Should I apply for a DTV under the workation category or Muay Thai training?

Jan 1, 2025
7 days ago
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Guys, first of all, sorry if my question seems silly, but after considering my options—since I train Muay Thai and also work remotely—why should I apply for the DTV under the workation category instead of for Muay Thai? 🤔
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the decision between applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) under the workation category versus a Muay Thai training visa. Users highlight that the workation option might offer more flexibility and fewer ongoing requirements to prove participation in activities, such as Muay Thai training. Some suggest that while the Muay Thai option might be easier to get approved, it comes with the risk of needing to demonstrate ongoing training to immigration officers. Overall, many users find workation to be a more practical choice for remote workers who may not want to commit to a physical activity long-term.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Stephen ********
They have said in a video they’re going to check details later, which I don’t think anyone’s done yet. But say in 2 years you’re no longer training at that gym, I personally would be nervous going through immigration, whereas just hold onto your employment contract and I would forsee less problems, plus don’t have to pay for the school.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
No worries, in two years I can prove that I have a company and enough funds to stay in the Kingdom, no-one will train Muay Thai forever (maybe elite pros, not laptop tourists 😂).
Stephen ********
@Rob ********
Well that’s my thoughts, I think the schools will be more scrutinised than the actual ‘workers’ as the point of the visa was for workers. At some embassy’s the person said: “why aren’t you getting the education visa” (from memory). This visa just seems like a glitch in the matrix.

And I mean, if you can just go in with an employment contract and a passport photo (proper one, as that’s what I was sent away for) and whatever else they ask and it’s just done, then yeah, no school fees, no visa agents, no BS just done for 5 years.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
Like I said before, in my case I will pay for Muay Thai training the same, but if you won't train Muay Thai, better use the workation option (I can choose both but for Muay Thai I have to show less docu).
Michael ********
I chose workcation so that I don’t have to continuously prove I’m doing X activity as I should be working regardless of activity. It’s a lot less hassle to pull out my laptop and show my income, which validates my visa, than prove I’m doing whatever I applied for (Muay Thai or cooking or health or whatever).

It doesn’t seem to be any problem now, but I just figured it’s best for me to select the one that best fits me for the next 5 years than do 6 months of an activity and potentially have to prove that I’m continuing said activity on extensions and re-entries.

With workcation I expect easier questions and answers- “what are you doing in Thailand?” Me: “my girlfriend is Thai” (or “I love coffee shops and elephants and Thai food and riding bikes and hiking here”). I can pull out my IG as proof. But with Muay Thai or something they might get strict and verify. No problem if you intend to do it or whatever for 5 years but the only thing I’m likely to keep doing in 3-4 years is work haha. My hobbies and activities might change.
Christopher ********
I’m asking myself the same question…. Why would they give a five year visa to someone not doing anything after 6. It really makes no sense tbh. What kinda things will spring up later as consequence?
Dom ********
Christopher ********
@Dom *******
of course but when they gonna change the rules to shake us down more ?
Dom ********
@Christopher *******
no I do completely agree with you. I’m on the soft power dtv with Muay Thai and whilst there’s no requirement to enforce anything it still worries me. Takes one immigration officer in a years time to ask for proof of training, then it’s game over even if im training but in a different gym
Christopher ********
@Dom *******
this is why I think I should apply with the job bc I’ll still have it.
Dom ********
@Christopher *******
yeah it makes sense. I went for soft power because whilst I work remotely with zero pressure to be on site, it’s not specifically mentioned in my contract and couldn’t be arsed with dealing with hr to get all the letters sorted 🤣 if you can prove you can work remotely just go down the workcation route 👍
Christopher ********
@Dom *******
I’m self employed and own the company, so it should be.
Anonymous ******************
Muay Thai is much easier to get approved.

If you choose muay thai the immigration officers may ask to see your switch kick randomly though.
Dom ********
I guess the main benefit of not doing the Muay Thai soft power option is you don’t have to pay for 6 months training upfront
Kool *******
@Dom *******
true, but currently there are no rules in place saying you have to attend classes.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dom *******
Yeah , but the Muay Thai course is not for 6 months, is a bonus of N classes that you can use in one month or two (I will get the confirmation on Saturday in the Muay Thai school). I think after 1 year if you choose the Muay Thai option at the beginning, it does not mean that you need to still get Muay Thai classes during the 5 years , you can prove remote work or cooking classes or whatever, who will train for 5 years ? No make sense 😆
Andi ***********
Sean *******
Doesn't matter what you apply under. You will get a 5 year multiple entry visa either way and can do Muay Thai, remote work, cooking class and even see a dentist.
David ********
@Sean ******
no it's not if you have a DTV it's multiple entry for 5 years you can come and go as you like. You talking without knowledge. Everytime you come back your 180 days is reset and no need to show any other paperwork . Just make sure the officer stamps your 180 days. That's the beauty of this visa and that's why everyone wants it now even Ed and retirement people are changing
Sean *******
@David *******
I know that mate I was fooling around with him . See my original comment.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
You still do not understand my point, and you are still comparing totally different situations . In Penang they rejected my DTV application (not banned), do you understand now the differences 😆? Those rejected with student visas was because they could not prove their language skills, I don't need to prove anything to enter with a non O to visit my family, are totally different situations.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
Well , ok mate, I won't explain again 😂, it is up to you.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
I was able to come to Thailand with another visa, so , I was not blacklisted, that's ridiculous.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
Haha, there are totally different situations and examples, when you are banned you cannot back the country with any Visa.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean ******
No it is not true, I never applied in London 😂, but I was rejected in Penang and the reason was the lack of information, possible I was the first one to apply in Penang and this thing did not help me too much, but basically I showed as proof of funds a trading account, and they wanted a bank, why I need to be in any black list for that 😂.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I understand, what in my case I could apply for both, because I am training Muay Thai and I also work remotely, so if I apply for Muay Thai (because it seems easier), I am not able to work remotely? 😂
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
The only issue would be if you extend via immigration where it is very likely you have to show continued activity. I have not seen any guidelines prohibiting soft power DTVers working online for foreign firms.
John *******
@Andi **********
It kind of makes sense. If exiting/entering the country, at what stage would they ask for documents? I have entered Thailand 7 times now and each stamp is a new 180 days. Is the IO supposed to calculate or find my first stamp and then ask for documents on the first entry 180 days after that first entry? That would be complicated. Furthermore, immigration lines at airports are not that conducive to analyzing documents, verifying if accurate, etc. However, if applying for an extension, Immigration clearly knows it has been 180 days and an immigration office is much more conducive to reviewing documents, etc.
Andi ***********
@John ******
I can understand immigration office checking but like you said airport immigration not set up for doc checks. Next year isn't an automated arrival entry system launched? That would further limit inspection of DTV docs on arrival.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
So if I pay now for a Muay Thai course for 6 months for example, and after that I won't take more Muay Thai classes, I just leave the country and come back without issues and proof that I am still paying for Muay Thai? Easy like that ? 🤔 It does not make sense 😂
James ********
@Rob ********
so far that's how I see it. Simple border bounce gets you a new 180 day stamp.
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
If you do a border run, you are very unlikely to be questioned for evidence of your DTV application. The Thai supervisor who approved my visa told me to do a border run as it is simple and requires no paperwork to be shown. Yes, it does not make sense in many ways but that is how it is for now .
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
Yeah, will see how long it takes to change the rules 😆
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
Yeah, there will be some changes for sure. I would view it like the
*****
k THB you are supposed to have on arrival. I have never been been asked to show that in over a decade of visits but I'm prepared for it, just in case.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
I was almost not allowed to reentry once because the officer said I had many stamps because COVID amnisty visas , all of them legitim but for him was too much, I was lucky but my friend with a legit student visa had to pay a flight back to Austria after try to come back from visiting the Philippines, so.. everything depends.
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
There were some exploiting the CV19 amnesty so I can see his concern. Good job getting thru, I know someone similar to you who was denied, very costly denial for him. Yep, the IO has the right to question arrivals and request evidence to support their entry.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
I prepared my company documents, but finally after all I read here, I think Muay Thai is the best option (for me at least ), thanks all you guys for the info shared.
James ********
@Rob ********
wise decision ✅ Just make sure the Muay Thai training gym meets the requirements for the DTV Visa and has been successful in getting the DTV visa for their students.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Yeah they do, but on Saturday I will have more information.
James ********
@Rob ********
Good Luck 🍀
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
you already are doing Muay Thai so makes sense..
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
Yeah that's what I mean, I will pay for Muay Thai yes or yes 😂
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
Your Gym has a record of DTV approvals?
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
Yeah, on Saturday they will explain to me how to proceed, I will update you here guys , no worries m
Andi ***********
@Rob ********
As they have a record of approvals then it will be an easy process.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In addition just saying that some Farangs with student visas were rejected to reentry because the officers asked to read in Thai a newspaper or proof of Thai language skills ,so ... everything always depends on the Thai officer at the border.
John *******
@Rob ********
While true, I would argue it is much easier for IO to quickly test your language skills, than review documents. Also, since most Thai language programs focus on speaking, would be shocked if those who are actually in language programs could read a newspaper.
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
Anyway is ridiculous, I know many Farangs (and myself ) that cannot read in Thai after many years here and after studying the Thai language, is totally ridiculous, but I just wanna say that they can do what they want, officers seems to be free to apply their own rules
Rob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
Yeah , testing my Muay Skills won't be easier as well 😂
Adam *****
@Rob ********
no you can still work remotely
James ********
@Adam ****
correct ✅
Dennis *********
If rules were to change. You might have to continue proving your training. Workation might only ask for paystub or proof of payment into your account

My guess and only a guess

Workation is harder in the beginning but I am thinking they don’t need to see employment contract and company registration again. It’s the 2 weeks cooking or 2 doctors appointment might be questionable 🤨 but we will see now in 2025
Greg ********
@Dennis ********
My view too. Workaytion hard slightly in the beginning but it is ongoing without paying for courses etc down the line if that is a requirement to prove soft power ongoing. Having said that "This is Thailand" and it is a fools errand to make definitive predictions.
Anonymous ******************
@Dennis ********
I would think the same as you.
Kool *******
It's not a question of which category to apply under. It is simply a matter of getting it as fast as you can. If you already have this new visa any changes made in the future won't apply to you as you're grandfathered in for the next five years. At that point any changes would affect you, but not before.
Christopher ********
@Kool ******
why wouldn’t they apply to you ? They can change anything they want
Dennis *********
@Kool ******
we are not 100% sure of grandfathered. But you might be right.

If they make changes to show proof I assume it would be after one year in DTV. My internal thinking only
Georges *****
@Kool ******
i quite think the same as you