Unanswered10 months ago
What are the best practices for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand while planning to work remotely and study Muay Thai?
Dear Admin and people, if there is anybody who feels share his/her perspective, suggestions, or law information would be great.
I came to thailand the first time in 2023 for a few months. In 2024 i staid in thailand with visa exemption/extension 5 months. In 2025 my idea was to spend the same amount of time but i ended up being in the country for more than 6 months because of medical check and surgery procedure, because, apparently, thailand is the most reliable place in Asia to do that.
I understand and agree to the fact that if people want to spend long time in thailand they have to get the proper visa. I wanted to adapt to the changes and i am gonna apply for DTV muay thai soft power + i can demonstrate that i am available to work from remote with clients in Europe so i can sustain myself.
I haven't been back in Europe since many years, simple because i am intrrested in eastern Traditional healthcare and i want to spend time in asia and study this.
Also, as many other people, i just don't want to live in the west, if i have another choice.
My muay thai course starts 12th january.
- Should i apply to the DTV beginning of january? It might make any difference if i apply in january rather than december?
- would it be usefu for the applicationl to mention in the letter that the reason i been more than 6 months in thailand this year is for medical reasons?
- it might help the application to say in the letter that I don't want to stay in thailand more than 5-6 months a year?
- it might help the application saying that my intention is to go back to Europe for some time next year ir even orovide a flight booking?
- except the 500k, the muay thai fee paid, and just describing that i can work anytime and sustain myself, what other things the embassy might look at to decide if application is approved or not?
Thanks
I came to thailand the first time in 2023 for a few months. In 2024 i staid in thailand with visa exemption/extension 5 months. In 2025 my idea was to spend the same amount of time but i ended up being in the country for more than 6 months because of medical check and surgery procedure, because, apparently, thailand is the most reliable place in Asia to do that.
I understand and agree to the fact that if people want to spend long time in thailand they have to get the proper visa. I wanted to adapt to the changes and i am gonna apply for DTV muay thai soft power + i can demonstrate that i am available to work from remote with clients in Europe so i can sustain myself.
I haven't been back in Europe since many years, simple because i am intrrested in eastern Traditional healthcare and i want to spend time in asia and study this.
Also, as many other people, i just don't want to live in the west, if i have another choice.
My muay thai course starts 12th january.
- Should i apply to the DTV beginning of january? It might make any difference if i apply in january rather than december?
- would it be usefu for the applicationl to mention in the letter that the reason i been more than 6 months in thailand this year is for medical reasons?
- it might help the application to say in the letter that I don't want to stay in thailand more than 5-6 months a year?
- it might help the application saying that my intention is to go back to Europe for some time next year ir even orovide a flight booking?
- except the 500k, the muay thai fee paid, and just describing that i can work anytime and sustain myself, what other things the embassy might look at to decide if application is approved or not?
Thanks
Summary so far
The user seeks advice on applying for a DTV visa in Thailand after an extended stay due to medical reasons. They ask if applying in January vs. December makes a difference, whether to mention their medical situation in the application, and if stating their intention to spend limited time in Thailand would help. Additionally, they inquire about what documentation might strengthen their application beyond financial proof and Muay Thai course fees.
22 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Wannikea *********
Suggest you choose your DTV scheme and apply immediately.
Anonymous *************
OP@Wannikea ********
i am leaving the country in a few days. What do you meant applying immediately? I will not enter with visa exemption, only with any visa i can get.Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant apply for DTV immediately, your Muay Thai course starts in a month.
John **********
Do not apply for soft power if you intend to work remotely from Thailand. You need to use the workation option to legally work like that
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
i don't intend to work remotely, i want to do muay thai training, but as i said below, some people i know have being asked proof of income even when applying for muay thai soft power. @Robert ******
working for Eu clients has nothing to do with Thailand and Thai jobs, and here comes the unclarity for me about the DTV. Anyways, i will apply for sift power. I already paid the school feeJohn **********
Anonymous participant you need to look up the definition of work in Thai law. Working in Thailand, remotely or otherwise, without permission is a breach of the law unless you have permission to do so via either a work permit or via an appropriate visa. A soft power dtv doesn't provide such permission
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
savings in my case 20k eurosJohn **********
Anonymous participant If the visa is issued for a soft power activity you need to have an independent means of support, it could be savings, dividends, income from rental properties, any sort of passive income really
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
if i understood well: DTV soft power (muay thai/cooking) precludes that you use your savings during your stay in Thailand, no work even online for Western clients is allowed right? Workacation option allows this? If soft power doesn't then, if the embassy ask you: "what do you plan to do after the muay thai course finish, and how do you intend to sustain yourself", how do you answer? Saying: 1) i can go back to my country to work and then come back to thailand 2) i could work online for clients in my home country and get some income ???Robert *******
Anonymous participant Iif you declare working on-line while you sit inside Thailand behind the computer, has nothing to do with Thailand.
It becomes very difficult to explain what and why a visa for Thailand is and must be used for.
It becomes very difficult to explain what and why a visa for Thailand is and must be used for.
Robert *******
Just based on this small piece of a long text:
" i can demonstrate that i am available to work from remote with clients in Europe so i can sustain myself. "
The correct purpose of the DTV would be Workcation as that is the only purpose to keep doing your on line work
You can train in your free time as therefor a special visa is not needed, any legal stay allows you to visit a gym.
" i can demonstrate that i am available to work from remote with clients in Europe so i can sustain myself. "
The correct purpose of the DTV would be Workcation as that is the only purpose to keep doing your on line work
You can train in your free time as therefor a special visa is not needed, any legal stay allows you to visit a gym.
Anonymous *************
OPDear
@Robert ******
it seems that having savings way over what is required, and paying the fee for 6 months muay thai training it might be not enough for the embassy, hence i mentioned that in case i feel is needed, i can do some little job to get some income. It Is not on paper? Well has been asked to a gew people i know. Yes, getting a 6 months stamp, and no hassle if you want to stay in the country more than 2 months, is nice. I feel things abput the DTV are a bit unclear, and together with this new enforcement policy it makes things more complicated. Nobody wants to throw in the bin 700€ and don't get the application approved. Would you? So just trying to understand embassies ppints of view anout this....
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer The visa fee is 350€ as far as I know, not 700€.
If you comply to workcation rules, that is by far your best option, it legally allows remote work, and technically you need to be entolled in soft power activity when you enter the country. When you border bounce this normally is not enforced, but what is enforced can always change without any further notice.
If you comply to workcation rules, that is by far your best option, it legally allows remote work, and technically you need to be entolled in soft power activity when you enter the country. When you border bounce this normally is not enforced, but what is enforced can always change without any further notice.
Robert *******
Anonymous participant and DTV_BegPecker
Every type of visa has their own requirements.
You can not mix and match requirements to do what ever you like.
Example the Non Immigrant with may different purposes, but lets just take the type O and mix a few:
based on visiting Thai Family you can apply for a work permit once inside Thailand to work, but based on volunteer you can only do volunteer work, but based on retirement you are not allowed to work.
If you do think the same logic as digital nomads think, you can apply for a Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement and than tell police you can not get a fine for speeding as you are dependent on your parents as child less than 15 years of age.
I know Digital Nomads claim the Thai law does not count for them as the Immigration act is made in 1979 and does not mention on-line working, but boys and girls in 1979 there was no internet, so wake up and stop your daily bs.
Accept things how they are, stop making excuses and telling about grey areas, and all is possible because you can use a keyboard and internet.
Get used to the fact that IF you keep breathing you might get old and have lots of life experience, learned many things, so you may be able to use that keyboard to help and inform young boys and girls chasing their day dreams.
Yes, old people can use keyboards and internet, it does not make you special.
Every type of visa has their own requirements.
You can not mix and match requirements to do what ever you like.
Example the Non Immigrant with may different purposes, but lets just take the type O and mix a few:
based on visiting Thai Family you can apply for a work permit once inside Thailand to work, but based on volunteer you can only do volunteer work, but based on retirement you are not allowed to work.
If you do think the same logic as digital nomads think, you can apply for a Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement and than tell police you can not get a fine for speeding as you are dependent on your parents as child less than 15 years of age.
I know Digital Nomads claim the Thai law does not count for them as the Immigration act is made in 1979 and does not mention on-line working, but boys and girls in 1979 there was no internet, so wake up and stop your daily bs.
Accept things how they are, stop making excuses and telling about grey areas, and all is possible because you can use a keyboard and internet.
Get used to the fact that IF you keep breathing you might get old and have lots of life experience, learned many things, so you may be able to use that keyboard to help and inform young boys and girls chasing their day dreams.
Yes, old people can use keyboards and internet, it does not make you special.
Anonymous *************
OPI think the bery reason for whoch exists the option sift power and workacation is because technicslly you can't work remote while on soft power learning?!
@Robert ******
maybe you could kindly provide ifficual statements about this?
DTV_Be*******
@Robert ******
Can you reference where you have seen that you can’t remote work if you apply for a soft power DTV?Anonymous *************
OPThere is no lie, there is just trying to understand the Thai embassies perspectives on what they require. I have savings 20k euros to spend. I have paid the muay thay course. I will go back to my home country to work if necessary
Robert *******
Anonymous participant You are not allowed to work inside Thailand.
What you do after the course finished is your choice, you can keep spending your savings while staying in Thailand to enjoy the life style.
OR leave Thailand to get an income to pay for daily life.
I understand you are hiding your name, but why do you have to ask us how to answer a Government Official, the truth helps a lot as you do not forget about which lie you told who.
What you do after the course finished is your choice, you can keep spending your savings while staying in Thailand to enjoy the life style.
OR leave Thailand to get an income to pay for daily life.
I understand you are hiding your name, but why do you have to ask us how to answer a Government Official, the truth helps a lot as you do not forget about which lie you told who.
Anonymous *************
OP@Luit ****************
@Robert ******
John Stanner if i understood well: DTV soft power (muay thai/cooking) precludes that you use your savings during your stay in Thailand, no work even online for Western clients is allowed right? Workacation option allows this? If soft power doesn't then, if the embassy ask you: "what do you plan to do after the muay thai course finish, and how do you intend to sustain yourself", how do you answer? Saying: 1) i can go back to my country to work and then come back to thailand 2) i could work online for clients in my home country and get some income ???Robert *******
Anonymous participant You meet the requirements and you get a visa.
About entries without any visa to work in Thailand is in my opinion a stupid game to play with stupid prices to win.
BUT some people love the thrill and anxiety of walking around as illegal alien in a foreign country. Thai jail might be different that the planned hotel room.
Each for their own.
About entries without any visa to work in Thailand is in my opinion a stupid game to play with stupid prices to win.
BUT some people love the thrill and anxiety of walking around as illegal alien in a foreign country. Thai jail might be different that the planned hotel room.
Each for their own.
Activity
6 joined6
people
Related
25What additional documents do I need to include for my DTV application to Thailand?
718653mo
What are the requirements and options for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand if you have savings but no proof of income?
1.5k1574mo
What is the process and experience of obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand for digital nomads?
809224mo
What are the steps and tips for successfully applying for a DTV visa workation in Thailand?
6.2k59525mo
What is the best approach for a Polish citizen applying for a DTV visa in Thailand from the UK or nearby countries?
511365mo
What are the best embassy options for a remote worker looking to apply for a visa to Thailand?
1.4k10155mo
What documents are typically required for a Thai workation visa application through Upwork?
412246mo
What are the best tips for applying for a DTV visa for Muay Thai training in Thailand?
3.5k31296mo
What is the process and requirements for applying for a DTV visa for remote work in Thailand?
3k21409mo
How long does it take to get the DTV Soft Power Muay Thai Visa approved through the Hanoi Embassy?
2.4k18249mo
What should I do if I'm a beginner trying to apply for a DTV visa for Muay Thai training in Thailand?
1.7k15119mo
What are the best countries to apply for a DTV visa from if I'm settling in Thailand for muay thai training?
941769mo
What steps can I take to increase my chances of getting a soft power DTV visa approved from Hanoi?
3k24329mo
What was the application process like for a DTV Visa in Hanoi?
3.4k156310mo
How can I successfully apply for a Workation DTV visa in Thailand from Vietnam?
530161y
How does the DTV Visa work for a 5-year duration in Thailand?
1.2k1051y
Is frequent travel outside Thailand an issue for DTV holders?
3.4k22471y
What should I know about applying for the DTV (Soft Power Muay Thai) Visa while currently in Indonesia?
544221y
Is a DTV visa the same for remote workers and soft power, and can I work while on a Muay Thai course in Thailand?
1.2k1121y
How can I successfully apply for a DTV visa while working remotely from Thailand?
1.4k4201y
How can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand through the Muay Thai route?
3k18402y
What is the process for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
3.4k18342y
Do I need to sign up for 6 months for a DTV visa for Muay Thai classes from LA, or is 1 month sufficient?
831362y
What are the experiences of others applying for the DTV soft power visa using certificates from specific programs?
926432y
What do I need to apply for a DTV visa for Muay Thai training in Thailand?
1k462y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served