What are the requirements for obtaining the DTV visa in Thailand and can I qualify by taking cookery classes?

Question

Hi. I have been a member of the group for a while and have benefited from the advice of Brandon Et al. I’m from the uk and have been travelling to Thailand for many years, spending up to 6 months per year there. I have used visa-free and tourist visas for this but this time have a non-o 90 day visa based on retirement to arrive in December. My plan was possibly to extend this for one year based on 800k in the bank. But the exchange rate is not great at the moment and I am reluctant to place money in a “ dead” account permanently. So now for the question. I read about the DTV visa (5 years multi-entry). I am retired (62) but didn’t think I would qualify as no desire to work. What I read is that you can get this based on cookery classes (even just a couple of weeks from a registered school?). I enjoy Thai cooking and would like to learn more so would not be an issue. This sounds too good to be true (10k baht for the visa plus the cost of the class). Am I missing something here or is this a viable option? TIA for constructive replies.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A UK expat with a non-o visa based on retirement is considering applying for a 5-year DTV visa, which may be obtained through cookery classes. The expat is exploring whether a short cooking class would suffice to qualify for the DTV visa and if it is a viable option, especially given concerns about the current exchange rate and money placement in a Thai bank. Comments suggest that visa qualification can vary by embassy and that some individuals have found medical options simpler for obtaining the DTV visa.

Pui ***** · Answer

Join the DTV group on Facebook. It's very active and has lots of helpful information. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Robert ********** · Answer

Contact JK Inter, they are running a cooking school for the DTV now.        [mention redacted]

Winston ******** · Answer

500k THB in your bank statement

Phil ****** · Answer

[mention redacted] yes very much true. Agree with Brandon medical/dental far easier.

Brandon ************ · Answer

That is indeed how the DTV visa works.

But as far as what type or duration of class will qualify, that is going to be up to each embassy to decide.  Some report wanting a few weeks of classes, some want a month of classes, or some want 3-6 months of classes in order to qualify.

Seems like the medical option is actually an easier way to qualify for DTV, as some have reported getting the visa with only a single dentist appointment.

What are the requirements for obtaining the DTV visa in Thailand and can I qualify by taking cookery classes?

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