anonymous participant Nowhere in the application process does it say you need to book courses for the duration of the visa. IMO if they're going to start checking anything it will be that you have 500K in the bank. Very easy for the IO to ask you to show them in your mobile banking. As we all know Thailand is all about the money.
George *******
Don't take any notice of the keyboard warriors on FB.
Christopher ********
Who said that ? Anyone with an authority or some random dude ?
Winston ************
Heard from where? You're just spewing nonsense, right?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Winston ***********
Some british guy I met in BKK recently told me he’s in thai facebook groups and they’d be complaining and he said I should rather do it soon
Christopher ********
Anonymous participant so some random guy ?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Christopher ********
Anonymous participant so why post it in this group anonymously to rile everyone up ?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
my post is literally a question
Christopher ********
Anonymous participant it starts out with a statement
Paul *******
Heard from where?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
Some british guy I met in BKK recently told me he’s in thai facebook groups and they’d be complaining and he said I should rather do it soon
Travis ********
Anonymous participant oh yeah, for sure some random brit knows the upcoming law changes.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Travis *******
never said that? my post is literally a question
Travis ********
Anonymous participant never said you said that
Carmelito *******
Thailand related groups might be the ones with the most baseless rumours lol
Greg ********
@Carmelito ******
For some entertainment mention taxes:in some of them :-)
John *******
Stop listening to bar flys
Anonymous ******************
I suggest working on your nomad plans and preparing the necessary documents for when you decide to apply. You don’t seem inclined toward a soft power activity for the long term, as this has already been discussed in the extension requirements. Always consider the worst-case scenario and choose the path that suits you best—one you can fulfill in terms of requirements—rather than relying on people who claim to predict the future.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
does it say you have to follow muay thai course to do extension? how about from flying back?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Unknown so far, but that would be the worst-case scenario.
James ********
Anonymous participant unknown
Greg ********
I doubt it will be cancelled. It is dong what they wanted ie increased number staying for longer by making it easier. As someone else said they might tighten up a little but for genuine applicants it will not be an issue.
Ric ******
Depends on how long you are planning to use the Visa. If you see yourself staying in Thailand for more than 4 years (on and off), then you are losing almost 1 year of visa fee by applying too early.

The DTV won't be cancelled. What might happen is that the soft power requirements will become more strict, but paying for 6 months of muay thai will likely still qualify you in 10 months from now. If you (as it seems) don't really like to do Muay Thai, now is still a good chance to get a DTV with way less expensive and shorter courses.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ric *****
And do you think they will ask me proof of me still doing muay thai courses at extensions/flying back in the country once the 6 months courses are done?
Ric ******
Flying back / border run: definitely not

Extension maybe yes. Maybe you can switch to another activity or Dr. Appointment, nobody knows for sure yet.
Anonymous ******************
Website tells you not to apply 3 months before travel
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I read that nowhere personally
Sar ****
Anonymous participant 630 oh??
Rogerio ******
Just scroll down and read the posts and you will know even stuff you didn't think you needed to know.
Koin ******
You heard wrong. Thai is happy with it. But it can be cancelled tomorrow 😇
John **********
Lol
Wannikea *********
Welcome to the group, in the last 6 months all.these questions have been asked and answered, read through previous posts to get a good idea of what is needed. And no the visa won't be cancelled anytime soon.