Answered2 years ago

What happens after 6 months on a DTV visa in Thailand regarding schooling and payments?

DTV visa Thai visa regulations Muay Thai training expat living in Thailand long-term stay visa requirements

Anonymous *************

asked Nov 28, 2024

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What happens after 6 months of DTV - soft power? Do i need to pay the school again (muay thai school for example) for another 6 months?

Answer summary

After the initial 6 months of the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa), there are no further requirements for schooling or payments. Once you qualify for the DTV, you receive a 5-year visa with no mandated continuation of your Muay Thai classes or school payments. However, it's important to note that any necessary extensions while in the country could require additional fees.

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Ned *******

There's no clear precedent, yet.

2 years ago

Pete *******

Once you have the DTV that’s it. You have qualified for a 5 year visa. No further requirements, no further schooling, no additional anything. No further payments (Bar in country extensions). There is nothing in the DTV requirement that even requires you to attend your booked Muay Thai lessons.

2 years ago

Andrew ***********

@Pete ******

I wouldn't be so sure, I watched a interview with immigration Minister and some YouTuber, he said when you extend, immigration may ask to see your work portfolio, I assume if you have a muay Thai or cooking course and you are in and out of Thailand they "may" question how you are completing the requirements of the course, i have also read on Reddit some immigration officers are asking questions like why did you apply in Taiwan/Vietnam and what's your purpose for coming to Thailand becides having an dtv visa ...

2 years ago

Greg ********

@Andrew **********

As others have stated the DTV is issued by the MFA. However, it is Royal Thai Immigration who control entry and extensions. In fact the MFA cover themselves on this by stating that fact on their website.

2 years ago

Pete *******

@Andrew **********

border bouncing every 6 months means you’ll never have to visit an in country Immigration office.

2 years ago

James ********

@Greg ******

well said ✅ thank you 👍

2 years ago

John **********

@Pete ******

except for 90 day reports

2 years ago

Greg ********

@Greg ******

There are now "Visa Mills" for the DTV. I spoke to agent yesterday out of interest. Soft power DTV and no need to attend. They will even deposit the 500k for you if you need it. I am not going to make any predictions in Thailand as that is a fools game. Let's see how it all pans out. If the intended purpose of the visa was to attend Soft power activities and you are not doing so it is exactly the same situation as Ed is it not?

2 years ago

Greg *******

@Greg *******

The Thai Education Visa (ED visa) has always been under increased scrutiny due to the rise of so-called "visa mill" schools. These institutions were facilitating visa approvals for foreigners without requiring them to attend classes, undermining the intended purpose of the visa. While the ED visa is officially approved by Thai Immigration, the misuse of this category has attracted closer attention from authorities.

On the other hand, the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) functions more as a glorified tourist visa. It is issued not by Thai Immigration but by Thai embassies or consulates abroad. Unlike the ED visa, the DTV visa permit does not include specific activity-based conditions such as attending a boxing school, freelancing, attending concerts, or undergoing medical treatments. Once granted, there are no immediate obligations or requirements to meet unless you wish to extend the visa through Thai Immigration.

However, the rules for extending a DTV will probably vary significantly depending on the immigration office you visit within Thailand. Each office may have its own interpretation of the requirements for granting an extension, leading to inconsistent and sometimes unpredictable processes.

For those unable to meet the extension requirements, border runs are often presented as a solution. This involves leaving Thailand and re-entering to secure another 180 days on a new DTV, a workaround that even some immigration officials may suggest in cases where the extension process for the DTV becomes challenging.

2 years ago

Greg ********

@Pete ******

They can ask these questions at the border though. Remember the Ed visa. Making "Definitive" claims that something will never happen is a risky business.

2 years ago