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What are the minimum course length requirements for a Soft Power Muay Thai DTV and can I switch gyms during the process?

Soft Power Muay Thai DTV Thai Visa Regulations Minimum Course Length Switching Gyms Training Duration Immigration Compliance

Sep 4, 2025

8 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I’m applying for a Soft Power Muay Thai DTV, is there a minimum course length I need to demonstrate when submitting my documents? For example, do I need to prebook six months of training, or would booking just a month still meet the requirements? (Never booked more than 2-3 months of training after two years in Thailand because injury risk)  

Also, how is the program regulated—or not—in terms of switching gyms? For instance, if I start training in the south and later want to move to a gym in Bangkok, would that affect my eligibility? 

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When applying for a Soft Power Muay Thai DTV, the minimum course length generally recommended is six months, although some advise potentially even a year to avoid complications. Although one could technically book shorter courses, such as just a month, this could risk receiving only a tourist visa instead of the intended DTV. Additionally, it's crucial to apply through a gym experienced in handling DTV paperwork. If you do switch gyms, it’s essential to have valid enrollment documentation from each gym, but there appears to be little Immigration follow-up once your application is submitted.

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John *********

It seems from the wisdom of this group it is best to apply with a gym that is experienced with handling DTV paperwork, not just any Muay Thai gym.

And definitely a 6-month course. That’s usually a part of the DTV package which is typically around 15,000฿.

Whether you train or not due to injury is only your business.

8 months ago

Chris *********

We did 6 months because we had "heard" about people being denied for short courses.

8 months ago

A. ************

6-months is supposedly the minimum but I've seen 1-year be recommended. As for moving gyms, you are applying based on the credentials/certification of the gym who say you have signed up with. I guess you could sign up for two gyms for 6-months each and submit the paperwork for both at the same time with a cover letter explainig your one year plan. Now that I say it, I guess you could do that with 3 months at two different gyms, but I have a feeling they wouldn't like that.

8 months ago

John **********

If you only book a month there's a very good chance of just being issued a tourist visa as that is all you need, even with 6 months people have been issued a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. I'd suggest you book something for longer than 6 months

8 months ago

James ********

@John *********

wise advice ✅

8 months ago

Reply to

James ********

Pete *******

There is no follow up by Immigration. You merely have to qualify during the application process. If you extend in country you would again have to have a qualifying course booked. If you border bounce currently there are no checks.

8 months ago

Anonymous ******************

@Pete ******

This where i dont understand the soft power, nobody is studying muay thai or cooking for 5 years 🤣

8 months ago

Pete *******

Anonymous participant 946 the DTV is a tourist visa, you have 5 years to enjoy Thailand’s various attractions.

8 months ago

Reply to

Pete *******

Patrick ****************

I paid for 30 Muay Thai classes distributed over 6 months and was accepted. Not sure about changing gyms.