Answered6 months ago
What are the recent experiences of expats with the soft power visa process in Thailand?
I used to be 100% for the soft power system but after my recent immigration entrance through BKK which was two and a half hours of absolute torture when it shouldn't have been I would suggest against soft power.
Worrying post from a whatsapp visa group I am in.
Would like to understand if more people experienced this. And if its a soft power thing only? Do you share this sentiment?
"I used to be 100% for the soft power system but after my recent immigration entrance through BKK which was two and a half hours of absolute torture when it shouldn't have been I would suggest against soft power.
Basically they wanted me to be doing Muay Thai every day for 5 years with a curriculum with letters of support saying that the training would be 5 years long and also they wanted photos and other proofs.
After doing so much for Thailand and having multiple volunteer visas well 13 years as a volunteer and zero previous issues, the treatment I got was like a criminal.
Immigration are on their high horse trying to get as many people off the DTV as possible. With the actual business Visa, that I couldn't get because I'm just random freelancer here doing this or that, it is fairly painless, but soft power and medical are going to be questioned.
I was quite lucky to get myself in."
Worrying post from a whatsapp visa group I am in.
Would like to understand if more people experienced this. And if its a soft power thing only? Do you share this sentiment?
"I used to be 100% for the soft power system but after my recent immigration entrance through BKK which was two and a half hours of absolute torture when it shouldn't have been I would suggest against soft power.
Basically they wanted me to be doing Muay Thai every day for 5 years with a curriculum with letters of support saying that the training would be 5 years long and also they wanted photos and other proofs.
After doing so much for Thailand and having multiple volunteer visas well 13 years as a volunteer and zero previous issues, the treatment I got was like a criminal.
Immigration are on their high horse trying to get as many people off the DTV as possible. With the actual business Visa, that I couldn't get because I'm just random freelancer here doing this or that, it is fairly painless, but soft power and medical are going to be questioned.
I was quite lucky to get myself in."
Answer summary
Expats are expressing frustration with the soft power visa experience in Thailand, particularly following lengthy and challenging immigration processes. One individual recounted a two-and-a-half-hour ordeal while entering the country, where they were subjected to extensive questioning regarding their Muay Thai training plans, despite having a longstanding voluntary presence in Thailand. Comments from others reflect a mixture of skepticism, skepticism towards anonymous posts, and some experiences indicating that the immigration scrutiny on soft power visas may be increasing due to possible government policy shifts. There are discussions around the legitimacy of requirements for soft power visas, contrasting experiences among expats, and concerns about the future of these visas amid changing immigration policies.
148 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Gali **********
The MUAY THAI visa, as it name - is for Muay Thai!
Thai paople and professional fighters train 2x a day, 6 days a week.
I'm sure that if you'd be training 'only' 4 times a week it will still be good for the visa, but im not an immigration officer.
otherwise, why should they let you in ON A MUAY THAI VISA if you don't do muay thai?
Thai paople and professional fighters train 2x a day, 6 days a week.
I'm sure that if you'd be training 'only' 4 times a week it will still be good for the visa, but im not an immigration officer.
otherwise, why should they let you in ON A MUAY THAI VISA if you don't do muay thai?
Christopher ***********
@Gali *********
Because once you have the DTV there's no requirement to attend lessons or book another course.
Nick ************
Crikey! 5 years of Thai boxing for 5 days a week would make you world champion.
Sefton ********
Anon poster from a what's app group
Michael ********
I think I know who posted it 😂 The troll of the group 😂
Gary **********
Crap
Ade ********
A what’s app group. 🤷♂️ that’s a first
Tohksic ******
Visa grifters.
Taa *****
Volunteer for 13 years?? Can you tell me secretly how much more you can earn and evade taxes from your pocket??😏😏😏😏
Wannikea *********
I don't think the intent of soft power was ever back to back to back activities. Nobody can take 5 years of their life off for Muay Thai courses or cooking classes etc. realistically you take the course come back and vacation maybe recover from an injury, or explosive diarrhea, maybe take another course and just play it all by ear over time. But this two and a half hours of whips and chains torture in an airport immigration room sounds like something I might pay big money for if I fancied the IO in leather and saves me a trip to Pattaya.
Shannon ******
What documents did you need to provide them?
สมองควาย ******
I don’t believe you
Anonymous ******************
Surely it's easy enough just to edit the dates on your original proof of classes for soft power Incase asked when entering
Positive********
Anonymous participant 128 😂. Tell that to the ED holders who get checked both at border and on-site. Don't assume you're more clever than you are.
Anonymous ******************
PositiveLynx7934 well I'm yet to see a situation where they check more than that , what are they going to do ?, call your boxing trainer to ask if he knows you ?
Twig ******
Been on a DTV softpower for 18 months now. Countless re entry to Bangkok and zero hassle everytime. A minute or less in the immigration counter.
ExcitingR**********
There is a new government in place since last month . And it’s pretty conservative and “Thailand for Thais” oriented . You don’t follow Thai news ? You should …
Michael ********
BronzeCaterpillar532 which one
David *********
These things are cyclical in Thailand. In 2019 they were giving people a hard time at the airport with longer histories of staying here then the DTV was a pretty sudden 180 degree turn on that front after basically letting anyone stay during the covid period. This will blow over too, especially if tourism nose dives if energy prices stay high. The current PM studied in the US for what its worth "...continuing his studies in the United States at Worcester Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1989, he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York." That being said xenophobia often gets cured by good old pocketbook considerations. It's the oldest playbook, in Europe or the US, foreigners are scapegoated for economic woes as well. Pretty sure a certain orange man got elected doing that.
idiots******
@Michael *******
Anutin's party is in charge now. During covid this men was the helth minister, when the vaccines first came out he wanted to distribute to thais only. Was also in the news for saying foreigners were dirty and should be deported for not wearing masks. Do a search on Bangkok post for the articles during covididiots******
First hand experience here: I was pulled aside and questioned once after being here for around 5yrs and I had a re-entry permit. Your DTV softpower visa means nothing, 18 months is a very short time. Softpower visa holders are in a weak position because everyone knows you can't go to cooking school or muay thai for 5yrs. In reality it is a backdoor visa for people to stay here long term. Unfortunately the goverment who came up with this gimmicky visa is gone. New administration is taking a hard line on people working here. If they catch too many foreigners working while on this visa I think they will start to question more people at the airport.
Twig ******
idiotsomchai nice fairy tale dude :)
Christopher ***********
idiotsomchai Your opinion. Nobody cares.
idiots******
@Christopher **********
I also dont care about your rubbish opnion old men. You are not even on a dtv visa. Go get busy w your wife
Gaia **********
idiotsomchai I was planning to go with a student visa.
In the school I contacted they said I don’t need any previous apply or payment.
Only going to the school once there.
My idea is to spend there 1year or 1,5 and would be fun to learn a bit of Languaje.
So if they stop me I have nothing to proof more than a Wssap chat with the school who will manage everything once arriving. I also wonder if they ask for an onward ticket..
And if they ask cash on arrival.
Do you know? 🙏
In the school I contacted they said I don’t need any previous apply or payment.
Only going to the school once there.
My idea is to spend there 1year or 1,5 and would be fun to learn a bit of Languaje.
So if they stop me I have nothing to proof more than a Wssap chat with the school who will manage everything once arriving. I also wonder if they ask for an onward ticket..
And if they ask cash on arrival.
Do you know? 🙏
Arun *******
If the people commenting on this thread , compared the requirements for any visa to Thailand to the requirements for a similar visa to their own country , they would all shut up and be grateful
Dani ******
@Arun ******
what 😂
Sam ******
@Arun ******
in my home country I would have qualified for permanent residence 15 years ago and full citizenship 10 years ago.
Maksym ***********
@Sam *****
exept small thing - to live that long in your home country I should have work, and i absolutely cant come on tourist visa to Australia and spend 5 years :)Sam ******
@Maksym **********
you can get a student visaMaksym ***********
@Sam *****
I cant even get tourist visa to Australia. Because cant proof any strong relations with home country and stable work outside AU. 🤷♂️Sam ******
@Maksym **********
yes you can and that is how many people get am Australian passport
DTV_Be*******
You were on a volunteer visa for 13 years? That visa is the kiss of death. Never heard of someone getting away with 13 years
Khun ******
Let's see how many take this as a serious post 😆
idiots******
Who does a cooking class for 5yrs??? Of course at some point they will start to question those on the soft power visa. The administration who came up w this visa is gone. New goverment will mean new rules. I lived here long enough to experience this
Christopher ***********
idiotsomchai How does immigration questioning DTV holders reentering Thailand (or, in reality, not doing so) impact upon you? Have you obtained a DTV with a 6 months course? Why troll to cause unease about the possibility of a new government amending DTV rules?
Michael ********
idiotsomchai bs
Khun ******
idiotsomchai Don't worry about things that might happen bud life is too short.
Ambitious**********
Yes they offer visas and then grill the customer for purchasing the visa, very odd.
Positive********
AmbitiousAlpaca1760 MFA and old government VS immigration and new government. Not the same. The money doesn't go to the right pockets.
Christopher ***********
PositiveLynx7934 Who knows, more importantly who cares about your opinion?
Christopher ***********
AmbitiousAlpaca1760 Assuming you're not both the same person neither do you. The original post is a joke troll post. Why respond with such boring garbage as this? 'MFA and old government VS immigration and new government'.
Ambitious**********
@Christopher **********
who cares about your opinion about his opinion. He has something constructive to say. You don’t.
David ************
nother lawyer or agent who hates that the dtv requires neither and wants to fear monger ... lol
Muri *****
Don't worry I come back to Thai after 3 month and ...juhu First entrance this year stoped 90 Minute🤣they was Not like my rt Ticket to cambo
Phuket *********
If you have compagny from an other country you can too
Alex ****
If your story true so simple explanation
If you been as volunteer you must have proofs and work permits that's why they stop you, because you have big visa history. They don't care about current situation, but likely all questions was about your volunteer visa and work permit and any proof of your volunteer past. If there is no proof so volunteer visa back in the past often was f a k e visa which people used to buy to stay and work in Thailand, so under dtv can continue same way. So they need to verify everything and make sure everything is legal and correct.
If you been as volunteer you must have proofs and work permits that's why they stop you, because you have big visa history. They don't care about current situation, but likely all questions was about your volunteer visa and work permit and any proof of your volunteer past. If there is no proof so volunteer visa back in the past often was f a k e visa which people used to buy to stay and work in Thailand, so under dtv can continue same way. So they need to verify everything and make sure everything is legal and correct.
Alex ****
Just wondering such a posts often from anonymous
It's who wants to sell more soft power course every 6 months.
Or some Language School who wants to sell them ED visas
Or some agents who wants to sell them documents for Worckation
It's who wants to sell more soft power course every 6 months.
Or some Language School who wants to sell them ED visas
Or some agents who wants to sell them documents for Worckation
Christopher ***********
Alex Ni It's a disgruntled old age pensioner totally obsessed with creating unease.
Christopher *************
Immigration isn't earning enough from DTVers. That's the bottom line.
Renato *********
@Christopher ************
yeah they magically live for free In Thailand 🤦Average guy spends 60-70k baht a month no matter what imaginary stamp they have got or let us say bought
Sam ******
@Renato ********
how much cut do the immigration officers get of that thoughRenato *********
@Sam *****
2000 baht every 60 days and 4000 baht every 90 days So 6000 baht
Who gets what idc
The facts are we pay for the stamps they put and we have to pay life A to Z
Y’all talk as if it’s my country in the Netherlands where they put migrant Farangs on free welfare and child support with Dutch taxed money
Hell we even lay them to learn Dutch.
What does Thailand give for free ??? Indeed nothing
They take and take and then blame for applying their own rules
Christopher *************
@Sam *****
I know :) At least you understood what I meantSam ******
@Christopher ************
yes, that's why I replied to this other guyChristopher *************
@Sam *****
yes, that's the pointAnonymous ******************
It’s my understanding that you can be enrolled for 6 months in soft power activities. After that you can and go as you please. Can someone confirm if this is accurate ?
Positive********
Anonymous participant 322 Ask an immigration officer?! Most of people here have apparently met some IO for less than 30 seconds (as they love to say) and this twice a year. Not a reference.
Luit *****************
PositiveLynx7934 In the Immigration offices where you have to do 90 day reporting anyway, you normally have more than 30 seconds, no idea why that should not be a reference.
We talk here about immigration rules and visa requirements, why should others have more reliable info.?
We talk here about immigration rules and visa requirements, why should others have more reliable info.?
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 322 Just ask immigration or embassy and you will know.
This is not the place to get correct info.
Where did you get your "understanding", I am quite sure immigration and embassy will not tell you so.
This is not the place to get correct info.
Where did you get your "understanding", I am quite sure immigration and embassy will not tell you so.
Alex ****
Another anonymous and Ai story
Greg ********
I have no idea if there are more checks now but it was always the worry about ongoing activities for soft power. Proof of previous attendance and ongoing booking. It does seem to be random checks and not systemic requirements.
Asso ******
Another anonymous story...
Positive********
@Asso *****
Maybe because you love focusing on anonymous ones only? Here is the comment of a named person when crossing the border with Myanmar. Contact him?!Asso ******
That is a nice screenshot but no info on what the "it" is...
Luit *****************
@Michael *******
Apparently, the only thing you can do is insult others, when they tell something that makes sense, but does not fit in your fantasy worldMichael ********
@Asso *****
don't feed this mooooron, this guy is just a troll and only one what he can is laughing like a kid in kindergarten. Block him.
Bradley ***********
An agent told me not to come to Thailand from Cambodia or Myanmar. 🇲🇲 maybe that’s part of some people’s issue
Luit *****************
@Asso *****
which does not say anything about the conten. There is just a quite high percentage of postings here anonymous or with a nickname.Asso ******
@Luit ****************
It actually does say a lot. For some reason all the horror stories about DTV owners being "tortured" or demanded a stack of documents at the border tend to be either anonymous or in the style of "I know someone, who knows someone, who..." I have yet to read a single similar non-anonymous first hand experienceMichael ********
Luit van der Linde you're so stupid my gosh. Blocked.
Michael ********
Luit van der Linde yeah yeah yeah donkey, we know you very well
Michael ********
Luit van der Linde you should finally be blocked together with your another multi accounts.
Luit *****************
@Asso *****
I don't see this as a debate, you show your opinion, I show my opinion. I do not have any intention to make you change your opinion.Asso ******
@Luit ****************
Give me a link to one negative first-hand non-anonymous story in this group. !First-hand!, not "I heard somewhere that someone...", and then we can continue this debateLuit *****************
@Asso *****
A lot of other stories are also anonymous, and there are also negative stories with name.Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Don’t forget the ‘burner’ and ‘sock puppet’ Facebook accounts too.Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
There is a lot of unreliable info here, that certainly is true, but the relation with the type of account is unclear.I don't see your account as anonymous, burner, sockpuppet or nickname, but your advice to commit fraud to get money back for delivered service, mentioning government institutes work to slow to react in time is unreliable and treacherous.
Frazer ************
If you apply for a Muay Thai visa, you should genuinely be spending most of your time training and participating in Muay Thai. The people who usually run into problems are those who aren’t being fully honest about why they’re actually living in Thailand.
For example, some people who don’t qualify for the workation version of the visa apply through the soft power route instead, while their real intention is mainly to work online from Thailand. We all know that happens.
For example, some people who don’t qualify for the workation version of the visa apply through the soft power route instead, while their real intention is mainly to work online from Thailand. We all know that happens.
Jordan ********
@Frazer ***********
when you apply via soft power they make you write a statement saying you understand the rules and conditions, and that you’re allowed to work remotely, but not for a thai employer. It’s absolutely fine to work remotely + train Muay Thai and they are well aware.Michael ********
@Jordan *******
yes it is but not for some trolls here.Michael ********
@Frazer ***********
lol 😂
Anonymous ******************
@Frazer ***********
and that is exactly who they are trying to weed out, those who misuse the DTV Visa. If you apply for the DTV Visa and are completely legit then you should not expect to have any problemsJordan ********
Why is it always anonymous accounts with all the negative posts? So weird.
Khun ******
Anyone who thinks this is a serious post really isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Jordan ********
@Khun *****
thank you for being the only person with some common sense 🙏👍 wish there was more of us
Andrew ********
@Jordan *******
negative post or giving information you dont want to see because it puts you in a situation like the people who were living in thailand off visa exempt spending 120,000 a year doing border runs but couldnt afford a proper visa thats only at most 4000ExcitingR**********
Mind your own business Einstein. Some people for very good reasons prefer not to expose their real name on highly toxic groups like Thailand ones .
Matthias ************
@Jordan *******
you can believe that until it’s your turn to be treated like a criminal, you’ll change your tuneJordan ********
It’s because it’s made up 🤦♂️ come on people …
Kristian ********
@Jordan *******
is it really that hard for you to figure that out?Jordan ********
@Kristian *******
are you really that dim that you can’t understand sarcasm?Jordan ********
@Kristian *******
No, sarcasm. Imagine trying to tell me what I meant by my own comment 😂 Bit weird and controlling that mate. Relax.Kristian ********
@Jordan *******
sarcasm! I think not, trolling, maybe.Positive********
@Jordan *******
Not always. You need to read replies. One person talking about his entry from Myanmar on anther recent post.
Anonymous ******************
@Jordan *******
why is it people in Thailand Facebook groups always seem to look at the OPs username. I didn't even notice that they posted it anonymously until you mentioned it. But who cares if they do or not? Does knowing their name make any difference to how accurate they're likely to be? Or do you just enjoy snooping on strangers profiles?As to why they've done it, perhaps they're worried about repercussions. You never know who is looking at this group. You don't want to say something negative about Thai immigration and then have your name blacklisted. Even if this is very unlikely, why take the chance? This is my reason for posting anonymously anyway.
Positive********
Anonymous participant 998 Correct. Most of those saying you’re anonymous, you’re wrong don’t have any other argument to support their position. There is a lot of both right and wrong on both sides. I’ve been in the group since almost the beginning, and most of the keyboard warriors even the ones using their real names have been wrong at times.
Christer *****
@Jordan *******
repurcussion avoidance?Luit *****************
@Jordan *******
When you check and count all postings you will see there is not really a relation between anonymous and negative, just try for a few days.Positive********
Some will believe your story, others won’t. What’s certain is that the money flowing to them is far less if not non-existent compared to what they earn from extras on non-immigrant visas. Many people here are unaware of the hidden system. Even the ones who used to pay are moving to DTV.
Caro*****
I’ve had no issues at all with soft power.
Andrew ********
Carol3746 untill you do - these posts are people who get the right IO that just wants to check and its in their right to do so
Sam ******
Carol3746 yet
Allan **************
Great story 👏
Sujy *********
Yes, extensive history of rejections and getting drilled hard are more and more common. They want people to use an agent to get in every time, so that everyone got their cut.
Luit *****************
@Sujy ********
Or they just want yo to use the visa complying requirements.
Fred ******
@Sujy ********
An agent to apply for the visa?Sujy *********
@Fred *****
Reread what I said. Not a single mention of visa in my comment.Sujy *********
@Renato ********
Have you been paying attention the last 20 years? What do you think an agent can and cannot do? If you answer that question, it will answer your own.Renato *********
@Sujy ********
literally means legal corruption An agent does what? Magic? 🪄
Thailand will be empty in 5y from now
They literally complain about their own invented rules
Who puts the stamps for years? Santa 🧑🎄???
Or thai officers …
Hypocrites
Sujy *********
@Fred *****
What application? OP was doing a border run.Fred ******
@Sujy ********
oh thats good to know. I thought it could work against you with the application though if it's through an agentSujy *********
@Jordan *******
Yes. TVC own the two largest FB visa group in Thailand.Jordan ********
@Sujy ********
is the agent in the room with us?Sujy *********
@Fred *****
An agent can do absolutely everything for you. Everything.Fred ******
@Sujy ********
Ah ok I didnt know agents did thatSujy *********
@Fred *****
"They want people to use an agent to get in every time, so that everyone got their cut.". He complained that he got grilled. DTV does NOT guaranteed you entry. An agent does.
Keyzer ******
@Fred *****
you can hire agencies in Thailand to assist with things such as visas, border runs, marriage license, VIP airport escort, etc.Fred ******
@Sujy ********
well i dont know what you mean then
Oleg ***********
My friend, you used documents for DTV which were more likely for the first time visa. Now probably you don’t have them or not go training. It is normal and nothing is ubnormal that the officer asked for them. Next time have them ready or pay fast track. Everyone is like that, not only you.
Michael ********
@Oleg **********
no one is like thatActivity
52 joined52
people
Related
25Can I switch categories while using a DTV visa in Thailand?
11.7k1001343mo
What do I need to know about applying for the Soft Power-Medical Appointment option in Thailand as an expat?
583155mo
What is the application process for a DTV Muay Thai visa at the Manila embassy like?
1.9k19105mo
What should I consider before applying for the Muay Thai DTV visa in Thailand?
5k91385mo
Why does the Thai DTV visa application require training photos for Muay Thai if I have no prior experience?
19.2k1133467mo
Do I need to renew my DTV visa after my Muay Thai course ends?
584368mo
What steps did you take to successfully obtain a DTV (Digital Nomad) visa for Thailand from Sydney?
584248mo
What are the steps and requirements for applying for a DTV visa from London to Thailand?
2k14239mo
What was the application process like for a DTV Visa in Hanoi?
3.4k156310mo
Is Siam Legal a reliable option for obtaining a Soft Power (Muay Thai) DTV visa in Bangkok?
2.1k18141y
What were the experiences and challenges faced in obtaining a DTV visa in Vietnam and Laos?
9292131y
What steps should my Chinese girlfriend take to re-apply for a DTV visa after repeated rejections?
2.7k26171y
What is the experience of getting a visa extension and re-entry at Suvarnabhumi Airport like for expats?
6.8k351271y
What are the steps and requirements for obtaining a Thai DTV visa based on recent experiences?
3.6k25471y
What are the recent experiences with visa applications from Hanoi, Thailand?
3.7k37171y
What is the DTV visa application process at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos?
1.7k6251y
What are the challenges and success stories for applying for a DTV visa in Kuala Lumpur?
5.1k48341y
What challenges did you face when applying for the DTV visa in Taipei?
3.4k27311y
What are the challenges of opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat with a DTV visa?
8.6k78732y
What additional documents are needed when applying for a Thai DTV visa from the UK for Muay Thai?
1.5k10112y
Why was my Thai visa application rejected twice despite providing all requested documents?
9.5k651262y
Can I prefill the DTV application in Thailand and what are the bank statement requirements?
80152y
What are the experiences of others applying for the DTV soft power visa using certificates from specific programs?
926432y
Can someone get a refund for a soft power course fee after receiving a DTV visa?
9.4k771002y
Can I hold two Thai visas simultaneously while waiting for approval of a new one?
4.5k36302y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served