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Is the Soft Visa the Same as the Remote DTV Visa in Thailand, and What Are the Requirements?

Soft VisaRemote DTV VisaVisa RequirementsImmigrationThai ActivitiesAmerican IncomeVisa ApplicationExpat Life in Thailand
Apr 18, 2025
22 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is the soft visa the same 5 years as the remote dtv visa ? Do you have to take a thai activity all 5 years ? Is lot of money in a american bank and a thai activity sponsor enought to get the soft visa ? Or you need to also show american tax returns and proof of american income to get the visa ??
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers on the Soft Visa and its comparison to the Remote DTV Visa, both of which have a duration of five years. Participants express concern over immigration requirements, specifically whether ongoing Thai activities are necessary during this period and what documentation is needed, such as proof of American income or tax returns. While it seems an initial activity like a six-month course might suffice, there are worries that immigration rules could tighten, requiring ongoing proof for extensions or while in-country. Several commenters recommend that applicants keep engagement in Thai activities and consistently monitor updates on visa regulations.
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Henrik *****
Why don’t you read all the great posts in the group, that is how to learn about the requirements, and how other people have solved those questions.

When you posts as anonymous, you must do the work yourself, since you don’t contribute to the group.
21 days ago
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John *********
Just think how fit you’ll be after 5 yrs of Muay Thai though 😅
21 days ago
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John *******
@John ********
 £309 a month
21 days ago
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John *******
@John ********
 cost a fortune
21 days ago
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John *******
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Anonymous ******************
As far as I know the only place that provides a 5 year program is this thaiculturalexchange.co.th
22 days ago
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Adrian ******
Anonymous participant 157 discoverthainature also do a 5 year course for 10,000 baht.
22 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Adrian *****
 not really they have a 12 seminars you could do in one year this other place has different seminars every year
21 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
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Peter *********
There's no difference between DTVs unless it's stated in the remarks what you applied under.

I stayed for 6 months and spent 3 days away and flew back in no questions asked. But my DTV is from London last August before any dodgy agents were involved.
22 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
No one can predict the future and if immigration may tighten their requirements BUT:

1. You NEED an ongoing activity when extending your 180 days at immigration.

2. People ARENT, so far, required to show proves of ongoing activity when crossing the border.

Now think about all this. I've been here for long enough to confirm that rules can change for the best or the worst within a couple of days here in Thailand. Weight your own risks.
22 days ago
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Siggi *******
Anonymous participant 827 the rules never can change for existing visas or extensions.
21 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Siggi ******
 That's funny. They can change whenever the government wants them to change.
21 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Siggi ******
 Of course it can change. There was no extension rule when the DTV started... Immigration makes its own rules as there is none.
21 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
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Wannikea *********
Initially a 6 month course will suffice. If you border bounce at 180 days you won't need to prove ongoing activity, but if you do an in country extension you will need to update and prove basically all the initial application criteria, plus some.
22 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Wannikea ********
 flew out to Cambodia and back in and asked at Suvarnabhumi airport if I have funds to continue my stay which I showed her 500k plus in my bank she smiled and stamped me back In
21 days ago
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David ********
@Wannikea ********
 we got ours on a 1 month course
21 days ago
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James ********
@David *******
 you were lucky
21 days ago
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David ********
@James *******
 no, Tiger Eye Muay Thai has had many approvals with 1 month course booking.
21 days ago
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James ********
@David *******
 thank you for your helpful reply. BUT it is Thai Embassy or Consulate dependent. As we have seen reports of being either denied DTV Visa or an METV multiple entry tourist visa issued instead of the DTV. That's why I have suggested that the applicant Ask the Muay Thai gym which Thai Embassy or Consulate do they recommend to submit the application.
21 days ago
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David ********
@James *******
 yes, I think maybe it’s the way the gym sponsorship (not sure if that’s right word) letter is written. Our was basically “ has paid for the first month of their ongoing training “
20 days ago
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David ********
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Paul *************
@David *******
 have you re entered out of curiosity? If so was you questioned?
21 days ago
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David ********
@Paul ************
 no, have not re-entered yet. We will however, be doing more than 1 month Muay Thai. It’s ongoing for us, but from the application perspective it was only 1 month booked and paid for.
21 days ago
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David ********
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Anonymous ******************
I’m not entirely sure, but I think it’s safest to plan on keeping your classes ongoing during this period, as none of us can say for certain whether immigration will start requiring proof of ongoing activities. Speaking from personal experience after living in Thailand for quite some time, I’d say it’s very likely they’ll tighten the requirements. Things can change quickly here, so the best advice would be to stay prepared for any future developments
22 days ago
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John *******
Anonymous participant 235 nooo you don't need a 6 month course it's month
21 days ago
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David ********
@John ******
 I have 1 month course approved no problem
21 days ago
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David ********
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David ********
Anonymous participant 235 yes I agree. I think there might be a stage where they say, in 1-2 years, provide evidence of ongoing soft power to keep visa. I see too many people ask the bare minimum required to get and keep DTV. I imagine a tightening of the criteria in the future
21 days ago
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David ********
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Steve *******
Scroll through the group and search for other Americans who have applied. Dozens of people have written detailed explanations of their applications in this group.

Good luck!
22 days ago
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Qub *****
@Steve ******
 Thats too much work! ...Didn't even bother to open some of the search results.

First AI generated answer is enough for him...
22 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Qub ****
get a life loser. Go eat a hot dog
22 days ago
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Steve *******
@Qub ****
 don't be mean. Everyone doesn't know how to find information, because no one has taught them how to do it.
22 days ago
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Qub *****
@Steve ******
 Time to learn. How they can make a life decisions (e.g. like going to Thailand for 5 years) if they are not capable to open a google results 🤷. No one has to teach them, its a common sense. ...At least show minimum effort.
22 days ago
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Nick *******
@Qub ****
 must be tough being so perfect. Hope you can keep it up!
22 days ago
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Nick *******
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