What are the best steps to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand while managing passport issues and training options?

Question

Looking for advice on getting a DTV visa for Thailand

I’ve spent 4 months in Thailand this year. I’m currently traveling in Spain and Portugal, and plan to head back to Thailand in October for 2 months before returning to the US.

Question 1 – When and where to apply:

Should I apply for the DTV visa now while I’m in Europe?

My passport is running out of pages soon. I’ve read (and ChatGPT confirmed) that they can put the visa in my old passport, and I’d just show both the old and new passports when traveling. But I’d rather avoid extra confusion with border agents and keep it all in one passport if possible.

Is this a big deal — should I wait until next year when I have my new passport, or just go ahead and apply now?

I’ve also considered just going with the digital nomad option, but I’m concerned about Thai taxes. Based on what I’ve read, I likely wouldn’t owe anything, but I’d still prefer to avoid being in their tax system altogether.

Question 2 – Muay Thai option:

I qualify for the DTV in a few ways, but I’m most interested in the Muay Thai option since it seems to require less financial disclosure.

My gym has a program, but it’s 37,000 THB per week for only 2 training sessions a week. I currently train 5 privates a week for only 5,000 THB, so that cost makes no sense.

Do I have to stick with one approved gym to qualify, and do I have to stay enrolled in their program for the whole visa? Or can I train independently?

I really do train 5 days a week — I’m not trying to scam the system — but at 37k per week, I might as well just get the Elite Visa.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice on applying for a DTV visa while currently in Europe and has questions regarding their passport and Muay Thai training conditions. They inquire if applying now is advisable given their passport issues, or if they should wait until they have a new passport. They are considering the Muay Thai option for the DTV visa but find the costs prohibitive. The responses suggest renewing the passport before applying in the US for a smoother process and clarify requirements related to the Muay Thai program.

Ron ********** · Answer

1. Why are you waiting for a year until your new passport? Just get a new one straight away. You don’t have to wait for expiry.

2. The price per week for muai Thai is excessive. And surely incorrect??

Muay ************* · Answer

37000 baht a week for muay thai, is that correct? We charge 15,000 baht for a 6 month course. Shop around

A. ************ · Answer

Renew your passport when you get back to the US then apply for the DTV. Applying while traveling adds a bit of complexity (sending photos of passport pages and proof of hotel reservations). Applying while in the US simplifies that part.

Also, whichever MT school you get the DTV through is the one you have to stick with and you better go. I think the school is required to report it if you dont show which will probably lead to the cancelation of your  visa.

Finally, the course you mentioned does seem exce$$ive. Not certain where you are trying to live, but it might be worth it to live someplace like Bangkok for a bit so you have more options that might be more budget friendly.

Robert *********** · Answer

Get your visa back in the states after you renew your passport. The consulates/embassy in the US is alot more lenient especially when it comes to showing money in the bank.  You don't need to show 3, 6 , or 12 months of balance. For now I would just return on visa on arrival or pay for a tourist visa depending on how long you have been out of the country.

Henrik ***** · Answer

Use some time to read earlier post in the group, there you will find many many answers to those questions.

John ********** · Answer

I would renew your passport before applying for the DTV, even though you don't get a physical stamp/sticker in it the electronic visa does reference your passport number so you would need to carry both passports for the duration of the visa. From a tax perspective it makes no difference which route you use to apply, Thailand has a remittance based tax system so totally depends on the income you bring in in any year you are a tax resident

Greg ******** · Answer

Why not wait until in USA, get the new passport and Workaytion there. Your worry about Thai taxes is misplaced

DTV_Be******* · Answer

For most Thai embassies in Europe, you have to be a resident of that country to apply.

Elías ******** · Answer

The visa is a PDF file, BTW never ever believe ChatGPT for serious things as visas, taxes, laws... Whether you can apply in Spain or Portugal will depend on whether the Thai embassies there accept applications from tourists or only from national/residents. You need to directly enquire with them. Many Thai embassies in Europe won't accept application from tourists, meaning you don't have an official residence status in that country.

VZ **** · Answer

I can highly recommend House of Taste in BKK for a DTV soft skills thai cooking course, it doesnt matter where you apply for it as long as it is outside of thailand. If you are only returning to thailand for 2 months you dont need a DTV visa which is basically eligble for 5 years, just get a visa on arrival for 30 days and extend it another 30 days at the immigration office in thailand

What are the best steps to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand while managing passport issues and training options?

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