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Answered4 months ago

Should I apply for a DTV in Thailand using my online tutoring as a basis or take the Soft Power route?

Sam **
asked Jun 27, 2026
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As a hobby and a way to supplement my income, I’ve been tutoring students online for the past several years. I’m planning to leave my job and want to live in Thailand and travel around South East Asia. I’m considering using my online tutoring as the basis for my DTV application rather than applying through the Soft Power route. Or would it just be better/easier just sign up for a Muay Thai Training or online herb course and apply via soft power. My goal is just to be able to live long term in Thailand.

I also have investments and savings that can support me while living in Thailand. Is it worth mentioning this in my application, or is it better to keep the application focused solely on my remote tutoring business?

ChatGPT suggested putting together a professional portfolio of around 10–20 pages that includes:

* A brief background about me (what should I even include here?)

* My teaching experience

* Previous teaching roles (including in-person positions)

* My online tutoring experience

* bank statements showing income

* Qualifications and degrees

* My website,

* YouTube channel. (I’ve only recently started my YouTube channel, have 9 subscribers so I’m not sure whether it’s worth including yet.)

* Examples of my teaching resources

* A short business plan explaining:

* that I provide online tutoring and educational content remotely;

* that my clients are based outside Thailand; and

* that I intend to continue working remotely while living in Thailand.

For those who have had a DTV approved under the Workcation category, does this sound about right, or is it overkill? Is there anything you would definitely include—or leave out?
Answer summary
An expat considering moving to Thailand is contemplating whether to apply for a DTV visa using their online tutoring as the basis for their application or to follow the Soft Power route through activities like Muay Thai training. They are unsure if mentioning their savings and investment is beneficial and seek advice on how to structure their application, including a portfolio that highlights their qualifications and teaching experience. Additionally, they inquire if their approach is appropriate based on experiences from others in the same situation.
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choose*******
choose*******
Is your business registered ? I would do a self employment and also show your business tax,…etc. Imo, a workcation is preferable over soft power. Also, since you are planning to use Thailand as a base to travel, soft power route may not be appropriate. Imagine immigration asking where you have time to do Muay thai and traveling. It is good to show your savings and investments. Keep things as simple as your can. Best of luck 🤞
Robert *******
Robert *******
No such things as paid work as hobby in Thailand.

Purpose workcation is the only option

Be aware of the next comments from anonymous animals:

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Just ask them to show an official Thai Government Statement and their answer will be: You are a troll and grumpy old pensioner.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Robert ******
but you are a troll and grumpy pensioner. Go ask the embassy or immigration that you’d like to switch from Soft power to workcation. They wont even understand the question because they are treated all the same after initial granting

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