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What can I do if my DTV visa application was rejected due to insufficient documentation and how should I approach reapplying?

Sep 8, 2025
7 days ago
Kyoung *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I’d like to share my DTV refusal experience and also ask for some advice.

I applied from Korea under the Soft Power (medical treatment) category on August 11 and got rejected on August 31. I was quite confident I would get it because I’ve been receiving treatment at Ram Hospital since April 2024, right after I was diagnosed. I’ve been going at least once a month, usually spending around 4,000 baht per visit. I also submitted a 5-month bank statement along with the additional requested documents. In addition, I have insurance that covers 100% of my treatment costs, and I’ve always been reimbursed without any issues.

Anyway, it’s okay. Maybe my condition wasn’t considered serious enough, or maybe the portfolio I submitted wasn’t strong enough. Or it could just be that the Korean embassy is stricter when reviewing applications.

The attached image shows the additional documents I was asked to provide. I hope this helps.

For my next attempt, I’m considering changing the category and applying through a Muay Thai course instead. I’m also thinking of going to Bali to submit my application, but I’m worried it might be too soon to reapply after a refusal.

Has anyone here tried applying a second time in Indonesia and successfully received a DTV visa, especially under a different category like Muay Thai? I’d really appreciate it if you could share your experiences or tips.

Thanks in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience of having their DTV visa application rejected while applying from Korea under the Soft Power category for medical treatment. They express confusion over the refusal and contemplate reapplying under a different category, specifically for a Muay Thai course, potentially from Bali. Commenters suggest that a lack of a written treatment plan from a doctor may have contributed to the refusal and emphasize the importance of having a comprehensive treatment plan for future applications.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
John **********
Without a minimum of 6 months treatment plan from the hospital on official letterhead signed off by a recognised doctor at the hospital you stand no chance of getting the DTV on medical grounds
Kurt *************
So i got told from my embassy that i need a treatmentplan for 6 months + and booked appointments for 6 months +

The longer plan and booked appointments is better.

My problem was that the hospital am gettinh treatment at had no problem giving a 18 month treament plan but could not do appointments for longer then 4-6 weeks
John *******
In regards to your health issue, did you submit the treatment plan with booked appointments or did you focus on past appointments? Did you have the hospital write you a letter?
Kyoung *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
I actually wrote the treatment plan myself. I asked Ram Hospital, but they told me they couldn’t provide that kind of document. If you’re planning to apply under the medical treatment category, I’d really recommend going through a hospital in Bangkok that has a proper international support system. I don’t think Ram Hospital can handle it. That’s why I’m now considering switching to the Muay Thai course, or maybe just going for an education visa for peace of mind.
James ********
@Kyoung ****
sadly, with what you shared with your application, you were doomed for failure with your seeking a DTV Visa for medical care.

IF you are planning to try the Muay Thai training route to get the DTV visa,.be sure to use a Muay Thai training gym that has been successful in getting the DTV visa for its students.

There are several fine gyms that have been successful in getting over a thousand students approved.

Carefully Read the posts about getting the Muay Thai DTV on this forum. Choose the gym wisely.

Where are you going to live in Thailand ?
Kool *******
One simple question. Did you submit a written treatment plan from your doctor, or just past appointments, as it sounds like you did? If not, that is why you were rejected. You need a written treatment plan from your doctor. With that plan your approval greatly improved under the medical category. They don't care at all about how long, or how much you've spent, or that you have insurance. They only care about the written treatment plan for your future treatments.
Kyoung *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
You’re right. it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but I think this is probably one of the strongest possibilities.

I actually tried several times, both by email and in person, to request such a document from Ram Hospital, but I felt like the doctors ans staffs just didn’t understand the concept of a “treatment plan.” To put it simply, they seemed unable to imagine providing anything beyond the usual documents: Medical Certificate, appointment confirmations, test results or receipts. So in the end, I just collected as many Medical Certificate and test results as I could and put them together like a portfolio but it looks like that wasn’t enough.

The Thai Embassy in Korea also specifically requested my past receipts, so I think it’s clear that the review process in Seoul is stricter than in some other places.

If I were to give advice to others in Chiang Mai, I’d say that Ram Hospital’s medical services themselves are not bad at all, but considering these kinds of documentation issues, it might be better to go to a hospital in Bangkok. If I had gone to a Bangkok hospital from the beginning, I probably could have had stronger paperwork prepared for my application.
Kool *******
@Kyoung ****
the staff at hospitals have limited English skills, but not the actual doctors. You need to talk to the doctor directly, not anyone else. The doctor will know what a treatment plan is. Go back to Thailand, and make an appointment with your doctor. That is what you need to do. The cost of what you would spend to enroll in enough Muay Thai classes, now at 6+ months, would easily pay for your flight back to Thailand to meet with your doctor.
Shandy ********
@Kyoung ****
What did you submit for this requirement?: "English portfolio....providing your life plan"? Did you give an explanation of how you'd support yourself or how you'd occupy yourself in Thailand? That is how I'd interpret this.