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What is the best embassy for applying for a Soft Power Muay Thai visa after a previous rejection?

Oct 14, 2025
8 days ago
I am a US citizen looking to apply for soft power Muay Thai. I have no Muay Thai experience but have already decided on a gym. I had my Visa rejected for workation in HCMC last month. I am planning on applying at the same embassy in November. I currently live in between countries in Asia so if anyone has a suggestion on a better embassy than HCMC it would be much appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen is seeking advice on applying for a Soft Power Muay Thai visa after a recent rejection from the HCMC embassy. They are considering alternatives for submission in November, including the possibility of embassies in Japan, Malaysia (KL), and Laos. Recommendations from others suggest that Jakarta and Hanoi have had more success, especially with the required documentation for the DTV visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Lokesh ******
I heard Laos is easier than vietnam
Christina ********
Im on the Soft power muay thai dtv. I signed up with tiger eye as well. They were great about getting me the necessary documents quickly.
Anonymous ******************
My application 👇🏽

Hanoi - Muay Thai

************************************************************
Johanni *******
My soft power was just rejected in HCMC. I was thinking of switching to workcation or London but improving my finances first. Definitely following 🙂‍↔️👀
Anonymous ******************
Jakarta is your best bet, after your home country.
Sara ********
Lots of success out of Hanoi for Soft Power Muay Thai DTVs.
Sara ********
I’m also a US citizen and was approved in June, with a seven day turn around.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sara *******
thank you for the info, I do plan on legit doing the classes in the curriculum also.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant so far it seems to be the Jakarta embassy that has been consistently asking for evidence of previous experience
Sara ********
Anonymous participant 🙌 you’ll get it, enjoy!
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sara *******
ok good to know. Did they want to see previous Muay Thai experience?
Sara ********
Anonymous participant I had 13 years of experience and previous businesses in California around Muay Thai but I believe a beginner will be given the same consideration for applying. Thais are proud of their heritage and muay thai is a massive part of it.

And put it this way, it’s a win-win regardless you buy a package of classes supporting a local Muay Thai gym supporting Thai heritage (whether you train or not) and you’ll be granted a Visa. Injuries are common in Muay Thai especially among beginners… where I train I do sign-in daily but I think that’s the gym keeping track and no government enforcement is taking place at gyms checking the attendance status of DTV holders (as of yet at least).

Probably TMI but hope that helps.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sara *******
thank you, how many months do they want to see the money seasoned in your account in Hanoi? Mines been sitting for 4 months. Did you go Muay Thai route?
Sara ********
Anonymous participant also, I think the ministry of sport is cracking down harder on making sure it’s a certified Muay Thai camp so make sure the gym you are receiving a letter from has proper documentation that they can read clearly.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sara *******
ok, looking through the group i decided to reach out and go with Tiger Eye Martial Arts in Bangkok, a lot of people had success with them.
Sara ********
Anonymous participant yes went the Muay Thai route. I only showed three months.

I’d suggest to make a cover page and clearly explain everything in detail. Like where your name is written on the bank statement, etc.
James ********
Where is the Muay Thai training gym suggesting that you apply for the Muay Thai DTV visa ?

Has the Muay Thai training gym been successful in providing the important documents needed for the DTV visa application?

How long are you going to sign up for the Muay Thai training ?

Anything less than 6 months likely will result in a DENIED visa.

Where are you now?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
currently in Thailand. Tiger eye martial arts, they will provide all necessary documentation. I understand 6 month course is what I am signing up for. Planning on heading back to Vietnam to apply after a short work trip in Hong Kong the first week of November.
James ********
Anonymous participant I wish you success 👌
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant no answer for rejection:
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant do you know why you were rejected under the other category? Cambodia is very slow but honestly they seem to approve more than others
Di *******
KL Malaysia or Laos ?
Kevin *********************
@Di ******
Jakarta, Hanoi!
Anonymous ******************
Home country always better
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 119 Understand but not going back to America in the foreseeable future..
Kevin *********************
Anonymous participant who wants to go back! Good choice!
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant U already got denied tho lol maybe just do it to get it over with