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What activities qualify for Thailand's DTV 'soft power' visa category, and what happens if I quit my Muay Thai course?

Thailand DTV Visa Thai Soft Power Muay Thai Visa Visa Requirements Expat Information Immigration Sports Visa Non-O Visa Cultural Activities

Mar 9, 2026

2 months ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a few questions regarding the DTV 'soft power' category.

Does it only apply to Muay Thai and cooking? Or can it also include gym courses, swimming, tennis, or other sports? I’ve also read that some people received the DTV because they are undergoing treatment with a dentist or another doctor.

The second issue: let's say I sign up for Muay Thai and get the visa. What if after a month I decide I don't want to get beaten up anymore and I quit the course?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV 'soft power' visa category is primarily associated with activities that are culturally significant to Thailand, such as Muay Thai and cooking. It is unlikely that swimming, tennis, or other non-culturally significant sports would be included. Additionally, some individuals have received a DTV visa while undergoing medical treatments. If a person moves forward with a Muay Thai training course and later decides to quit, it appears there are no strict requirements to continue with the activity, as the visa does not enforce participation after approval.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Gem *********

I’ve been reaching out to different places that are known to provide the certificate letter bc I’m looking for yoga/meditation/sound healing kind of stuff. Haven’t heard back yet but very hard to find info on the wellness route

2 months ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Gem Brandon did you find something?

2 months ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Graeme *******

Will you even attend.

2 months ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Graeme Drake yes. I want to choose something what I will attend.

2 months ago

Graeme *******

Michael Villin ok

2 months ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Graeme Drake thank you

2 months ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Waqas ******

Buddy just take Ed visa in cheap cost it is amazing visa you can stay here in Thailand for 8 month and you have to pay only 1K dollar to school

2 months ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Waqas Shaw what are you talking about. ED is one of worst visa and very expensive

2 months ago

Atrustwor*********

Waqas Shaw Ed visa has to attend school classes, maybe does not want to commit to classes. 8 months for 1k dollars DTV 5 years multi entry for 10k baht

2 months ago

Reply to

Atrustwor*********

Chris ********

Once approved for the visa you have 5 years to do as you wish, so far there's no rules or checks requiring you keep any soft power active

2 months ago

Brandon ************

Soft power is exactly what it says. Soft power that promotes Thailand. Swimming and tennis have nothing to do with Thailand and are not Thai soft power.

Muay Thai gyms also have nothing to do with getting beaten up. There's zero requirement to fight anyone. You're just training. It's a gym.

2 months ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

in my opinion tennis and swimming are sport training

2 months ago

Brandon ************

@Michael *******

your opinion is irrelevant. Neither of those are Thai soft power. How does tennis advance and promote Thailand? It doesn't.

2 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************