What has been the experience of expats pursuing the DTV visa in Thailand after an education visa?

Question

Soft power DTV experience after student visa
How has everyone’s overall experience been with the DTV under the Thai Soft Power category?

I’ve been living in Thailand for about a year on an education visa studying French, and I’m currently deciding whether to pursue another ED visa or apply for the five-year DTV through Muay Thai.

I’ve been leaning toward the DTV, but some of the experiences I’ve read in these groups have made me a little hesitant, particularly regarding re-entry and long-term requirements.

I’d love to hear from people who’ve actually gone this route. Has it been relatively straightforward, or have you run into complications along the way? And knowing what you know now, would you choose it again?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around the experiences of expats considering the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) under the Thai Soft Power category after holding an education visa. One user shares that transitioning from an ED visa to the DTV is generally seen as simpler long-term due to its five-year multi-entry nature, though it comes with specific requirements such as ongoing training at a licensed Muay Thai gym. Concerns about re-entry and requirement compliance are noted. Another comment suggests the ED visa provides more rights and is more suitable for language learning, alongside concerns about financial requirements for the DTV.

Josephine ******** · Answer

Most who moved from ED visa to DTV soft power via Muay Thai say it is much simpler long term. ED needs school check ins and extension every few months, while DTV gives five year multi entry with up to one hundred eighty days each entry. Re entry is usually smooth if you carry gym letter, training schedule and payment proof, plus bank balance proof if asked.

Main hesitation is that gym must stay licensed and give you support letter each time you re enter or extend, and immigration can ask to see ongoing training. Choose a well known Muay Thai gym with DTV track record in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket that provides proper licence copy and attendance card. If you keep those papers and keep training a few times per week, most report no big issues and would pick DTV again over another ED.

You could consider reading a book or two before your trip. I’d recommend Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon, it includes all the info and insights you need. You should check it out. A very good companion 👌.

Henrik ***** · Answer

The ED-visa is a much better visa with more rights, than the DTV tourist visa.

You can't change until your current visa ends.

You probably will end up with the resident Embassy giving you another ED-visa, since it suits your purpose, but you would have payed the higher visafee of 10.000 Baht

Learning language is not a part of the DTV.

And you have to have a 500.000 Baht deposit in your bank

Doralis ******** · Answer

Hey I would love to learn French on an Ed visa didn’t think it was possible in Thailand.. where did you go to study if you don’t mind me asking?

What has been the experience of expats pursuing the DTV visa in Thailand after an education visa?

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