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What are the best strategies for applying for the DTV Visa in Thailand, particularly through the Soft Power route?
DTV VisaSoft Power VisaThai Visa ApplicationRemote Work in ThailandMuay ThaiCooking ClassesLanguage Courses in ThailandVisa Rejection Rates
Apr 9, 2026
21 days ago
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello fellow nomads! 👋
I’d really appreciate some words of advice:)
First a little background info (feel free to skip😅):
I originally planned to move straight to Bangkok and apply for the DTV in Hanoi. But after arriving here about a month ago, I realized it might not be the best idea to commit to Bangkok without ever having been there. So I planned to spend 2–3 months in Bangkok first and then decide whether I prefer Bangkok or Vietnam.
However, I’ve now found out that my line of work (prop firm trading) is not allowed in Vietnam. So that leaves Thailand/Bangkok as the only option since I'm not interested in other countries at the moment.
________________________________________________________
Current plan:
I'm flying to Da Nang on the 12th and I'm planning to stay there until the 15th of May (as of now). I'm planning to apply for the DTV via the Soft Power route. I’m not sure yet whether to choose Muay Thai or a cooking class, as I do genuinely intend to participate in the course (unlike some, from what I've read😅).
I also saw that it’s possible to apply for the DTV Soft Power route through a language (and culture study) course. I’d love to hear if anyone has experience with that, as I plan to start learning Thai ASAP. But if this has a higher rejection rate I would pass on it. So I would like to hear your thoughts on that.
Secondly, does Hanoi really have the lowest rejection rate (in Vietnam)? Or is this just fairy tales.. Asking because like I said I did initially plan to apply here, but now due to plans unexpectedly changing, I will apply in Da Nang as it is more convenient. However if it's true I will just go back to Hanoi, to apply here.
And lastly, I could see that a IO could imply that I'm "abusing" the DTV Visa since I've never been there yet (I'm saying this because I've seen rejection posts, while allegedly, every piece of documentation was provided correctly). So would it be better to visit, before applying?
I hope I didn't bore you with my extensive writing😅
I’d really appreciate some words of advice:)
First a little background info (feel free to skip😅):
I originally planned to move straight to Bangkok and apply for the DTV in Hanoi. But after arriving here about a month ago, I realized it might not be the best idea to commit to Bangkok without ever having been there. So I planned to spend 2–3 months in Bangkok first and then decide whether I prefer Bangkok or Vietnam.
However, I’ve now found out that my line of work (prop firm trading) is not allowed in Vietnam. So that leaves Thailand/Bangkok as the only option since I'm not interested in other countries at the moment.
________________________________________________________
Current plan:
I'm flying to Da Nang on the 12th and I'm planning to stay there until the 15th of May (as of now). I'm planning to apply for the DTV via the Soft Power route. I’m not sure yet whether to choose Muay Thai or a cooking class, as I do genuinely intend to participate in the course (unlike some, from what I've read😅).
I also saw that it’s possible to apply for the DTV Soft Power route through a language (and culture study) course. I’d love to hear if anyone has experience with that, as I plan to start learning Thai ASAP. But if this has a higher rejection rate I would pass on it. So I would like to hear your thoughts on that.
Secondly, does Hanoi really have the lowest rejection rate (in Vietnam)? Or is this just fairy tales.. Asking because like I said I did initially plan to apply here, but now due to plans unexpectedly changing, I will apply in Da Nang as it is more convenient. However if it's true I will just go back to Hanoi, to apply here.
And lastly, I could see that a IO could imply that I'm "abusing" the DTV Visa since I've never been there yet (I'm saying this because I've seen rejection posts, while allegedly, every piece of documentation was provided correctly). So would it be better to visit, before applying?
I hope I didn't bore you with my extensive writing😅
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user seeks advice on applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, specifically through the Soft Power route, after realizing that their intended work in Vietnam isn't allowed. They are considering either a Muay Thai or cooking class and inquire about the legitimacy and rejection rates for Soft Power applications compared to applying in Hanoi. Community responses suggest varying experiences with visa applications across different locations, highlighting that the DTV via Soft Power is generally not intended for those looking to work remotely, as this applies more strictly to cultural engagement. Members share insights about the complexities of remote work and visa regulations in Thailand.
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.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Mason *******
You're allowed to work remotely if you apply via soft power. Ignore the pensioners who say you can't, they don't even have a DTV.
Mason *******
From a soft power application 👍
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7/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6vJermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mason ******
Yeah I figured that most people won't be in a foreign country for 1-5 years without any sort of income😂. But thanks for the clarification, it did got me thinking just a little bit🙏🏽Mason *******
@Jermaine *********
Exactly, some embassies even require remote work income for soft power applications. And there's people on here who think it's not allowed, crazy.Reply to
Mason *******
Reply
Rusty ****************
I feel like trading income would be a tough sell to immigration so agree the soft power route seems more likely to succeed. Best of luck!
John **********
If you plan to work remotely from Thailand you need to apply for the DTV using the Workation option to do so legally. Soft power is for cultural activities such as Muay Thai, Thai cooking, etc not for work.
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm not able to apply via the Workation option as I'm not making any sustainable income yet, also I've read here that it's very hard for traders to apply via Workation even if they do
John **********
@Jermaine *********
then you need to keep your head downJermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
How so? By taking the Soft Power option?John **********
@Jermaine *********
yes, the soft power option is not to allow you to work remotely, it's to allow you to follow whatever soft power activity you sign up for. You seem worried about the legal aspect and in my view the only DTV option that gives you legal status to work remotely from Thailand is the Workation optionJohn **********
@Jermaine *********
never rely on what AI tells you with regards Thai visas, there is so much misinformation out there that its misleading at best. The fact is you apply for a DTV for a purpose, and the DTV is granted for that purpose. Do people work remotely who have been granted a DTV based on Soft Power, yes they do. Do people who have been granted a Retirement Visa work remotely, yes they do. But these are at best grey areas, which is why I suggested keeping your head down.Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Clear, thanks!Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I see, but yeah I wasn't planning on going the workation option as I know I won't be able to qualify for itReply to
Jermaine **********
Reply
A. ************
From what I've been seeing, Hanoi seems to be rejecting a lot of soft power applications lately, so might be better to apply to the office that covers Danang (HCMC?).
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTERA. Nony Mous Aaah okay, thanks for the input!!🙏🏽
Reply to
Jermaine **********
Reply
Robert *******
You are not allowed to trade in Vietnam, so Vietnam is NO option.
Thailand does not allow you to trade, but that became no detail in your plans.
Working illegal in Thialand seems no issue.
What is the difference between Vietnam and Thailand,?
Why is being illegal in one country a huge problem and in another country no issue?
Thailand does not allow you to trade, but that became no detail in your plans.
Working illegal in Thialand seems no issue.
What is the difference between Vietnam and Thailand,?
Why is being illegal in one country a huge problem and in another country no issue?
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
Trading isn't illegal in Vietnam nor Thailand. The companies I trade for don't allow trading in Vietnam allegedly due to lots of scammers🤷🏽♂️. They do allow it from ThailandKevin ****************
@Jermaine *********
I know someone who lives in Thailand for the past few years and he trades full-time not sure what visa he has.Robert *******
@Jermaine *********
Do you really think that becasue the company allows you to trade, it is okay with the Thai Government?You need the correct visa and work permit.
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
Yes, I'm allowed to earn foreign income on DTV. Thanks for your input👍🏽Robert *******
@Jermaine *********
Yep, but not this one " I'm planning to apply for the DTV via the Soft Power route."Check again and try to find remote worker
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
So what would you suggest I should do? I'm not making any money at the moment btwRobert *******
@Jermaine *********
Your choice, follow the rules or play games.Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
???? What😂Reply to
Jermaine **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
why did you decide to apply with soft power instead of your work?
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonieme deelnemer 931 Not making (consistent) income from trading. And seems lots of fun to do a course
Reply to
Jermaine **********
Reply
Greg ********
He only language and culture course I have seen being used is TSL in Chiang Mai unless anyone is aware of others?
Jermaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
I saw one from prolanguage bangkok, don't know if they are legit thoGreg ********
@Jermaine *********
I would look at their success details. I know TSL has people on DTV but many more on Ed.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
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