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What are the options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand, and what are the requirements for staying?

Visa Types Thai Visa Muay Thai Visa Immigration Rules Long-term Visa Cultural Exchange Program DTV Visa Visa Duration Visa Extension Training Requirements

May 8, 2025

22 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

What routes have people taking to obtain this visa? 

I'm thinking of the Muay Thai fighting gym route but I'm interested what else there is and what others have done

Being honest, I don't know if I could sustain that much training for five years

But I'm also confused about the five years. Can you stay ALL five years or do you have to leave for a fixed amount of time - like stay 180 days and leave 180 days before returning or can you return after 1 day, 30 days what ever?

I'm new to this so all and any info is helpful. Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Many individuals consider various routes to obtain long-term visas in Thailand, particularly the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). While some contemplate joining Muay Thai gyms, others suggest alternatives like cooking classes or cultural exchange programs. It's important to note that training is not mandatory for the full duration of the visa; a short initial enrollment is typically sufficient to support the application. The DTV is valid for five years with a 180-day stamp upon entry, and it's possible to extend the stay or conduct a 'border run' to renew the 180-day period. Overall, while there are multiple pathways to acquire this visa, meeting specific criteria and showing proof of engagement in cultural activities is essential.

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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Peter *********

A 6 month course gets you a 5 year visa. Up to you if you attend or not.

22 days ago

Dany *****

Cannot use search bar, let alone 5 years muay thai

22 days ago

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

As of right now.. you can use the Muay Thai to be approved. And never attend single day.

22 days ago

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

Maybe a 1 week cooking class would be better suited for you..

22 days ago

Laurence *********

Try the thai cultural exchange program for the dtv soft power. It's a program for thai culture includes seminars and 100 of on line learning lessons.

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22 days ago

Alex *********

838 suck a d relevant question

22 days ago

Chantelle ******

The visa is valid for 5 years from the day of being issued.

Everytime you enter Thailand with your DTV you will have 180days stamp, you can choose to either extend the 180days at the immigration office or you can leave the kingdom and do a "border run" and come back in and get your next 180days.

To apply for the visa you must meet the criteria you dont have to be signing up for muay thai for 5yrs. As long as you have booked an initial course of a few months (i think 4-5months is best so you are showing the need for a longer visa than usual)

At the moment once youve met the criteria there has been no asking of resubmitted all the evidence if you leave the country but if you ectend you must prove everything again that you still meet the criteria.

Soft power has included muay thai, cooking classes and medical treatment. All of which must be booked in advance and show evidence of at time of applying. Hope that helps

22 days ago

Greg ********

All answer to your questions are available in this group a multitude of times.

22 days ago

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

Search on the group before asking questions everyone has already replied to 🤷🏼‍♂️

22 days ago

Meaw ************

Ou dont have to train for 5 years!

22 days ago

Luit *****************

@Meaw ***********

If you want to use the visa legally, you need ongoing activity, some people think requirements stop after they got the visa, but that is stated nowhere, so there is no reason to believe that is true.

Chances getting stopped when you reenter the country are very low, but there is a risk.

What will happen in the future nobody knows, but if they want they can implement all kind of checks to see if you comply with the visa requirements.

22 days ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Can a DTV visa be indefinitely renewed for long-term Muay Thai training in Thailand?

36 comments

25 days ago

What are the requirements after the initial 6 months for a Muay Thai visa in Thailand?

11 comments

2 months ago

What is the longest visa available for Muay Thai training in Thailand?

1 comments

3 months ago