Answered5 months ago

What are the requirements for the DTV soft power visa regarding language courses in Chiang Mai?

DTV Visa Language Courses Chiang Mai Soft Power Culture Visa Extension Thailand Immigration

Benoit *********

asked May 28, 2026

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Hi, I would love to have some insights regarding the DTV soft power language / culture in Chiang Mai applied through the embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

I am planning to move to Chiang Mai march/april 2027 on the DTV soft power Language / culture. 

-Is it the case that following a 6 month language (dtv) course package through a language school is enough to get the full 5 years without having to re-enroll the following year(s) or do courses full time for the 5 years? 

-Does anyone have experience or recommendations for a particular language school in Chiang Mai that offers the DTV package. (TSL, Pro language, We Learn Thai, etc)

-Did anyone apply through the embassy in Brussels, Belgium successfully (specifically soft power)? If so, what was the experience like? 

I appreciate any help or info! 

Thanks in advance guys!

Answer summary

The conversation discusses the DTV soft power visa in Chiang Mai, focusing on whether a 6-month language course is sufficient for the full 5 years without re-enrollment. It clarifies that full-time language courses are not required; instead, a hybrid culture/language course is acceptable. Users mention that while a DTV visa holder must extend their stay at the immigration office every 6 months, continuous enrollment in courses is not necessary unless opting for in-country extensions. Recommendations for language schools in Chiang Mai are also sought.

7 repliesnewest first

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Andi ***********

Full time language courses are not covered by the DTV. There are hybrid culture/language courses which are DTV approved such as TSL Chiang Mai. They have limited hrs of language study. There is no current requirement to continue a course once finished unless you extend your stay at an immigration office. You do not have to study full time on a DTV.

5 months ago

Benoit *********

Hi Andi, thank you for taking the time to share this with me. I appreciate it a lot!

I am happy to do the hybrid culture/language course.

What's unclear to me is the amount of time between extensions at the immigration office. When you say "unless you extend your stay at the immigration office", are we talking about every 180 days, every year, etc? Thanks again 🙏

5 months ago

Wannikea *********

@Benoit ********

You can only extend once per entry. No matter how you slice it you have to leave the country after 360 days.

An in-country extension is not recommended, It's far easier to just bounce out to another country for a few hours or a few days.

5 months ago

Andi ***********

@Benoit ********

Yes, leave and reenter is the best way. Continuous enrolment for 5 years is not required.

5 months ago

Wannikea *********

@Benoit ********

Only If you tried to do in-country extensions.

5 months ago

Benoit *********

@Wannikea ********

Thank you for sharing this with me. Leaving the country is the best way. Do I understand correctly that I would have to be enrolled in a soft power course continually throughout the 5 years of the DTV?

5 months ago

Andi ***********

@Benoit ********

Yes, I'm talking about extending at I.O at the 6mth mark.

5 months ago