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Answered4 months ago

What factors influence visa application outcomes in Thailand based on recent experiences?

Bashir *******
asked Jun 26, 2026
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A Tale of Two Courses

I am sharing the following experience for everyone’s knowledge. Interpret the results as you will, and I would love to hear everyone’s opinions. I am presenting the facts as they happened, none of this is heresy and can be verified if anyone has any doubts.

For context, I own a Muay Thai gym that many people in this group have used (Tiger Eye) and have been involved in a lot of DTV applications, covering around 70 nationalities and applications through roughly 50 different embassies and consulates. Even with that experience, I don't consider myself the arbiter of truth. My position has always been that there are simply too many variables that we don't fully understand, and each embassy seems to weigh factors differently.

About a week ago, two different people received two very different outcomes that went completely against the conventional wisdom and advice. I understand that most people are trying to help, and I genuinely think there is a lot of useful information shared here. But I also think we need to be careful not to mistake common advice for universal truth.

The first case was a British citizen applying in London. They applied with a one-month course. They met the financial requirements, but there wasn't anything particularly noteworthy about the application, and as far as I'm aware they had no ongoing income.

They were approved.

The second case was a Western European citizen applying in Jakarta. This applicant had a one-year course, well over the minimum financial requirement, more than one million baht in liquid savings, additional liquid funds in another account, investments, a detailed financial explanation, and a professionally written cover letter. They had also recently started a business and included a well-structured prospectus explaining its future income potential, although in my opinion that wasn't even necessary because their savings alone comfortably exceeded the requirements.

Honestly, it was one of the most meticulously prepared applications I've seen.

They were given a METV. They weren’t even rejected. They were given a METV which is valid for 6 months and obviously doesn’t cover a commitment to train for one year. People are told that you must have 9 months or 12 months or you risk getting an METV. This case directly contradicts that notion. Obviously, in previous cases where applicants got a METV perhaps course length was a factor, but this case makes you wonder if that is actually the case?

Now, could there have been factors that I wasn't aware of? Absolutely. None of us ever has the complete picture.

But these aren't isolated examples from my experience.

The reason I'm sharing this is because I often see people immediately assume that if someone is rejected with a course shorter than nine or twelve months, then the course length must have been the reason. Likewise, if someone is approved with a one-year course, it's often presented as proof that a one-year course is the "safe" option. And if someone is approved with a course length less than 6 months (or even less than 9 months) they are told they got lucky.

These two cases tell a different story.

Of course, all else being equal, a longer course probably makes for a stronger application. I don't think anyone would argue otherwise. But I also don't think the evidence suggests that course length is the overwhelmingly dominant factor that it's sometimes made out to be.

My advice has always been to focus on the specific embassy you're applying through, because embassies clearly have different approaches and different expectations.

Ultimately, I think the biggest takeaway is that we should all be a little more cautious about speaking in absolutes. This Facebook group contains a huge amount of valuable information, but it's still only a sample of applicants. It may have its own biases, blind spots, and patterns that don't necessarily reflect the totality of DTV applications worldwide.

In the end DO YOUR DUE DILLIGENCE. Make a genuine intention to actually do the activity you are signing up for. Look at the embassy specific requirements because each embassy is NOT the same. Some of them have vastly different expectations and requirements.

Good luck everyone.
Answer summary
The author shares experiences regarding two different visa application cases: one resulting in approval and another resulting in a Tourist Visa (METV), despite significant differences in application quality. This illustrates that embassy assessments may vary significantly based on various factors, urging applicants to avoid relying solely on shared advice or assumptions. The importance of understanding specific embassy requirements and exercising due diligence is emphasized.
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PeacefulRe**********
PeacefulRe**********
Thais are hunting down criminals and abusers of the system like visa runners!!!
Nicknam*******
Nicknam*******
"the math doesn't match"

Explain what you mean by this please
idiots******
idiots******
That is really a very high number of people.

I used to know an immigration officer that works at Miami airport and he told me once the refusal rate was less than 10 a week.

30k for the first 6 months is very very high
Jo **********
Jo **********
The number of people who have been refused entry would need to be independently validated. Government numbers over tourism and related areas are often inflated or deflated depending on the point they are trying to make. And it’s not just Thailand it’s southeast Asia. At to your point there was a post about being refused entry. Several claims were made about the specifics like paying 3300 baht for security. And she gave no specifics of history even after people asked.
Dave ********
Dave ********
I was heavily scrutinised when I came back this year . He called his supervisor over and because I had a return flight booked and had been out the country for 8 months it was eventually fine . I do however believe if I never had the return flight booked it may have been different
Sue **********
Sue **********
Dave Joynes Which tourist who stays a few weeks doesn‘t book a return flight? My neighbours visit Thailand 4 times for 3 weeks each, never been ever askes anything.
Dimitri ********
Dimitri ********
Sue Heimchen maybe a tourist without real plans who likes to stay longer in a place they like and want to have the opportunity to leave if something is not nice?
Dave ********
Dave ********
Sue Heimchen I booked 60 days . The max . I stayed here for over 2 years and 2021 back to the uk for 15 months . Then ten months in Thailand , 8 months uk and then back here . So that’s the only reason I booked the return flight
Alice ****************
Alice ****************
We are coming in September and have a single entry visa for 3 months tourist we are also aware that we need to get entry visa 72hrs before our flight ✈️

We have also booked fast track to help with getting through airport

You really do need to check Thai embassy daily

Because things change very quickly with visa requirements

We have done this with a view of getting retirement visa when we arrive

Please 🙏 let me know where you are based

Bangkok?
Graeme ******
Graeme ******
Alice Louise Millen not sure which 90 day single entry visa you have got? You can get a 60 day tourist visa whivh can be extended in country for an additional 30days and you can get a non o over 50 visa which is good for 90 days? Also the TDAC the entry electronic card is not a visa at all, its an entry card for informing them of you arrival date and where you will be staying at keast for the furst few days
Alice ****************
Alice ****************
Graeme Mort yes I understand that that’s what we have done thx 🙏
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Alice Louise Millen fast track seems to be the way these days which company did you use
Alice ****************
Alice ****************
we went on get your guide

And did fast track with transfer it was a bit more but just want it to be more manageable

Got great flights with BA and good price premium economy
Rodger **********
Rodger **********
Funny….in almost 20 years I have never had one single problem…..but then, I follow the law.
Rob *********
Rob *********
Rodger Williams“it never happened to me so I’ll insult anyone it happens to” what a qunt.
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Rob Armandoi never got raped = therefore no one ever gets raped lol
Gordon ************
Gordon ************
The “beasts” get sussed out, sooner or later 😂😂😂
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Rodger Williams you guys are idiots just because it didn’t happen to you it means it didn’t happen?
James **********
James **********
Most are denied for a reason, like claiming you did nothing wrong when you have a passport full of back to back border bounces.
Collywobble **********
Collywobble **********
James Mitchell border bounces were not wrong and legal but now seems not wanted ...oh dear
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
James Mitchell sure
Henry *********
Henry *********
People who post anonymously and then don't reply to comments or interact in any way are likely to be 'engagement bots'.
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Henry Durrant no
Mike **********
Mike **********
I hope the numbers will go sharply up for all these wankers who abuse visa exemptions or wrong visas!
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Mike KiteAsia why would u even wish that
Nicholas *******
Nicholas *******
SereneArugula7922 he probably just spent too much on his visa 🤣
Mike **********
Mike **********
SereneArugula7922 just look around how many idiots are in thailand currently who give all foreigners a bad reputation. Time to stop to let all the trash in!
idiots******
idiots******
SereneArugula7922 full of jealous losers in this group.
Gregory ********
Gregory ********
Mike KiteAsia get a grammar visa, your rants would be much more coherent. 😊
Mike **********
Mike **********
idiotsomchai full of people who us agents to illegally obtain visas because they either not got the money or can’t meet the requirements to get the appropriate visas!

Enough abusing of the system! Everyday you see foreigners fighting, stealing, running away from accident and cops, getting arrested for drugs, etc. Who wants shit like this in their country?!
Paul ********
Paul ********
Complete and utter bollacks.......Post under real name and real profile with some evidence of 30,000........you do release thats the equivalent of 75 old style 747 Jumbo Jets
Andrew **********
Andrew **********
And how many people per day do you think come to Thailand? We’re now coming to the end of June so, 6 months. Do you think that it’s impossible to happen in 6 months? Thailand is getting much harder to enter now.
Colin **********
Colin **********
Paul Thomas Immigration Bureau Reports Proactive Results of the “Three No’s” Policy in Response to National Police Chief’s Directive; Nearly 30,000 Foreign Nationals Denied Entry in the First Five Months

In line with the policy of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, who has directed police nationwide to intensify efforts against transnational crime in accordance with government measures aimed at addressing foreign nationals posing as tourists while engaging in activities that negatively affect Thailand’s national security, economy, and society.

Today (4 June 2026), Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau and Bureau Spokesperson, revealed that Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, has instructed all immigration units nationwide to strictly implement the Commissioner-General’s policy since the beginning of 2026 through the enforcement of the “Three No’s” measures against foreign nationals: No Entry, No Stay, and No Escape.

1. “No Entry” Measure

This preventive measure focuses on screening individuals before they enter the Kingdom and consists of two main operations:

• The implementation of the Advance Passenger Processing System (APPS) to prevent foreign nationals listed on Thailand’s blacklist from entering the country, including those previously imprisoned in Thailand and individuals subject to INTERPOL notices. Currently, there are 169,506 individuals on the blacklist. These persons are prevented from traveling to Thailand, as airlines are required to deny boarding at their points of departure. Those attempting to enter via land border checkpoints are likewise refused entry.

• Immigration officers nationwide have also intensified the screening and interviewing of foreign nationals entering Thailand under visa exemption schemes. Individuals found to exhibit behavior posing risks to public order—such as intending to work illegally or suspected of involvement with scam syndicates relocating from neighboring countries—are denied entry. From January to May 2026, a total of 29,490 foreign nationals were refused entry.

1. “No Stay” Measure

This measure focuses on preventing foreign nationals from remaining in Thailand unlawfully through two principal actions:

• Revocation of visas for foreign nationals, including those entering under visa exemption programs or holding other visa categories, who engage in activities inconsistent with the purposes of their visas. Particular attention has been given to student visa holders who are not genuinely pursuing studies.

From 1 January to May 2026, a total of 668 foreign nationals had their permission to stay revoked and were deported from the Kingdom.

• Comprehensive inspections and enforcement operations have been conducted nationwide to identify and arrest foreign nationals involved in various criminal offenses. From 1 January to April 2026, authorities arrested 14,161 foreign nationals for immigration and other related violations.

1. “No Escape” Measure

Under this measure, all immigration offices have been instructed to develop target profiles and coordinate intelligence with local police units to conduct joint inspections and enforcement operations.

From 1 January to May 2026, immigration authorities investigated foreign-national communities whose residents held valid visas but displayed behavior potentially threatening public order. Information on these targets was shared with local police for further action, particularly in major tourist destinations with significant foreign communities.

A total of 190 targets were identified as follows:

• Chonburi Immigration: 147 targets

• Mae Hong Son Immigration: 2 targets

• Chiang Mai Immigration: 9 targets

• Surat Thani Immigration: 22 targets

• Phuket Immigration: 10 targets

Search operations conducted at these locations resulted in the arrest of more than 31 individuals, while investigations into the remaining targets are ongoing.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron reiterated that Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas has instructed all immigration commanders under his supervision to continue implementing these measures on an ongoing basis, with progress to be closely monitored and evaluated.
Steve *******
Steve *******
15.45 million people have entered Thailand in 2026.

30,000 were denied entry.

That's 0.2% denials.

Maybe the math and anonymous scare mongering visa agents are causing the cynicism.
Loma ******
Loma ******
My sense from various articles is that a large number of the 30,000 were involuntarily denied boarding (IDB) via APPS, at departure points.
Graham ******
Graham ******
Loma Topo how would Immigration know they were denied boarding, they'd just be no shows?
Cesar *******
Cesar *******
News reported by fake profiles (like yours) are sometimes hard to believe.
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Cesar Gatti Thai gov reported this
Cesar *******
Cesar *******
SereneArugula7922 still, your profile is fake.
Nick *******
Nick *******
SereneArugula7922 why are you posting anonymously then?
Colin **********
Colin **********
The figure of 30k is for denied issuing visa, denied entry and found illegal in country.
John **********
John **********
@Colin *********
30k denied entry in 5 months

********************************************
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Where are the photos

Such a dramatic situation

Evidence ?
Colin **********
Colin **********
Ant W Tailor Immigration Bureau Reports Proactive Results of the “Three No’s” Policy in Response to National Police Chief’s Directive; Nearly 30,000 Foreign Nationals Denied Entry in the First Five Months

In line with the policy of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, who has directed police nationwide to intensify efforts against transnational crime in accordance with government measures aimed at addressing foreign nationals posing as tourists while engaging in activities that negatively affect Thailand’s national security, economy, and society.

Today (4 June 2026), Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau and Bureau Spokesperson, revealed that Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, has instructed all immigration units nationwide to strictly implement the Commissioner-General’s policy since the beginning of 2026 through the enforcement of the “Three No’s” measures against foreign nationals: No Entry, No Stay, and No Escape.

1. “No Entry” Measure

This preventive measure focuses on screening individuals before they enter the Kingdom and consists of two main operations:

• The implementation of the Advance Passenger Processing System (APPS) to prevent foreign nationals listed on Thailand’s blacklist from entering the country, including those previously imprisoned in Thailand and individuals subject to INTERPOL notices. Currently, there are 169,506 individuals on the blacklist. These persons are prevented from traveling to Thailand, as airlines are required to deny boarding at their points of departure. Those attempting to enter via land border checkpoints are likewise refused entry.

• Immigration officers nationwide have also intensified the screening and interviewing of foreign nationals entering Thailand under visa exemption schemes. Individuals found to exhibit behavior posing risks to public order—such as intending to work illegally or suspected of involvement with scam syndicates relocating from neighboring countries—are denied entry. From January to May 2026, a total of 29,490 foreign nationals were refused entry.

1. “No Stay” Measure

This measure focuses on preventing foreign nationals from remaining in Thailand unlawfully through two principal actions:

• Revocation of visas for foreign nationals, including those entering under visa exemption programs or holding other visa categories, who engage in activities inconsistent with the purposes of their visas. Particular attention has been given to student visa holders who are not genuinely pursuing studies.

From 1 January to May 2026, a total of 668 foreign nationals had their permission to stay revoked and were deported from the Kingdom.

• Comprehensive inspections and enforcement operations have been conducted nationwide to identify and arrest foreign nationals involved in various criminal offenses. From 1 January to April 2026, authorities arrested 14,161 foreign nationals for immigration and other related violations.

1. “No Escape” Measure

Under this measure, all immigration offices have been instructed to develop target profiles and coordinate intelligence with local police units to conduct joint inspections and enforcement operations.

From 1 January to May 2026, immigration authorities investigated foreign-national communities whose residents held valid visas but displayed behavior potentially threatening public order. Information on these targets was shared with local police for further action, particularly in major tourist destinations with significant foreign communities.

A total of 190 targets were identified as follows:

• Chonburi Immigration: 147 targets

• Mae Hong Son Immigration: 2 targets

• Chiang Mai Immigration: 9 targets

• Surat Thani Immigration: 22 targets

• Phuket Immigration: 10 targets

Search operations conducted at these locations resulted in the arrest of more than 31 individuals, while investigations into the remaining targets are ongoing.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron reiterated that Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas has instructed all immigration commanders under his supervision to continue implementing these measures on an ongoing basis, with progress to be closely monitored and evaluated.
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Colin Chaffers

And you are telling me this because ?
Russ **********
Russ **********
Ant W Tailorno photography in immigration areas...
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Russ Marriott

True

What about getting on the plane
John **********
John **********
I guess because they don't like to imagine themselves in the same position, can't think of any other reason.
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
@John *********
I never seen such bootlicking in my entire life lol it’s like people can’t comprehend arbitrary denials and detentions occur
Kool *******
Kool *******
SereneArugula7922 out of the 14million plus number of people that have entered Thailand this year, 30,000 is hardly significant, and not arbitrary.
Todd *********
Todd *********
Obviously because there are also 16 MILLION who have successfully entered the country. Less than
****
th of one percent is refused entry.

And all of the them seem to report here. Under fake profiles.

Why are you not smart enough to figure this out by yourself?
idiots******
idiots******
Todd McGowan can you explain how you figured out the fake profiles?
Paul ********
Paul ********
Excellent reply Tod. There are some interesting borderline personalities who hang about this fb page; probably just after they were discharged from an ED
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Paul Davies you guys are idiots just because it didn’t happen to you it means it didn’t happen?
Paul ********
Paul ********
That level of logic would even befuddle The Donald
Nick *******
Nick *******
Todd McGowan 100% correct
SereneAr*********
SereneAr*********
Todd McGowan that doesn’t take anything away from 30k people being denied entry
Paul ********
Paul ********
No but it puts things into proportion, a sense of which seems to be missing in your writing.
Todd *********
Todd *********
SereneArugula7922 yes - it does. They are complete screw ups if denied entry. They pushed the system to the point it has no choice. Good possibility of criminal or nefarious activity. Low lifes thinking they are above the rules.

Literally 99.9% get in just fine.
Ross ********
Ross ********
Todd McGowan Who the fuck are you to profile people you haven't met over than a moron
Mike *******
Mike *******
Yeah it’s just like the “they tried not to pay the lady boy or pay the tab” storyline. Seems like that’s what they allege every drunk person does in Thailand.
James ******
James ******
Because they are angry bitter people who are here with no money and looking for somebody to attack. There is no other answer. They break the laws themselves constantly
Ross ********
Ross ********
James Sing You don't know these people but you are profiling them .
James ******
James ******
Ross Calder what time is it obvious and I've seen it so many times I can't even count I've been here 19 years every day and there are so many assholes there it's on believable. Especially the ones that treat the thai people bad and complain about everything and yet they dont go back to their shithole country
MagicalP*********
MagicalP*********
Truth Hurts

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