Answered6 months ago
What are the recent updates regarding the DTV visa and Muay Thai courses in Thailand?
Muay Thai DTV Update
I’ve just had a meeting with the Sports Authority of Thailand / Board of Boxing Sport, and there are a few important updates I’d like to share regarding the DTV visa and Muay Thai courses. They informed me that the DTV visa is here to stay, but the requirements for Muay Thai courses will become stricter.
Key points:
Six-month Muay Thai courses may soon no longer be accepted for DTV applications. In some cases, applicants may instead be issued an METV.
Gyms offering DTV courses are now being inspected to ensure they meet the correct standards for accepting foreign students.
New certificates will be issued to approved gyms, and in the future, embassies may request this certificate as part of the DTV application process.
This is a positive step for the industry and should help make the process clearer, more professional, and more reliable for genuine students.
Footnote:
I am not sure exactly how much control the Sports Authority / Board of Boxing Sport has over the final decisions made by individual embassies. However, I personally consider this information reliable enough to act on.
Muay Thai Fever is now preparing for our gym inspection, and we have withdrawn our six-month DTV course. We understand many customers are looking for the most affordable option, and that a nine-month course is more expensive. However, we do not want to see people risk rejection by applying with a course that may no longer meet the expected requirements.
I’ve just had a meeting with the Sports Authority of Thailand / Board of Boxing Sport, and there are a few important updates I’d like to share regarding the DTV visa and Muay Thai courses. They informed me that the DTV visa is here to stay, but the requirements for Muay Thai courses will become stricter.
Key points:
Six-month Muay Thai courses may soon no longer be accepted for DTV applications. In some cases, applicants may instead be issued an METV.
Gyms offering DTV courses are now being inspected to ensure they meet the correct standards for accepting foreign students.
New certificates will be issued to approved gyms, and in the future, embassies may request this certificate as part of the DTV application process.
This is a positive step for the industry and should help make the process clearer, more professional, and more reliable for genuine students.
Footnote:
I am not sure exactly how much control the Sports Authority / Board of Boxing Sport has over the final decisions made by individual embassies. However, I personally consider this information reliable enough to act on.
Muay Thai Fever is now preparing for our gym inspection, and we have withdrawn our six-month DTV course. We understand many customers are looking for the most affordable option, and that a nine-month course is more expensive. However, we do not want to see people risk rejection by applying with a course that may no longer meet the expected requirements.
Answer summary
Recent discussions reveal that the DTV visa for Muay Thai courses is here to stay, but reported updates indicate that the course requirements are becoming stricter. It has been suggested that six-month Muay Thai courses may no longer be accepted for DTV applications, with some applicants potentially being issued an METV instead. Gyms offering DTV training are under inspection to ensure compliance with new standards, and certificates will be issued to approved gyms, which may be required by embassies in the future. These changes aim to enhance the professionalism and reliability of the process for genuine students, amidst concerns about current and prospective DTV holders.
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Shayne **********
Basically the immigration officer at BKK airport wanted me to be studying Muay Thai
She wanted me to look like Buakaw.
She didn't want me to do any work or any volunteering, just Muay Thai all the time, for 2.5 hours I was anally investigated and thankfully my school helped me out tremendously. The immigration officer said wrong purpose a thousand times!
I'm getting my new passport soon and moving to business visa with a work permit and PR after the 3 years or so no more stupid immigration issues ever. Feel free to contact if you want to know more.
Actual photo of me and Buakaw.
****
/365 for the whole 5 years.She wanted me to look like Buakaw.
She didn't want me to do any work or any volunteering, just Muay Thai all the time, for 2.5 hours I was anally investigated and thankfully my school helped me out tremendously. The immigration officer said wrong purpose a thousand times!
I'm getting my new passport soon and moving to business visa with a work permit and PR after the 3 years or so no more stupid immigration issues ever. Feel free to contact if you want to know more.
Actual photo of me and Buakaw.
Marco ********
@Shayne *********
You only had to show the immigration officer the picture and say, "This is my pad holder," and you would have been through.
Anoograha ********
Just out of curiosity, do they even check you attend gym or classes , I mean it is a pretty cheap option for people who just wanna use Thailand as safe heaven, Are the tourist on D2V asked how much part of Thailand's culture they really adopted or is it just the fees they are interested in ?
No offences but Thailand has a number of international law offenders who are embracing D2V
No offences but Thailand has a number of international law offenders who are embracing D2V
Anonymous ******************
By end of 2027 gyms and agents will start recommending 5 year courses. This is getting silly
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 882 You know this how?
Samuel *********
@Muay ************
Do you think this change could also affect those who already have DTV?Muay *************
OP@Samuel ********
no not at all. It might become a new requirement on application but if you already have the dtv you got 5 years visa
Miriam *******
@Muay ************
what about the re entry situation for a dtv holder who made it with a six months course that is now expired?Muay *************
OP@Miriam ******
if the course is expired it doesnt really matter if its 6 month or 9 month its just expired. You still have a 5 year visa and mostly people are getting stamped in without any trouble at the momentMichael ********
You can just make 7 months course if you're afraid.
But no need to withdrawn 6 months course for now. It's just a gossip.
But no need to withdrawn 6 months course for now. It's just a gossip.
Jeff ********
Don’t have a clue why you people just have to keep poking-the-bear?
Just looking to escalate and bring attention to a Visa that is beneficially ambiguous for everyone.
I think not for the good of everyone, more for yourself. I see you have helped us make it more expensive..good-job. :0.
Just looking to escalate and bring attention to a Visa that is beneficially ambiguous for everyone.
I think not for the good of everyone, more for yourself. I see you have helped us make it more expensive..good-job. :0.
Muay *************
OP@Jeff *******
your cynicism is a welcome change from being attacked for being consistently the cheapest in the market. I perhaps dont have your knowledge but we were the first gym to do a muay thai dtv nearly 3 years ago and have seen well over 1000 successful applications in that time. But I admit it has been ambiguous at times and I have always tried to read the situation in a way that best suits my customers and improves their chance of success. I genuinely believe moving from 6 months to 9 months is the right decision. If you feel that you know me and are entitled to question my integrity then fair enough but I do stand by my decision.
Anonymous ******************
@Muay ************
3 years ago?Muay *************
OPAnonymous participant 882 quote " nearly 3 years ago"
Unforgettabl*************
At this rate, I suspect we’ll start to see checks on attendance soon.
Ash***
UnforgettableRambutan8343 9 hour reporting
...🤣 Rather like the utterly pointless 90 day. The report is so arduous for me I just fly out and back. It takes less time.
If they made it online from the first time It would save a fortune in tickets and stamps. 90 days in Bangkok is a ludicrous waste of my time and I do to get out of bed for less than 12,000 and that's only if I know you.
...🤣 Rather like the utterly pointless 90 day. The report is so arduous for me I just fly out and back. It takes less time.
If they made it online from the first time It would save a fortune in tickets and stamps. 90 days in Bangkok is a ludicrous waste of my time and I do to get out of bed for less than 12,000 and that's only if I know you.
Mason *******
UnforgettableRambutan8343 Maybe after another couple of years.
Enthusiast**********
@Muay ********************
thank you for this it’s really helpful to know. Could you advise for your gym what’s the price difference between a 6 month and 9 month Muay Thai package?
Maya ************
EnthusiasticDeer7180 there are 12 months coursee too
In pattaya for example
In pattaya for example
Enthusiast**********
I am looking specifically for Ko Samui at the moment and they’re currently only offering 6 month courses but I’m sure that will change soon!
Muay *************
OPEnthusiasticDeer7180 thanks for your kind words. Previously 6 months 15,000 baht. Now 9 months 19,000 baht. We also have 12 months 25,000 baht.
Enthusiast**********
Still very affordable prices. Thank you 🙏🏼
Enthusiast**********
What do you mean not really? You think that’s too expensive!?
Michael ********
EnthusiasticDeer7180 not really
Ash***
Seems like it's in a gyms interest to say this, promote this and push for this? Don't you think? Not in any way a neutral party in getting a 50% increase in course lengths.
Michael ********
@James *******
you know me. Thailand now.Muay *************
OP@Ash***
yea i can see how it can look like that and I knew someone would voice this opinion. But what can I do when presented with this information? I was more than happy processing a lot of dtv at 15k for 6 months and do not need to get greedy. But when i get information that makes me believe people might start getting declined i decided to act. Time may proove me wrong, im sure I will loose business over this as opposed to making more money but I really dont want my customers to fail and I am doing what I genuinley think is for the bestJames ********
@Muay ************
thank you for your helpful report. Indeed we are seeing Thai Embassy's and Consulates issuing the SETV single entry tourist visa and the METV multiple entry tourist visa instead of the DTV Visa.
The SETV visa holder has up to 3 months in Thailand and can enroll in the 3 months Muay Thai training.
The METV is up to 8 months in Thailand. And can enroll in the 6 months Muay Thai training.
James ********
@Michael *******
that's been the rule for getting the METV multiple entry tourist visa for many years. Where are you now?
What is your passport nation?
Michael ********
@James *******
why you must be in your home country?James ********
@Michael *******
it's valid for 6 months FROM it's date of issue... not 6 months FROM your first entry date into Thailand.Upon first arrival into Thailand you get a 60 day stamp... and you can get a 30 day extension ADDED for 1,900 Thai baht.
Then do a BORDER BOUNCE and get a NEW 60 day stamp...
WITH either another 30 day extension or do another BORDER BOUNCE... Getting 60 days.
WITH planning you can get up to 8 months stay in Thailand.
Apply for it with your home country Thai Embassy or Consulate. You MUST be in your home country to apply.
Michael ********
@James *******
metv is for 6 months not 8?Ash***
@Muay ************
the problem is they don't make the rules, have no input to the rules and considering the government is pretty much embryonic as of today and barely a month old I doubt anything is certain. The DTV isn't even really a legitimate entity in its own right so who knows what they will do. The Thai government changes their minds more rapidly than most countries and flip flop back and forth regularly. Personally and in light of the news this week I can see a lot more refusals coming. I can also see them cracking down on people living here using it and working as we all know many do. The commercial requirements are a joke as they are for retirement visas. Completely out of alignment with reality and based on some Thai officials opinion of money not what's needed to live here. The new system they are integrating as I type this will reveal the extent of how bad it will get for DTV prospects and current holders.Ash***
@James *******
indeed i am. i'm concerned that they (employees in offices and mostly bureaucrats imho are permanently trying to score points for no real reason based on something they have no evidence of) cannot leave stuff alone. i'm also concerned that FB is full of Aholes who think i'm a troll. I've been involved with presidents, royalty, ambassadors, heads of immigration and customs and other levels over the years and indeed last few months but what do i know. Zero experience in the matter. i do not dislike the DTV i dislike the seemingly stupid people it attracts. The ones that ask the same question, make the same mistakes and do the same stuff over and over and pretty much admit they are working here. They apply then leave the country, cannot fulfil commercial requirements etc etc the list is endless and is the never ending people doing it.
James ********
@Christopher **********
she's concerned about the future of the DTV visa as well as requirements for all Thai Visas.James ********
@Ash***
This is Thailand as we have over the years come to know. I may be wrong, but you seem to have a dislike for the DTV visa and those who have obtained it.
It's a superb Thai Visa for Thailand to compete for the millions of Digital Nomad worldwide.
The added Soft Power Activity was likely an added sweetener to gain support for the DTV visa offering.
But with clarity in its requirements over the 5 years of the DTV visa, for both the Digital Nomad Workcation DTV and the Soft Power Activities, it will be VERY successful for Thailand.
James ********
@Muay ************
agreed 👍Michael ********
@Mason ******
there's why you should worry what can happen because life is too shortAsh***
@Mason ******
this entire group is people worrying. 🤣 I don't worry about me, I worry that you never know what they will do or why. They have a history of Idiocracy.Ash***
@Muay ************
hopefully not but as the Thai government does random stuff frequently based on seemingly no thought. Who knows. What goes through their heads is anyone's guess as had been pointed out the definition of madness is making the same mistakes over and over and they excel at it seemingly. I draw a comparison to the emperor's new clothes tail, although this is where someone must think it's a great idea to mess around with visas and nobody ever says "that is a stupid idea".Ash***
@Christopher **********
utter tw@tChristopher ***********
@Ash***
Boring troll.Mason *******
@Ash***
Don't worry about things which MIGHT happen life is too short.Muay *************
OP@Ash***
you paint a somewhat grim picture here. I respect your opinion but hopefully its not all doom and gloom.
Andi ***********
@Muay ************
I think many will be happy to pay for 9mths and get the 5yrs rather than pay less and just get the METV. I'm not surprised by the changes and it is in line with warnings from last year about tightening up on Soft power. Paying for a 9mth course for 5 years multi entry is still great value.Christopher ***********
Thanks to Muay Thai Fever for this information, being proactive in discontinuing their 6 month courses and replacing them with a safer and economical option thus benefitting everyone wanting to stay in Thailand. Ignore the bitter old troll.
Jim **********
From what I can see this is all wrt new applications. Are there any impacts on existing DTVs ?
Muay *************
OP@Jim *********
no this is concerning new applications
Keeley ********
Andrew ********
My school has put out the same notice they are now suggesting the 12 month course as well strongly advise people maintain the savings account with the full balance.
The IO are asking for it as well verification of active participation in enrolled courses
The IO are asking for it as well verification of active participation in enrolled courses
Muay *************
OP@Andrew *******
yea my self and your school share intel and I discussed it with them on FridayAndrew ********
@Muay ************
i want to tag a few certain people who said I was full of it when I mentioned this early on that it was highly advisable to maintain the saving balance in their accounts - its a visa requirement it would be smart to keep it in there. With this development the VIP visa is sounding really good - agency does reporting and extensions for you and opens a bank account for you.
I really wish I had a bank account here would save alot in fees a month
James ********
@Andrew *******
highly unlikely to gain Thai citizenship.James ********
Investing $22,000 at 5% for 5 years results in a total of $28,078.19 if interest is compounded annually.
Andrew ********
@James *******
as of right now, you cannot get a bank account on a DTV ive seen too many issues in here of peoples accounts being frozen and can't access untill they have proper visa As I mentioned things always change in thailand who knows.
The other path I was looking at after 2 years of thai language look for teaching job here or soemthing im able to do with my degrees and experiance in the medical field from the states and work my path into PR and then thai citizenship - that makes buying land alot easier
James ********
@Andrew *******
do yourself a BIG FAVOR...get the DTV visa. There's it there options for your spending $$ in Thailand. Also it's possible that you can get a bank account opened with the assistance of a Thai Visa Agent.
And THIS IS THAILAND... it's possible that the powers to be will change the rules and allow the DTV visa holders direct access to opening a Thai bank account.
Once you spend that $22 000 it's GONE. In the USA 🇺🇸 you can get between 4.50% and 5.00% in bank interest earnings... that's a gain of US $1000 +/- annually for those 5 years. That's US $5,000 lost income. Those $$$ are yours. Save them.
Andrew ********
@James *******
not old enough - why im not just going for Non-O retirement - its taking me a year to convince myself 20,000 USD membership fee was worth it - my USD pension from military service / retirement is a bit short of 80,000 USD a year. And the mix of 40,000 annual with qualified investments - not there either
Im on a student visa till im 45 then I was going to DTV for 5 years and then retirement however the bank restrictions made me seek other options
Given further changes and adjustments with thailand and burracy the VIP visa for 5 years feels best option
Sad the bank account is the selling point for me 555
Im sure by 2 years there will be more changes in all this there always is
James ********
@Andrew *******
have you looked at the LTR VISA ?Andrew ********
@James *******
yes - thailand has a 5 year VIP visa for 620,000 baht around 20k USD they do everything for you including open a bank account I was juggling between DTV or the VIP visa but now its tipping to VIP for me when I turn 45
James ********
Be careful with a bank account opened thru a Thai Visa Agent. They will get it open, BUT for how long. Best to use other ways to spend ones money.
Jim *******
Remember, the Thai government wants your money, not you.
Greg ********
@Jim ******
Of course. Do you think they created the DTV to enhance diversity and the cultural landscape of Thailand? They do want skilled foreigners in certain areas though. There are visas for those such as BOI and LTRMason *******
@Jim ******
Speak for yourself Jimbo. We're not all undesirables like you.Jim *******
@Mason ******
Ad hominem to you too.Mason *******
@Jim ******
Do you have any constructive comments to add relevant to the post?Greg ********
I think it makes sense. I just had a session with Faraz at The Wall 30 mins ago.. I told him gyms and cooking schools were too cheap for the DTV. The Context and Economic Value they offer for the DTV is high.
Muay *************
OP@Greg *******
Faraz and the wall are an absolute quality establishment. I love those guysGreg ********
@Muay ************
I have some great talks with Faraz during our sessions. I think it was you who recommended him for mobility, balance etc. Been going since last September or October I think.
Muay *********************
@Greg *******
thats great to hear yea hes a great guy and knows his stuff
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
so you’re part of the problemGreg ********
Anonymous participant 473 How do you reach that conclusion? You need to define the problem and who has it?
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Wow, you starting WWW4. very controversial points you make. What do you mean by workcation remit same amount per month that passport would need for a WP? Do WPs differ according to passport?Greg ********
@Andi **********
PS: I know exactly what he was getting at. Wanted him to come out and say it.Greg ********
@Andi **********
They would not like my views on how Thailand should change it to extract more value then. 10k per year. SP only valid for period signed up. Workaytion must remit same amount per month that passport would need for a WP. :-) Its a great visa and would still be great value at higher costs and threshold.Andi ***********
@Greg *******
I think they are referring to you saying the SP courses are too cheap. You are right though the intrinsic value of the DTV is very high but many only think about the cost in £,$,€ etc
Jeramy ********
I am already enrolled, just arrived, and will be headed your way in a few weeks. Look forward to the class and I am sure you have something set up to ensure we are covered with ongoing requirements.
Muay *************
OP@Jeramy *******
we are always trying to keep ahead of things. We have DTV plus program in the event of more demands by immigration to see ongoing soft power participation. But I honestly dont think ots required yet
Dany ********
Sounds good 👍👍 we rather see a professional approach than wild west.
Hein ***********
I have just applied DTV under soft power (Muay Thai Fever 6months course) 2 weeks ago
Christopher ***********
@Hein **********
Forgetting this implementation, there are presently three possible outcomes for you; 1) You get your DTV, 2) You get a 6 months METV thus losing 50% of your fee 3) Your application is rejected without explanation with total loss of application fee. Possible solutions; If you are intending to continue to study Muay Thai consider purchasing more lessons now and send proof to reinforce your application. If not, wait and see what happens. Please let us know the outcome as it helps other applicants.Muay *************
OP@Hein **********
they indicated that it will be implemented in the future but they didnt give a date.Andrew ********
@Muay ************
untill an IO decides to ask for it at entry :/Andrew ********
@Hein **********
yeah no not any time soon they been talking about taking visa exempt to 30 days since january and its just not going ... somewhereMuay *************
OP@Hein **********
I cant imagine it will be implemented immediately... Hopefully you will be okMuay *************
OP@Andrew *******
yea thats really a different topic mate. I buy you a beer next timeAndrew ********
@Muay ************
oh yeah I was passing through - and yeah my comment was about re-entry asking for proof of funds now on re-entry is becoming commonIt caused my school owner to send a message out about it - specified after the 2nd re-entry they are asking for documents
It was a rare occurrence before but was only a matter of time as the DTV was new
Hein ***********
@Muay ************
should I concern about this for applying DTV two weeks agoMuay *************
OP@Andrew *******
no this isnt about re entry mate its about application. I saw you in OMG last week was coming over to say hi but you had left already. Hope ya well
Greg ******
Great news for genuine applicants and DTV holders.
Mason *******
That's good news I think. It will upset the haters who want the DTV cancelled though.
Understandi***********
@Mason ******
Not cancelled, but used for its genuine intent. It's definitely being abused and TikTokers have been basically promoting it as a 5 year residence visa
MK ****
why does the metv say its for 6 months but also says 60 days of stay per entry that's a bit confusing
Andrew ********
@MK ***
the visa is good for 6 months you just have a 60 day stay that you can extend for 30 days then you have to leave and you can come back again for another 60 days in that 6 month periodExample you can do 90 day stay twice then you have to reapply for the visa again
Muay *************
OP@MK ***
i guess its 60 day plus 30 day extension. Then border bounce as its multi entry and get 90 more days. The logic might be that that will be enough for a 6 month courseMichael ********
@Muay ************
it's totally not good visa for any course. With METV you can stay only 60 days. With DTV 180 days. It's huge difference. METV is much much more expensive because you need to do border bounces.
Ivan ************
@MK ***
the visa is valid for 6 months. It's multiple entry, and you get 60 days each entry. So you can enter once, stay 60 days, go out, come back, enter again get another 60 days. You can do this up to the expiry date of the visa (which is the 6 months in the future). Your final entry even if it's on the last day you still get 60 days, and you can extend an entry by 30 days so this is why people say you can get effectively 9 months out of a METV.If it's your first time on one you would likely be OK doing these "border runs". It is something that immigration are restricting more now. Mostly, on visa exempt entries, but METVs are not necessarily immune to someone doing border runs to try to spend 6-9 months continually on it.
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