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What are the best Thai cooking schools in Bangkok for DTV visa applications and which visa companies can assist?

Jun 6, 2025
3 days ago
Hi everyone!

I know this question has probably been asked a thousand times, but I can never seem to successfully find old posts from the group page.. 🙏🏽

I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for a reputable Thai cooking school/s in BKK area that have a good track record for having DTV visas go through successfully? And also any visa company recommendations that could help with the visa process if the school wasn't able to help with that part? I've read that Issa Compass seems to have a good track record for getting the DTVs to go through, so they seem trustworthy.. I think there are others that people have had good luck with also?

Also, if anyone has recommendations of places to apply from that seem to go smoothly?

I think Hanoi and Jakarta seems to be smooth for a lot of folks, but there seems to be other recommended places as well, and also places to avoid..

Thank you so much to everyone in this group for any help you might be able to provide.. I learn a lot from you guys.. 🙏🏽

I'm in the states now, have US passport, but will be in Thailand beginning late August, so can apply from anywhere outside Thailand that anyone recommends..

Thank you in advance to everyone! 🙏🏽🦋
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks recommendations for reputable Thai cooking schools in Bangkok that facilitate DTV visa applications and is looking for visa company suggestions to assist with the process. Users in the comments mention Arun Thai Cooking School, noting its positive track record with DTV applications, and discuss factors important to the application process.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
John *********
It’s not really about the authorised cooking school, it’s about you the applicant, and whether or not you meeting the criteria to qualify, read the rules about DTV, do your due diligence, if all ok you should be approved, it’s that simple
Jude ****************
Arun thai school
Russell *****
I applied my DTV with arunthai cooking. I got mine within two weeks
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ****
, also did you do a 6 month or a 12 month course with Arun Thai?
Arianna *********
6 or 12 month course?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ****
, thank you! What country/city did you apply in by chance?
Wannikea *********
Why not apply in the states?
James ********
@Wannikea ********
good question and wise advice ✅
David ********
@Wannikea ********
yes easy if you are in states already apply there.
James ********
@David *******
agreed 👍
Qishen ******
********************************


This school, they helped me with my application from Vietnam.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Qishen *****
, also, when applying with the soft power route, say, through the Thai cooking school you mentioned above, does one have to keep paying for classes during the 5 years of your visa? Not sure how the soft power route works, am just now starting my research, or how long you yourself took classes there from the start and if you had to continue? I look forward to the classes, but I'm just unsure how long we might have to be taking them for the DTV visa.. 🤷

I'll take a look on their site for some of these answers as well.. 🙏🏽☺️
Arun ***************
Thank you for the shout out! Just to share the application is done entirely online, and the embassies that process the approvals are in Hanoi and HCMC.

We have applicants that got accepted with bank balances between 1-3 months, but it really depends on the overall profile and also the financial activities. Generally it is advisable to keep a longer bank balance if you are able to.
Qishen ******
Anonymous participant no, my 5 year visa was approved using 12 months course
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Qishen *****
, out of which city/Embassy in Vietnam did you apply for your DTV visa with the cooking school, and how many months did they need the 16k or 500, 000thb to be in the bank? One month, 3 months, 6 months?
जगद्गुरु *****************
3 months, I believe.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@जगद्गुरु ****************
, 👍🏼but every country/consulate /Embassy seems to require slightly different documents and varies a bit with requirements.. I was wondering where in Vietnam Qishen Juan applied..
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Qishen *****
, thank you!✨

Where in Vietnam did you apply? What city/Embassy in Vietnam?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Qishen *****
, they helped you fill out and send in the DTV application paperwork? Were you successful in getting your DTV approved with them, and it went smoothly in Vietnam? Where in Vietnam did you apply from? ✨
Qishen ******
Anonymous participant yes they referred me to issa compass and it was approved.