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Should I change my DTV visa application from KL to Hanoi due to strict requirements?

Aug 5, 2025
2 days ago
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Need some advice. I applied for the DTV (Soft Power – Thai language) on July 31 and arrived in KL on August 3. So far, no updates. I called the embassy and was told:

* Proof of 6 months accommodation in Thailand is mandatory for all applicants (they’ll request it later)

* Most applicants are called in for an interview

* Processing time is usually a month

I own a condo in Thailand but don’t have the title deed or blue book with me — didn’t realize they’d be required. Given that, is it worth scrapping my KL application and restarting in Hanoi instead (same visa type)?

KL is draining. The embassy here is 100% stricter, and I’d rather not waste a month waiting for an interview that doesn’t guarantee approval. Open to any thoughts.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is seeking advice regarding their DTV visa application in Kuala Lumpur, where they face strict requirements and no progress after nearly a month. They are particularly challenged by the need for proof of 6 months accommodation in Thailand, which they cannot provide as they don't have their title deed or blue book. They are considering scrapping their application in KL and starting anew in Hanoi, where different requirements may be in place. Commenters share experiences of the KL embassy's strictness and differing requirements from other embassies.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Anonymous ******************
@Degen *****
can you have someone in Thailand help you? Guide them to where the paper work is, take photos send?
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Definitely possible. This is what I've done, hopefully those will suffice as proof of 6-months accommodation
Anonymous ******************
What embassy did you put on the application? KL? I’ve heard not great things about the processing time.
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ya.... KL. Advised by my agent, and then read everything about KL online after I had arrived. I personally wouldn't recommend it as you need additional documents as per their embassy requirements (
*****************************************************************************


The 2 non-standard ones for soft power applications:

5. Proof of prolonged residence in Thailand for at least 6 months, such as a condominium rental

7. Proof of salary slip/monthly income for the last 6 months.
Anonymous ******************
Seems like some embassies don’t want people coming & spending money here.

They complain about the economy, but make the process for coming prohibitive.

Maybe people will start going somewhere else?
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 267 The oddest thing to me is that there is a standard set of required documents for soft power applications, but then each embassy is allowed to modify those or tack on additional requirements. For example, the standard says 3 months bank proof of 500,000, but some embassies are asking for 6 months. Kinda crazy that embassies are allowed to ask for things not included in the standard requirements.
ScenicPer*********
How are you the owner of a condo and you don't have access to proof?
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
ScenicPersimmon526 Title deed + blue books are in Thailand. Agent didn't tell me these were needed, and I take responsibility for not having digital copies in phone or on Google Drive.
ScenicPer*********
@Degen *****
Hopefully it works out in your favor. They are denying people for added a comma in the wrong place. 🤦🏾‍♀️
Muay *************
KL behave like you are applying for a job as the ambassador himself !
Anonymous ******************
Fascinating that proof of 6 months accommodation is required when some Thailand visa "experts" claim the DTV isn't intended for living in Thailand full time.
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 398 Ya KL is exception. Other embassies (from what I've read) aren't asking for this, or at most, some hotel booking but certainly not for 6 months
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 398 It is one embassy asking for that. It is an outlier.
Andi ***********
Kl is infamous for being the strictest embassy for approval. Not seen a Thai language course issued under the DTV.
John **********
Where were you when you applied?
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I applied in Chiang Mai on July 31st, then flew to KL on Sunday (Aug 3). They still haven't asked for proof of location (exit/entry stamp)
John *******
@Degen *****
- Proof of location is part of the initial application. What did you supply?
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
AirBNB booking and flight for Malaysia. I read that most embassies later request all pages in passport, which includes exit / entry stamp, but status is still "pending document check" and no request for further documents
John **********
@Degen *****
when they ask to see your stamps they will know you applied from inside Thailand which is not allowed
Alex *********
@Degen *****
dude, you are required to be already in the country at the time of the application. It's very likely you're gonna be rejected cuz you've applied while in Thailand.
John **********
@Degen *****
you stand a very high chance of being rejected in my view, you must be in the country when you apply and remain in that country until the process completes
Nick ******
Thai Language as SP? Interesting. May I ask for the details of that school, please?
Degen ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
RAK THAI LANGUAGE SCHOOL — done through Hand to Hand Combat in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Not sure why they recommended I come to KL as it is the most difficult embassy to get approval from. Apparently the agent didn't realize they required extra docs compared to standard list most embassies want
Nick ******
@Degen *****
Yeah, that's weird indeed. Mine made me go to Hanoi and all was easily done in 3 days, less than 2 months ago, through Thai Cooking activities. I hope you'll have some good news soon, buddy.