This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What can I do to improve my chances of getting a long-term visa in Thailand after my application was rejected?

Dec 18, 2024
3 months ago
I got rejected. Used the soft visa option. Am not currently working but have significant savings. Had an appointment scheduled with a dentist within 3 months. $400 USD down the drain. Any suggestions to get it right next time? Please be nice 🙏

Edit- I am from the US and meet the financial requirements. For those laughing, I’m not sure what your deal is, but it isn’t kind. I’m sorry you take joy in others misfortunes.
11,548
views
38
likes
335
all likes
108
replies
0
images
30
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience of visa rejection after applying for a dental tourism visa with only a single dentist appointment and no employment. The community provided multiple suggestions ranging from ensuring multiple appointments to showing stronger financial necessity, and emphasized the importance of thorough documentation and understanding current visa policies. Responses also highlighted that visa requirements can vary significantly depending on the embassy. Overall, the conversation focused on improving chances for future applications.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Prow *************
In case that visa get rejected, can you re-apply or is there any wait period before re-applying ?
Wannikea *********
@Prow ************
reapply whenever you wish
Chris ***********
You tried to game the system and you lost... Adapt and try again
Adam *********
I’m just booked today to do mine rung every Asia embassy to ask lots of questions &

See who had a quick turn around time . Travelling to Hanoi to do mine and with wife and son so dependents too and business owners on New Zealand passport so will give a full brief on my experience
Bob **********
Cooking school about 50-60,000 baht 120 hrs should do it
Bernardo *************
So OP, what is the reason for rejection?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bernardo ************
no explanation, just rejected
Christopher ********
You need multiple appointments and you can’t work on the soft power option
Imran ***************
No worries, mate. I'd go for a muay thai visa. It'll give you good health, lots of energy and a brutal means of self-defence.

Someone mentioned fightevo360 gym above. I've heard lots of good 👍 things about them.

'Muay Thai Fever' gym in Chiangmai is an excellent gym, very welcoming with former lumpini champions 🏆 🥇 for trainers. The gentleman who runs it is very thorough with paperwork. His name's Derry and he's British so communication will be easy.

The website says B20k but if you tell him you've already lost some money 💰 on a previous application, he'll probably only charge you B15k. He's a good guy. He'll sort you out...and I mean that in the nicest, most nonviolent, possible way 😉.
Anita ********
Thank you to the anonymous poster for making us aware of this result. Now we can take this into consideration for ourselves. Sorry about your 400 USD.
Dave ****
@Anita *******
What exactly can you take into consideration? The AP has provided zero information on where they applied, whether they actually met the requirements or not, information submitted etc
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ***
I met the requirements. Applied online from the US.
Anita ********
@Dave ***
does it make you feel better to be rude to people?
Dave ****
@Anita *******
I'm just stating facts, it's not that deep 🤗. Happy Christmas
Tolga *******
@Dave ***
consideration is that people should not apply unless they are meeting the criteria 🙏🏻
G ********
The policy was Only for 6 - 8 months (trial) . Probably no more DTv from this month . Unless your case is strong & legit enough
James ********
@G *******
where is the Link to your 6 months trial claim ? I've not seen any reports of that happening.
Darren ********************
No disrespect to you, but I really hope they stop approving DTVs for all dentist appointment applications. It's just madness to expect a 5 year visa based on that.
HZ ************
@Darren *******************
that is disrespectful across the board and doesn't help anyone, so why would you "hope" anything, dumbass?
Paul ********
@Darren *******************
That’s what soft power is about 🤦
Paul ********
The DTV is nothing more than a glorified tourist visa
Anonymous ******************
@Paul *******
Yeah, but a tourist visa that lasts longer than most long-term expat visas... that's where the problem lies. 😅
Luit *****************
@Paul *******
soft power is to attract people who need extensive treatments to the country, so it will boost the economy, not a normal single dentist treatment, that has nothing to do with soft power.
Paul ********
@Luit ****************
soft power is also a short cooking course
Luit *****************
@Paul *******
Did I say Thai cooking course is not soft power? What has this to do with the discussion about a dental appointment?
Paul ********
@Luit ****************
a few follow up appointments would have gotten the visa granted

A four week cooking course

Gets the visa granted

They are not making it hard for anyone to qualify

That is all soft power.

dental, cooking, boxing

Doesn’t matter
Luit *****************
@Paul *******
I think they just did not realize a lot of people would apply for this visa not for the pupose meant.

A four week cooking course does not need an expensive DTV visa, you can do on visa exempt.

Same for the dental appointment or any other activity where you need to be in the country for under 60 days.

But maybe the DTV is just to cheap, they can double or triple the price I guess.
Paula ********
@Paul *******
I think it's about multiple appointments like braces or root canal or cosmetic procedures
Darren ********************
@Paul *******
Not in this case 🤦🏼
Anna *********
Rafael *******
@Anna ********
It's his private Thailand.
Darren ********************
@Anna ********
Because there are plenty of other options for a dentist appointment. You can even stay for 3 months as a tourist which is more than enough time to get any dental procedure done.
Dave **********
@Darren *******************
be interesting to know how you live in Thailand on which visa? Seems nothing but videos that anyone could produce
Darren ********************
@Dave *********
I'm on DTV as a remote worker/business owner.
Dave **********
@Darren *******************
then why did thai Government include it as a category?
Darren ********************
@Dave *********
I don't know but so many are abusing the visa on that category it's crazy. Suddenly everyone's teeth need attention from a Thai dentist haha. I can't see it being sustainable.
Dave **********
@Darren *******************
then why did Thai Givernment include it as a category???
Anna *********
@Darren *******************
And the people who designed/created the DTV with its super easy requirements knew that so they must have had other reasons I guess (like getting lots of people with funds into the country quickly and easily)
Michael *********
@Anna ********
because you can do that on a visa exempt visit and it’s not the purpose the DTV was designed for.. 🤷‍♂️
Incognia **********
@Michael ********
but porpose to visit Thailand is not touristic attractions.Visit for medical(teeth)So tourist visa correct visa or not for teeth?
Dave **********
@Michael ********
absolute rubbish. If it wasn't designed for medical / dentist it wouldn't have been included.
Tom *****
@Michael ********
Some dental treatments take more than 2 years and cost more than $5000
Tom *****
@Michael ********
Many passports are not eligible for visa exemption
Anonymous ******************
@Tom ****
There’s a reason why these countries don’t qualify for a visa exemption. They can still apply for a visa on arrival, but would allowing them to stay for 5 years make more sense?
Tom *****
Participant anonyme 378 the only reason is reciprocity, there are countries that are not eligible for either visa exemption or visa on arrival
Anonymous ******************
@Tom ****
So you're saying they are allowing people who were previously not permitted to enter Thailand (no exemptions, no visa means no entry right?) and granting them a 5-year visa? One of the longest visas available, just for a dentist appointment? If such people even exist, I highly doubt they were given anything.
Anna *********
@Michael ********
Really!!!! What was this visa designed for? Were you in the initial design meetings or are you just another person who can't accept that it is what it is even if it doesn't make sense to you. "Soft power" was specifically included in the original visa offering to enable lots more people to apply and get approved for this visa No one is going to do a 6 month festival 🤣🤣
Mar *****
@An**
tbh which i still had the minerals & Stamina to do 6 months bouncing round Dope festivals like Womderfruit etc...

Not sure ma bank balance or Liver would be so appreciative To the Cause...

💃🕺💃

😎🙏🏽
Michael *********
@Anna ********
I have a dtv and was one of the early ones to obtain.. I understand the way it works.. an appointment at the dentist clearly didn’t satisfy the requirements in this case.. long term medical / dental treatments do.. my point and reply to you was why would they issue in this case when a tourist visa or visa exempt can be issued for an appointment.. off your high horse 👍
Anna *********
@Michael ********
I have no idea how Immigration think but I give them the respect of acknowledging that they must have their reasons (perhaps economic) Nor do I care and I am not on a high horse, just get really tired of the arrogance of so many experts when they know no more than I do
Anonymous ******************
@Anna ********
It’s not that simple. There’s an entire hidden economy behind visas in Thailand, and the DTV is undoubtedly a visa killer. Thailand is known for making sudden U-turns without any clear reason. The MFA (which was pushed to create this visa), immigration, agents, and other entities all have different goals and financial interests at play. Heard about embassies getting difficult due to work with agents on this group? This is one example.
Anna *********
Anonymous participant 378 And when they change the rules, if they do, we will conform to those rules but at the moment 6 months is not a requirement with soft power even if some embassies and embassy personnel are asking for it
Anonymous ******************
@Michael ********
And perhaps because it’s literally a "visa killer". Much cheaper, faster, and easier, with multi-entry included and valid for 5 years. The rules designed to ensure that people can sustain themselves in Thailand on other visas (such as annual financial checks or salary verification) no longer make much sense. With 500k THB, no proof of income, and a single appointment at the dentist, you’re all set! 😂
Tim *********
@Michael ********
medical appointments/treatment aren't the purpose? it was exactly designed for that 🤷... implants for example takes months to get done
Michael *********
@Tim ********
wrong.. the official release notes where to attract long term tourism for digital nomads and remote workers with the add on of soft power and long term medical treatments.. the original post wasn’t referring to long term medical treatments was it?? When assessing visa applications for a single dental appointment there are other options available why would they grant one??
Michael *********
@Tim ********
it wasn’t the reason it was designed for lol the official release notes where to encourage digital nomads and remote works to boost long term tourism.. a single dental appointment isn’t going to obtain a dtv.. few may have slipped through. Yes long term dental / medical treatments qualify but that wasn’t what the OP posted.. the post was regarding an appointment 🤣
Anonymous ******************
@Tim ********
Yes, but in your case, you’ll have proper planning over several months. A simple appointment with no long-term commitment doesn’t seem reasonable to qualify for a 5-year visa and aligns more with an entry exemption.
Andrew *******
Train muay thai for 6 months, I know a great gym in Bangkok that assisted me if anyone is interested
Andrew *******
*****************************************
Higor *********
@Andrew ******
name please?
Johannes *******
@Higor ********
I got it via FitFac. Can seriously recommend.
Eric **********
@Andrew ******
yes more info please
Johannes *******
@Eric *********
I got it via FitFac. Good
Jim ***********
If something sounds too good be true it usually is. 1 dentist appointment no job. Would you grant 5 year visa ?
Christopher ********
Fight EVO360 Thailand - Thepprasit Boxing Stadium 6 months training 20k ... Sharon has all the documents, very easy.
Wannikea *********
A single appointment is most likely to fail. A diagnosis appointment and treatment plan with booked appointments all submitted on letterhead over a long period of time is far more credible. Which consulate?
Than ***********
Got rejected after how many days pending to approve?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Than **********
Took about 10 days
Wesley ********
Just think “if I was working at the embassy, would I approve this” and then work with that.

1 appointment, 5 year visa? Does sound a bit insane
Fred ****
@Wesley *******
one dentist appointment was all it took for me to get approved... from the US as well 🤷‍♂️
Chagal *************
You could enter Thailand under visa exempt or tourist to still do your dentist
Bernardo *************
You need to have a treatment plan of more than 6 months.
Bernardo *************
@Joel ******
use the f*cking internet to f*cking google it.
Joel *******
@Bernardo ************
then wtfs this group for if not advice and answers.
Luit *****************
@Joel ******
This group is about DTV, not about general questions, but if you don't know what a treatment plan is, you don't need it I guess.
Bernardo *************
Joel *******
@Bernardo ************
wtf is a treatment plan
Ronnie ***************
@Bernardo ************
i didn't even summit an appointment, you just have to have the proper paperwork!!
Anna *********
Bernardo *************
@Ronnie **************
Your marriage with a thai national helped. Lol
Ronnie ***************
@Bernardo ************
I'm not married. I just had a letter from my doctor saying I'm a patient of hers and the hospital, on an official hospital letterhead!!
Anita ********
@Ronnie **************
An ongoing patient? That probably made the difference.
Bernardo *************
@Ronnie **************
When and which embassy did you apply?
Ronnie ***************
@Bernardo ************
Washington DC, in November
Anna *********
@Bernardo ************
Not necessarily One member was successful with one appointment
Adrià ********
@Anna ********
Very risky with only one appointment. Many embassies doesn't recognize dentist as a medical reason.
Paul *******
@Anna ********
I only had 2 dental appointments.

London embassy no problem at all for me.

But maybe I was lucky.

Best visa I have ever had.
Anna *********
@Paul ******
Thank you for your comment and no it wasn't luck You provided what they asked for and they said OK here is your visa 😆
Bernardo *************
@Anna ********
and most have been rejected and lost money. Like the OP.
Anna *********
@Bernardo ************
We don't know why he was rejected You are all assuming the reason but the OP didn't say why. It could well have been a data entry error or some other reason which has happened to lots of people too
Luit *****************
@Anna ********
there are always exceptions on a rule, maybe mistakes, but generally you can say it does not make sense that one appointment which can be done at visa exempt would qualify for a visa.
Anna *********
@Luit ****************
It doesn't have to make sense it just has to meet the requirements and no where does it say 6 months worth of treatment or cooking
Luit *****************
@Anna ********
and you really think ONE dentist appointment does meet requirements? Please start thinking before talking.
Anna *********
@Luit ****************
How rude It doesn't matter what I think A number of people have had DTV approved from one appointment Read the threads
Luit *****************
@Anna ********
Why should I read, it is completely useless information. Everywhere where humane work, they make a mistake every now and then.

You can not base your decisions on the fact that somebody makes a mistake.
Anonymous ******************
@Anna ********
Some did succeed, but others were refused. Most people asking questions don't want to take chances, and the rules here in Thailand have consistently become stricter. That said, the DTV remains the easiest and cheapest visa to obtain so far, which arguably makes it a "visa killer." Whether this was intentional or not, we can't say. However, obtaining a 5-year visa with just one appointment at a dentist, compared to other 1-year visas that require extensive documentation, yearly renewals, longer approval times, and higher costs, seems a bit illogical. People also need to understand that the conditions for obtaining and maintaining visas are evolving over time.
Anna *********
Anonymous participant 378 Its Thailand and they decided to create a less rigid less convoluted visa for whatever reason. It doesn't have to make sense to all the so called experts out there It is what it is
Bernardo *************
@Anna ********
But would you risk your money with it? I mean a 5-year visa for a one-off appointment is not making sense. Id rather send documents that shows i need to stay for more than 6 months to make sure i will get approved.
Anna *********
@Bernardo ************
Sure but your initial comment was incorrect
Luit *****************
@Anna ********
The comment of
@Bernardo ************
was at least more useful than your comment that somebody got through requirement checks with only one appointment.

Humane make errors, but you can not count on that.
Bernardo *************
@Anna ********
might be incorrect in some embassies. Might be correct in some. You will never know. It’s Thailand.
Anna *********
@Bernardo ************
Nope its not in the THAI requirements - just some embassies asking for some extra bits and bobs but no where does it say Treatment plan of more than 6 months
Anonymous ******************
@Anna ********
Requirements vary depending on the embassy and tend to become stricter over time, which makes sense.
Anna *********
Anonymous participant 378 Perhaps but it still doesn't make incorect statements true
Min *************
Which embassy
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Min ************
applied online from US
Stefania *******
What document did you provide?