Answered2 years ago
What are the current requirements for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through the Soft Power track?
Just an FYI for anyone applying for the DTV visa through the soft power track. It's been a nightmare. My embassy is NYC and the requirements change frequently. The cooking course I scheduled states that their 2 week intensive course is eligible but the embassy now requires a course duration of at least 6 month.
Answer summary
Applying for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through the Soft Power track has become increasingly complicated, particularly with changing requirements at the NYC embassy. Applicants are facing challenges as many courses initially deemed eligible, such as a two-week intensive cooking course, are now being rejected in favor of longer programs, specifically those lasting at least six months. Community feedback indicates that embassy interpretations of course length vary, causing considerable frustration among prospective applicants. Consequently, it is essential for applicants to verify requirements directly with their respective Thai embassy and ensure their documentation meets the newly established criteria.
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Marc *********
Well makes sense wtf would a country issue you a 5 year visa for a cooking class you can do on a 2 week trip 😂 Thailand definitely shit canning this visa within a year
Damo ***********
you sound like a cheap charlie (or charline)... the DTV encourages low-lifes to enter Thai for possibly 5 years.... do your 'cooking' class in the States!
Imran ***************
@Damo **********
Do you really think the dtv encourages low-lifes to come to Thailand? I'd like to know your definition of a low-life.In the UK, we'd normally describe someone who takes advantage of others and their good nature as a low-life. Some might also describe drug dealers, violent husbands, thieves, gangsters and pick-pockets as low-lifes.
Personally, I think 🤔 if someone has saved up B500k in their account, is proactively choosing to relocate to leverage geographical arbitrage and is thrifty enough to research different options, then I wouldn't necessarily call them such. I feel it would be harsh and inaccurate.
If they've gone to all this trouble, I think they're serious about getting the most out of their time in Thailand 🇹🇭 and their prospective contributions to the country.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
Mark **********
"My Embassy is NYC"
???
???
David **********
@Mark *********
In the United States, there are 4 different Thai embassies, so depending on where you live will determine your embassy.
Jae *****
Apply with the proper paperwork is the safest and quickest way to get the DTV, do everything by the book.
George *******
As far as I know there hasn't or isn't any specifics regarding timeline of course length, as some have said, it depends on the visa Dept., of different Embassies or consulates.
Jim ********
You can come to Thailand for 60 days and extend another 30 days without a visa. Take your 2 week course. You don’t need a DTV.
Dominique ****
@Jim *******
I guess she doesn't actually want to do the cooking course but is just using it to acquire the DTV.Jim ********
@Dominique ***
yes.
James *****
Wow 5 year visa for a 2 week course…..
Poul **********
@James ****
if it sounds too good to be true then maybe it is
Us *****
Well then pay for the 6 month of cooking and just do 2. They will not test you on your culinary skills at immigration.
Ellice ****
@Us ****
Wait for the cook tops to finish setting up at immigration.. 😬Imran ***************
@Ellice ***
lol 😆
Randy ******
My affluent Thai neighbor informed me that directions came from Sri Ayudhya headquarters to review visa applications in details due to disgruntled scammers for the next four years. We can never have good things due to some blue people!
Greta *****
Unfortunately your cooking school don't make the rules. So you think it makes sense to allow you to stay 5 years for 2 weeks of cooking pad Thai? 🤔
Frank **********
I knew sooner or later that some Embassies would start to tighten up the criteria for the Soft Power option as some Embassies gave them out like candy. A DTV for cooking classes or for 1 medical appointment. Expect more changes as time goes on.
Steve **********
Why do you need DTV for 2 week course ?
Greta *****
@Steve *********
He doesn't NEED one. He WANTS one. Big differenceSteve **********
@Greta ****
whatever ...just another trying to scam the system making it more difficult for those that really qualify
Brandon ************
Many people have claimed they found a class that advertises it is eligible for DTV and every single time I tell them the school has no say. It's the embassy that makes that decision but they don't want to listen.
Greta *****
@Brandon ***********
Come to my cooking school. You can have a DTV for one class of how to make mango sticky rice. Will only cost you *****
Baht! 😜
John *******
You state that the requirements have changed. Did the NYC consulate tell you (or post) that a 2 week intensive course was eligible?
Chris *********
@John ******
sounds like OP took schools word without confirming embassies expectations
James *********
Nightmare?
Olivier *********
Do I understand correctly that you're applying for a 5 years Multiple entry visa allowing you to stay 180 days (6 month) every entry, based on a 2 weeks course?
Pete *******
@Olivier ********
there has been a report of DTV success with a single dental appointment.Imran ***************
@Pete ******
There are people who win big in a casino but I wouldn't bet my life savings on a roulette wheel. For anyone who's spent any time in Thailand 🇹🇭, we all have to brace for plenty of trial & error from the government and immigration.
Why would anyone take them at their word when making an absurd promise like a 5 year visa for a single concert/dental appointment?
...especially when a more legitimate 6 month course muay thai dtv visa can be had for B10-15k or a language ED visa can be purchased for B25k.
We all want to believe in fairytales. I do, too, but it's best to prepare for the worst, I think.
Imran ***************
@Pete ******
Which particular sweeping statement? Yes, DTVs are being issued for 2 week courses and even 1 day dental appointments by some embassies but I, personally, don't feel secure with the idea of my 5 year visa being based on a 2 week course or a 1 day appointment. That's why I did some research and paid for a 6 month muay thai course at a reputable gym with lots of certifications to support my dtv. My point is that it's prudent to err on the side of caution and be prepared for changes/eventualities.
Since combat is a perishable skill that needs constant maintenance, I feel such a course is a more realistic and rational reason to justify a long-term stay than a dental appointment etc. This seems logical to me.
Pete *******
@Imran **************
Please show me the requirements for a soft power DTV. What? You can’t? Is that because every Thai Embassy sets their own requirements? Every Embassy criteria is unique to them. There are ED visas available for Muay Thai but the DTV is being issued for 2 week courses. Suggest you research more before making sweeping statements.THAI ******************************
@Olivier ********
In some embassies this was actually possible.Most require 1-3 months at the moment, but some even require 6 months.
Steve *******
@THAI *****************************
I think you're missing Olivier's point! 😂😂😂THAI ******************************
We understood the point, but it doesn’t change the fact that many people in Thailand currently hold a five-year DTV visa despite having engaged in very short-term activities.
For example, some obtained a five-year DTV visa by attending a one-day concert.
This was done in full compliance with the advertised requirements, which did not specify a minimum duration or ongoing activity. At this point, everything seems to depend on how individual embassies interpret the visa requirements.
For example, some obtained a five-year DTV visa by attending a one-day concert.
This was done in full compliance with the advertised requirements, which did not specify a minimum duration or ongoing activity. At this point, everything seems to depend on how individual embassies interpret the visa requirements.
THAI ******************************
Embassy requirements for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) can differ, especially for the Thai Soft Power category. Each embassy applies its own interpretation of course length and other criteria.
To make the process smoother:
- Check with the Thai embassy or consulate where you plan to apply to confirm their specific requirements.
- Let the school or organization know about the requirements so they can provide the right documentation.
- Request a detailed quote or confirmation from the school that shows the course details, length, and how it meets the embassy’s expectations.
We’ve helped many clients in NYC with their DTV applications, including finding qualifying activities and meeting the required timelines.
If you need help, feel free to reach out to us on LINE:
To make the process smoother:
- Check with the Thai embassy or consulate where you plan to apply to confirm their specific requirements.
- Let the school or organization know about the requirements so they can provide the right documentation.
- Request a detailed quote or confirmation from the school that shows the course details, length, and how it meets the embassy’s expectations.
We’ve helped many clients in NYC with their DTV applications, including finding qualifying activities and meeting the required timelines.
If you need help, feel free to reach out to us on LINE:
**********************
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