Answered2 months ago
Is the Soft Power DTV option being canceled by the Thai embassy in Kuwait?
Canceling Soft Power DTV
Just walked out of the Thai embassy here in Kuwait and was told they are in the process of canceling the Soft Power DTV option. I hadn’t officially applied wanted to get all my documents together first. Consular had me login to my account and make the selections to see if DTV(soft power) was still showing. It still showed obviously, and he then said I don’t want you to pay for an application fee and it gets denied. So he took a copy of my American passport and Kuwait residency Id and said he will message me on WhatsApp to confirm if it’s still possible to apply.😳
Just walked out of the Thai embassy here in Kuwait and was told they are in the process of canceling the Soft Power DTV option. I hadn’t officially applied wanted to get all my documents together first. Consular had me login to my account and make the selections to see if DTV(soft power) was still showing. It still showed obviously, and he then said I don’t want you to pay for an application fee and it gets denied. So he took a copy of my American passport and Kuwait residency Id and said he will message me on WhatsApp to confirm if it’s still possible to apply.😳
Answer summary
The user reports a visit to the Thai embassy in Kuwait where they were informed that the Soft Power DTV option might be canceled. Despite not having applied yet, a consular officer advised caution about paying the application fee. The community discussions raised concerns about the potential cancellation, speculating on various regulations and alternatives for application. Some users believe that stringent measures might be due to issues with illegal work under the visa, while others suggest that the DTV may still be available or will require more stringent application conditions.
86 repliesnewest first
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Anonymous ******************
Dazzlingshan64 Have you heard from them? No news about soft power being cancelled...
Khan ******
Anonymous participant 657 doubt it will be announced by the employee. Let’s wait and see. But the DTV is now on the radar
Khan ******
Might not cancel it but probably limit it to the months of cooking class or Muay Thai class length. But we could see from a mile away, people would use it to game the system.
Ian **********
I personally have never understood why they would give someone a 5-year visa for a 6-month course
Dazzlin*******
OP@Ian *********
agreed, the reason I applied for the full year course. In order to meet the requirements that seem the most secure under soft power requirements. 6 and even 9 months is a stretch on my common sense radar.
Matty ****
$15,000 is not enough of a safety net to move to a foreign country and the government should have known that in the first place
It's ridiculous and it should be canceled
Up the requirements to a reasonable standard like 30 to $50,000. In my opinion it should be even higher
We have three Caucasian homelessness and just a very small area I live in Sriracha .
We also saw three other expats get evicted this year and the DTV has been nothing but cause problems here
It's ridiculous and it should be canceled
Up the requirements to a reasonable standard like 30 to $50,000. In my opinion it should be even higher
We have three Caucasian homelessness and just a very small area I live in Sriracha .
We also saw three other expats get evicted this year and the DTV has been nothing but cause problems here
Anonymous ******************
@Matty ***
Oh look another influencer who thinks he's superior because he thinks he's "living" in Thailand better than everyone else. Here's an idea if you think there's too many foreigners here. Why don't you lead by example and leave? You would be doing your part and that would be one less right?
Pdd ******
@Matty ***
I agree 👍 we need to make policies on anecdotal evidence.Increase the minimum to $120,000. Actually the government should probably hold onto this lump sum and give out $2000 of it back every month for five years. Tighten the safety net in a reasonable way so no Caucasians can get evicted.
TheBatman**********
Doesn't matter what I or others think. No one can tell you why. Not even you.
Successful***********
I doubt but of course soft power is a total rig and ridiculous. 5 years visa for cooking, lol.
Not sure what they wanted to achieve by that...? It definitely attracted potentially suspicious people. 🥲
Not sure what they wanted to achieve by that...? It definitely attracted potentially suspicious people. 🥲
Mark *********
Just a lazy officer that wants you to apply in USA
Kurt *************
Not cancel, they are just making it more strict.
Partly_en*********
Soft power but hit really hard.! 😉
Biff *******
One person working at the embassy suggested the soft power option is being cancelled, then took your personal contact details?
Get ready to be told that he can ‘fix it for you’
For a cash fee.
Get ready to be told that he can ‘fix it for you’
For a cash fee.
Determined***********
They want to cut down on people who are using it to work illegally. So it makes sense to reduce to only workcation and proof you already have a job.
Ijustwan*********
DeterminedApricot4492 loo who is really working illegally on a dtv that wouldn’t be working illegally on any visa. Why not just get an ed visa, easier to get and a year or so each visa
Determined***********
IjustwannaknowNow not easier to get.
Dazzlin*******
OPAll of you that are saying I need to apply from the US how do you suppose I do that working a full time job in Kuwait and permanently living here. Yes the US is my home of record but I live here full time.
Dazzlin*******
OP@Mick ****
im going with comprehension is the problem. I know what the new rule says. I was physically standing in there, I’m allowed to apply from Kuwait bc I am a legal resident here. So again I don’t understand the reasoning for over looking the main reason the post was made. Hopefully I hear back from them today.Ian **********
@Mick ****
he has PR in Kuwait
Anonymous ******************
I think it's just a rumour, why would immigration still be doing checks at gyms to ensure compliant if they was in the process of getting rid of soft power option!!
Dazzlin*******
OPAnonymous participant 899 this is my logic, but it’s just like why would he need to lie to me 😩
Anonymous ******************
Dazzlingshan64 if the option is there then you can apply, even if was a plan it would take a whole to go through but honestly they are currently checking out gyms so I dont think its true.
Tim ***********
In the future, it can only be applied for in the country where you have your permanent residence. I'm sure Kuwaitis can apply, but as a foreigner, you can only do it in your home country.
Dazzlin*******
OP@Tim **********
I’m allowed to apply from here I already confirmed this part. Focus on the context clues that are actually written in the post
Stephen **********
I think it was because you have an American passport but weren't applying in a consulate located in America.
Graeme ********
@Stephen *********
Doesnt make any difference for expats applying from countries with Permanent Residency which there are hundreds of freelancers on DTV from Middle East alone.Dazzlin*******
OP@Stephen *********
he said I was allowed to apply from his with my passport and Kuwait civil id? I live in Kuwait full time and have so for 8 years. Residency visa, and drives license from this country. I’m allowed to apply from the country I’m a resident in.
EasygoingE**********
Soft power was always on borrowed time. I bet that start denying current holders too now that we are crossing 2 years into this
Anonymous ******************
EasygoingElephant307 Soft power isn't going anywhere just apply in your home country it's not rocket science
Robbie *******
Ive honestly heard enough of all this., Thai privelage Gold membership here I come! 👌
Passionate***********
Far more welcoming countries to travel to, and in some instances cheaper too. Move on.
Jay *******
PassionatePelican4782 Which countries are you thinking of?
Adam *************
Taiwan and Japan are lovely and you can stay for 90 days at a time in both places without visas OR immigration hassles. Not once have I been bothered or felt uncertain about entry. Go to Thailand for a month at a time instead. Move on. Things change, they don’t want long term tourists anymore.
Chelsea ********
@Adam ************
neither Taiwan nor Japan is tropical country though 😅 neither one is in southeast AsiaNot very comparable 🤷🏼♀️
Adam *************
@Chelsea *******
I love Taiwan; some of the most amazing hiking in the world and super friendly people. When I want the tropical beach, I hop on the plane for Thailand or Vietnam… only a 3-4 hour plane ride away.Adam *************
@Chelsea *******
well I guess your demand is inelastic then. Mine is elastic; I like other options. I would go would go back to Thailand for long stays for sure if it was easier and predictable and if they wanted us, but for now, the world is my oyster 🦪Chelsea ********
@Adam ************
for sure but for some of us, Taiwan is incomparable to Thailand 😅 2 totally different places offering 2 totally different lifestyles.... I too have lived in so. Korea and it provides comfortable temperate weather, hiking, etc but it really isnt comparable to consistent 30 degree weather, and as for work-life balance, Thailand wins out 1000% It's great you love Taiwan but my point was, for most people who choose to live in Thailand, options like Japan or Taiwan do not compare at all
Adam *************
@Michael *********
In Thailand’s defense, most of their costly problems with foreigners come from long stay ones. They haven’t quite figured out how to differentiate between the scammers/lawbreakers and the good long stay foreigners who inject lots of income, though. Very few people want to commit to a 5-year elite visa; people just move on. There is a whole world to explore.
Michael **********
@Adam ************
I know right? Thailand was my top 2 countries to slow travel. It is moving down my list now.
Fitfac *******************
I think it is about police clearance record.
Dazzlin*******
OPYou need the criminal report for the country in which you are applying g from
The one you are a citizen of
Or
The one you have residency In
The one you are a citizen of
Or
The one you have residency In
James ********
Dazzlingshan64 Correct ✅
Dazzlin*******
OP@Fitfac ******************
why would it be about that? I didn’t mention anything about a criminal record report? That document is already fulfilled. I’ve been in this country 8 years. And out of the US for 10 Me submitting an fbi report from the US would do no justice since I haven’t been there. And I don’t have anything on my background. But the bottom line is that’s not the issue here.Greg ********
Dazzlingshan64 I have wondered about this: people who've spent time in multiple countries. For example, if I applied, would I need to supply:
- a UK criminal record check
- a Singapore criminal record check
- a Thai criminal record check
For certain job roles, I would certainly need to
- a UK criminal record check
- a Singapore criminal record check
- a Thai criminal record check
For certain job roles, I would certainly need to
Welsh******
The embassy is checking. Because your passport in USA. Not Kuwait.
Jay *********
Well it's not canceled so there is still a chance to apply online. I would just apply anyway before the rules change, if that is what is going to happen. Still not confirmed that they will, just suspicions at this point.
Paul *********
NXT time in Thailand might just be the last time for soft power users on DTV
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ********
More likely they will revoke DTVs issued out of nearby embassiesIjustwan*********
Anonymous participant 657 that’s something that will of course never happened. There is no revoking any visas 😂. They just get more strict as they are now. This thread is nothing, doubt that the kuwait embassy is the only one with the inside scoop worldwide
Paul *********
Can’t see that happening it’s already paid for but no soft power is 5 years long but workation is
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ********
Yeah but it's from Laos where loads of dodgy agents have used. Hence the new rules so you might not be safePaul *********
Not worried I’m workcation
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ********
Avoid flying into Phuket and you'll be fine don't worryPaul *********
What I mean is that despite it being 5 years long the soft power still de are things like cooking classes dentist or hospital treatment or Muay Thai camps. Those are not 5 year terms however you could work remotely for 5 years.
How many cooking classes are u going to do it’s limited
How many cooking classes are u going to do it’s limited
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ********
All DTVs are 5 years regardless, you sound confusedWelsh******
Pure speculation.
Anonymous ******************
Go back to the US and apply if this is true
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 657 I think the implication is that soft power is being cancelled totally. if soft power is cancelled across the board, it doesn't matter where you apply from. Need confirmation though.
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Maybe. More likely they gave him the brush off because they don't like issuing DTVs via soft powerAnonymous ******************
Dazzlingshan64 I'm sure if it was true it would have been announced last week and implemented today. You'll just have to go back to the US I think
Dazzlin*******
OPAnonymous participant 657 I was wondering this too!! But the guy was super polite and helpful. But you never truly know a persons intent. But I do appreciate him telling me not to spend my money on the application fee. So two brownie point to him for that at least
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
That's exactly how Thais brush people off rather than tell the truth and risk confrontation 😆Greg ********
Anonymous participant 657 why tell them they will check up and follow up on this then? Does not sound like a brush-off to me. Let's wait for confirmation before jumping to assumptions.
Dazzlin*******
OPAnonymous participant 657 thats was I was thinking, but I’m trying to confirm anyone hearing this. Bc if it’s going to get cancelled across the board. I’m guessing eventually it won’t make a difference where you apply from.
Anonymous ******************
Dazzlingshan64 Will probably just be Kuwaiti embassy
Anonymous ******************
@Graeme *******
Must be some other explanation then as soft power is still available on the evisa siteGraeme ********
Anonymous participant 657 Hardly to do with Kuwait specific. The ideology is for Embassies to issue DTV's based on criteria met by applicant as it's a KPI for them to fulfill as a saleable product (tourism, economic growth). Each Embassy/Consulate may have certain quirks but certainly not any different than any other office, even in the USA.
DTV_Be*******
Has he messaged you yet? It seems like they would have made that announcement, when they made the announcement for criminal checks and now having to apply via country where you have perm. residency.
Ijustwan*********
DTV_BegPecker they would have
Dazzlin*******
OPDTV_BegPecker he hasn’t!! Me and my fiance said the same thing!! With such a big update I would assume they would have just put that out as well. He said he got the information from the ministry. But I can’t clarify if he was referring to the Thai or Kuwait ministry. Hopefully I hear back by Friday, I wanted to apply by the first of October.
Tai *******
It need to be applied in your home country now.
Liz *******
No, you need to apply from the country that you have residency in. 
GentlePh*********
@Tai ******
since when?Dazzlin*******
OP@Tai ******
I am a American citizen with residency in Kuwait. That isn’t the issue I’m allowed to apply from this country. The focal point is they are possibly preparing to do away with soft power.
Luc ************
Dazzlingshan64 thats not how it works. Where's your passport from? Kuwait or USA?
Elías ********
@Luc ***********
that's how it works. If you have residence in X country, you apply in X country. I applied in Korea back when only Koreans and residents were able to apply. I have residency in Korea. I think this is confusing a lot of people living in Thailand as apparently Thailand doesn't grant residence as almost every other country does.
Proficie*********
Dazzlingshan64 You have to do it from your home country anyway residency doesn’t matter.
Greg ********
ProficientFox1674 Totally wrong. If you have residency somewhere else, you can apply from there.
Dazzlin*******
OPDTV_BegPecker thank you!!! The residency is not the isssue. I’ve lived here 8 years, I have residency in this country. Drivers license, visa, everything to be here. Not a tourist.
Elías ********
ProficientFox1674 residence matters 🤦🏻
DTV_Be*******
ProficientFox1674 I am sure if that was the issue, the consular staff would have told him that. Since they didn’t, I am not sure your opinion matters. Maybe he comes back and tells him he can’t apply via Kuwait, but the fact he saw someone who took a copy of both IDs and said he would get back, let him wait it out
Alla ***********
@Tai ******
it seems he has Kuwait residency
Andrew ****
Knew it was coming
Mark *********
@Andrew ***
Knew what was coming, a rumour?
Banks ********************
Wouldn’t l be surprised if they do though..
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