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What are the best strategies for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand, especially for applicants from sensitive countries?
Thai visaED visaDTV visavisa application processinterview requirementssensitive countriesexpat experiencesThai immigrationdocument preparationagent vs self-application
Mar 26, 2026
a month ago
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTERExperience sharing
In the past few days, some agents have shared their experience with me. If you apply on your own, it’s better to go to an embassy where interviews are required, as it tends to increase your chances. I’ve done a lot of research in different groups, and even people from the gym suggested applying in Hanoi.
However, in reality, Hanoi is not a good location—especially for applicants from “sensitive” countries (you know what I mean). So for those preparing their application materials by themselves, it’s better to choose places where interviews are part of the process.
If you’re not confident, it’s probably safer to use an agent. Honestly, there are only a handful of countries in the world where the rule of law truly prevails.
I spent a lot of time handling my visa application on my own, and the cost was no less than going through an agent—yet I still got rejected. Now I’m planning to apply for an ED (education) visa again, pay an agent, let them handle the process with the Thai immigration authorities, and everyone walks away satisfied.
And as a Chinese citizen, I probably understand Thailand’s “differences” better than people from developed countries or English-speaking regions. I’ve experienced it firsthand.
Of course, if you’ve never really stayed in Thailand before, your chances might be completely different from what I’m describing.
— The gap between reality and ideals is huge.
May everyone get what they want.
In the past few days, some agents have shared their experience with me. If you apply on your own, it’s better to go to an embassy where interviews are required, as it tends to increase your chances. I’ve done a lot of research in different groups, and even people from the gym suggested applying in Hanoi.
However, in reality, Hanoi is not a good location—especially for applicants from “sensitive” countries (you know what I mean). So for those preparing their application materials by themselves, it’s better to choose places where interviews are part of the process.
If you’re not confident, it’s probably safer to use an agent. Honestly, there are only a handful of countries in the world where the rule of law truly prevails.
I spent a lot of time handling my visa application on my own, and the cost was no less than going through an agent—yet I still got rejected. Now I’m planning to apply for an ED (education) visa again, pay an agent, let them handle the process with the Thai immigration authorities, and everyone walks away satisfied.
And as a Chinese citizen, I probably understand Thailand’s “differences” better than people from developed countries or English-speaking regions. I’ve experienced it firsthand.
Of course, if you’ve never really stayed in Thailand before, your chances might be completely different from what I’m describing.
— The gap between reality and ideals is huge.
May everyone get what they want.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post shares insights on the visa application process for expats, especially those from sensitive countries like China. It suggests opting for embassies where interviews are mandatory to improve chances of approval. The author recounts their personal struggles with the application and the high rejection rate for certain nationalities, especially in Hanoi. There is a consensus in comments that having proper documentation is crucial, and although some advise using agents, others believe that with sufficient guidance and preparation, it is possible to apply independently. Experiences vary by individual circumstances and embassy locations.
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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Kim *****
i don't know my but I know some friends who got DTV with cooking class. My friends are from SE Asia just to give you context. I am on DTV workcation so when I saw how easy they got their DTV, I felt like workcation is the most complicated. Cooking schools also offer money back guarantee if your application gets rejected. Of course, with the tuition for for cooking courses or muay thai, you are taking out more money especially if you really don't want to take those classes, only getting them for DTV purposes. But if you really like it, then it's a win-win. One of my SE Asian friend did her DTV application two weeks ago in Laos - she enrolled to a herb mixing class - tuition is THB 18,000 only. She got her DTV after a week. Haha.
Axel *******
If you have the right documents and put a little bit of effort into the application you will have a high chance of success. There really is no need for an agent. A step by step guide with checklist and cover letter templates will guide you through it. Check out dtvquickdotcom
Nick *********
I went to Laos for exactly this reason. Vientiane Thai embassy in Laos interviews every Dtv applicant so you have a chance to explain stuff or correct stuff etc. took a bit longer (I was there a month) but totally worth it.
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ********
Absolutely right！Reply to
Cui ******
Reply
Sky ***************
You are absolutely right.
Applicants from more sensitive countries such as China, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, some Middle Eastern countries, and certain African countries do not have the same experience with the Thai Embassy in Hanoi as Western countries.
However, to be honest, at the Thai Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City, applicants from many Western countries sometimes face more difficulties obtaining a visa than those from so-called “sensitive” nationalities. It all depends on personal circumstances and the specific Thai embassy location — not everyone has the same experience.
If your documents are in very good order, your chances of approval are higher at Thai embassies that require interviews. Also, a previous rejection does not have a strong negative impact if you reapply immediately at a different Thai embassy that conducts interviews. Just make sure your documents are well-prepared — it’s best to have them reviewed by an experienced agent or school.
Regarding obtaining an ED visa now — yes, it is still possible. However, with a Chinese passport, two previous ED visas, and a rejection, I would not say it is impossible to obtain a DTV visa in the future, but it will be significantly more difficult based on your current history. Thai embassies are increasingly aware of ED visa abuse, especially among certain nationalities.
We recommend reapplying, but you should first have your documents reviewed by experienced professionals who can suggest improvements and advise on the most suitable embassy location for your case.
Applicants from more sensitive countries such as China, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, some Middle Eastern countries, and certain African countries do not have the same experience with the Thai Embassy in Hanoi as Western countries.
However, to be honest, at the Thai Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City, applicants from many Western countries sometimes face more difficulties obtaining a visa than those from so-called “sensitive” nationalities. It all depends on personal circumstances and the specific Thai embassy location — not everyone has the same experience.
If your documents are in very good order, your chances of approval are higher at Thai embassies that require interviews. Also, a previous rejection does not have a strong negative impact if you reapply immediately at a different Thai embassy that conducts interviews. Just make sure your documents are well-prepared — it’s best to have them reviewed by an experienced agent or school.
Regarding obtaining an ED visa now — yes, it is still possible. However, with a Chinese passport, two previous ED visas, and a rejection, I would not say it is impossible to obtain a DTV visa in the future, but it will be significantly more difficult based on your current history. Thai embassies are increasingly aware of ED visa abuse, especially among certain nationalities.
We recommend reapplying, but you should first have your documents reviewed by experienced professionals who can suggest improvements and advise on the most suitable embassy location for your case.
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sky **************
Thanks for your help.I pretty much agree with what my previous agent said: "The DTV immigration office makes very little money, so they're not interested, but they make a lot more from ED visas"So I decided to pay extra to save time.James ********
@Cui *****
what is your plan now? Suggest you ask THIS agent their thoughts on getting the DTV visa for Muay Thai training in Vientiane...But the gym is in Pattaya m
Please let us know what you do and the outcome. Thank you 😊
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
I'm on my way from Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur to experience the beauty of the world😄Then when I get back to Thailand, I'll solve everything with money. As for the 30,000 Thai baht I spent on Muay Thai.I'm getting ready to study.That's my plan for now - any extra money I spend is just treating myself to a fell the world😁Reply to
Cui ******
Reply
James ********
Don't get the Ed Visa.. it's problematic and EXPENSIVE.
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
yes And you need to pay return visa every time you leave the country. And you have to pay to enter Thailand.James ********
@Cui *****
and when you have the Ed Visa in your passport. Don't leave Thailand. If you do you will likely be questioned by Thai Immigration Officers, in Thai... why you are not attending classes and passing tests. It's happening... with denied entryCui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Taking the Thai language exam is just one of the ways they make things difficult. I've been learning English since elementary school, and 20 years in, I still can't communicate.😆😆😆Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
It need to pay money.That's their real goal - not crime prevention😆Kool *******
@Cui *****
10-15 years ago that was true, but not anymore. Now it is keep the bad people out. Also the best Thai embassy to apply for the dtv now is the Thai embassy in Yangon Myanmar.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
It's not entirely the immigration department's fault either - if I really spoke fluent Thai, I wouldn't have to pay them every time.Kool *******
@Cui *****
with an ED visa you must pay them bt1900 every 90 days to extend it, unless you are actually going to a university. You didn't qualify for the dtv, and whether you spoke Thai fluently would not have changed anything. You are not given special privileges if you speak Thai. That has never happened with immigration.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
Speaking fluent Thai might get you exempted from paying when entering the country.The ED visa is for actual classes，I just can't learn it.The money paid to the agent includes these fees.It used to be about 60,000 Thai baht a year, but I don't know what it's nowKool *******
@Cui *****
you do not pay anything when entering the country. Only a very few countries enter on VOA at bt2000 anymore, and China is not one of them, and never has been. You have never been required to pay a fee at immigration to enter the country. You simply are not qualified to stay in Thailand long term, and are trying to scam the system to stay here.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
If you always watch the news instead of experiencing real life, the information you get will always be wrong.If you don't admit it.Why was I rejected when I signed up for a real Thai boxing class and had enough money. Don't let misinformation in the news abandon you.Kool *******
@Cui *****
you did something wrong to get rejected, and it had nothing yo do with your past entries, unless you had multiple overstays. You get down to reality. Thailand doesn't want you here. You can't accept that fact.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
never overstay 😅The 90-day foreigner report was submitted on time too.You have absolutely no idea about Asian countries😅Different cultures.I yearn for civilization, the rule of law, and democracy.But this isn't the place.Even Singapore isn't exactly like that.Drug dealing here can be settled with money.Do you know about this?Same principle applies hereJames ********
@Cui *****
àre you wanting to get the DTV visa or not ?Speaking unkindly about Thai Immigration is not helpful to you.
Where are you living in Thailand?
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Grandpa, I'm living in Pattaya 😁James ********
@Cui *****
you are one amazing person. While I try to find a way for you to get the DTV visa, you call me grandpa in a disrespectful manner towards me and Thailand too 😥I wish you success in getting the DTV visa. Good Luck 🍀
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
😆From your photos, it looks like we're a lot older than each other.In China, it's normal to call elders "grandpa" as a sign of respect.Cultural differences can lead to a lot of misunderstandingsJames ********
@Cui *****
I'm 82 and have 2 sons and 2 grandchildren in the USA. Retired in Thailand 22 years ago.I'm pleased to be of help whenever I can. I contribute to this forum. And I have served for several years as Moderator on 4 other Thai Visa Advice related Facebook forums.
Suggest you try again ... this time at Vientiane.
Go to the gym and start training sessions with photos of you in training.
Provide letter to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane that while in Pattaya you visited the gym... participated in training for a month and really want to continue to train with the DTV visa.
You wish to really learn Muay Thai.
Have the gym instructor write a letter in support of your effort to continue with Muay Thai training with the DTV visa.
With his photos with you in Muay Thai shorts and gear in the gym.
Good Luck with your application. 🍀🍀🍀🍀
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
No worries, I'm training in Thailand for a year. I'll apply again next year - what reason do they have to turn me downJames ********
@Cui *****
there could be changes to the DTV visa. That's why...do it now ...with the current DTV Visa rules, it's possible.James ********
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
I applied in Hanoi on the 18th，Let me get the English bank statement on the 19th.Rejected on the 25th.I have 1.8 million Thai baht in cny on this bank card. The Muay Thai invitation is also official.Reply to
Cui ******
Reply
Marcelo ***********
I applied in Hanoi last week, easy!
If you have the documents required and invoice of proof, they give you, mine in 7 business days was approved!
They just request my Brazilian statement to check then approved. Entered in Thailand with out any question very smooth.
If you have how to proof your online work and have the money they give you, easy!
*i was in Thailand last year doing visa run, I have many stamps in my passport for the last 4 years.
If you have the documents required and invoice of proof, they give you, mine in 7 business days was approved!
They just request my Brazilian statement to check then approved. Entered in Thailand with out any question very smooth.
If you have how to proof your online work and have the money they give you, easy!
*i was in Thailand last year doing visa run, I have many stamps in my passport for the last 4 years.
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marcelo **********
I have enough money in my bank account. I signed up for a 12-month Thai boxing class for 30,000 baht. Everything is real.I got my previous ED language visa to live in Thailand, and I wasn't really into learning a language.But I like sports, and I've been working out for over 5 years.😆😆The world is just so amazing.
Tommy **********
Good luck mate. But the attitude of I’ll get an ed visa but can’t be arsed learning the language or integrating. It’s precisely this attitude that freeloaders have and frankly I’m not surprised you’re getting rejected. There’s thousands similar and I’m sure if they could they would reject more.
It’s like going to a party and not talking to anyone. Just stay home or add value.
I hope you get the visa and learn the language a bit. If I was in china that’s what I would be doing, despite the potentially less warm response than the lovely thai people.
Good luck all the same. 😏
It’s like going to a party and not talking to anyone. Just stay home or add value.
I hope you get the visa and learn the language a bit. If I was in china that’s what I would be doing, despite the potentially less warm response than the lovely thai people.
Good luck all the same. 😏
Wonder ******
Could be the like the remote workers more than the soft-power course route? And combination with certain nationalities, indeed...
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wonder *****
Nationality is definitely one of the important factors in approvalReply to
Cui ******
Reply
Sky ***************
@Cui *****
12 months course not always better especially for certain Thai embassies and certain nationalities. In a more positive way works better 6 to 9 months course or 6 months with extra workshops.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sky **************
I'll only go through an agentIf i don't know English, it's basically like being isolated from the world. So it's easy to make money in ChineseReply to
Cui ******
Reply
Soso *****
@Cui *****
and still you got rejected ? You know why ?Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Soso ****
The embassy won't give any reasons, but I'm guessing it's because I've been living here for 2 years / my ED visa / I'm Chinese！ 3reason 😁Kool *******
@Cui *****
past entry history has never been a reason people had dtv applications rejected, unless they had extensive overstay history.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
i never overstay 🥹Reply to
Cui ******
Reply
Elías ********
It's not that much about confidence, but rather having all the requirements documents and funds.
Greg ********
Which embassies require interviews? Apart from Vientiene it is a lottery. Many embassies have never ever ever interviewed. You are listening to the wrong people.
Of course it may be more difficult for some from "Sensitive" countries where they would prefer them to apply in their home countries. For the B Visa for work certain passoirt holders must return to home country to apply while others can chose a neighbouring country. These sort of rules have been in place forever.
Of course it may be more difficult for some from "Sensitive" countries where they would prefer them to apply in their home countries. For the B Visa for work certain passoirt holders must return to home country to apply while others can chose a neighbouring country. These sort of rules have been in place forever.
Sky ***************
@Greg *******
Laos Thai Embassy Colombo Shri Lanka Thai embassy for certain nationalities
Philippines Manila Thai embassy for certain nationalities or cases
Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
Absolutely, agents have way more experience than individuals.I've also seen a lot of examples on Chinese apps.The Chinese people who successfully applied in the group are all in Laos.There are also some cases where applications are made through different Chinese embassies, but even then, the rejection rate for Chinese applicants is extremely high.Hanoi and Jakarta aren't ideal places, Laos is better right now.Greg ********
@Cui *****
I have seen plenty clueless agents offering services. Some who seem to have never been in Thailand. Many local agents who actually know the system and have contacts have kept a distance from the DTV. As for Chinese applicants in Laos does the quiet part need saying out loud? How many of those were the ED visas cancelled last year from Chiang Mai? As for nationalities it is more difficult for certain passport holders. Cwrtqon nationalities face a lot more axrutony than others. There are reqsongs for this.This is a mix of Thailands own policies and in some cases the home country not wanting Thailand to grant long term visas to many of their nationals.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
No one can change this - the criminals, the middlemen, and some Thai officials are all in cahoots.I just want more people to know the results.People in this group are discussing based on Thai law, while I'm explaining things from a practical standpoint.It's like how someone with a British passport would understand that Chinese people need to apply for a visa to go to FranceGreg ********
@Cui *****
Of course I understand that Chinese, Thai, Indian and other people need to apply for a visa to visit the UK or Europe. Do you think we all live in a bubble and have no view on what happens in the rest of the world. You have a narrow view of things. We have a free and open press and exchange of ideas. You are displaying a cultural bias that you accuse others of. PS: I know it changed recently I had to apply for a visit visa each time I visited China. Going to India I needed a visa too.Cui ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
What I'm trying to say is that as a Chinese person without any advantages, or really anyone else for that matter, it's going to be even harder.I use the built-in translation feature on my keyboard, and a lot of times the translations are inaccurate and cause misunderstandings.😅This has happened many times before
Greg ********
@Cui *****
No problem - understand English as a second language issues. I have worked in Asia for 20 years and globally for longer. It is my lack of other languages that is the issue. Everyone I have worked has had excellent English. My best pal of over 40 years who is English laughs at me as he has about 8 or 9 languages - he is a Diplomat though.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
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