Answered5 months ago
What is the timeline and requirements for obtaining a Thai DTV Visa for Muay Thai training?
π₯ DTV Soft Power β Muay Thai | Manila Embassy | APPROVED β
Hey everyone! Sharing my full timeline for anyone going through the same process β hope this helps!
π΅πΉ Portuguese Passport
π Previous visas: Educational & Business
π May 20 β Application submitted
π May 22 β Additional documents requested
β³ May 26 β Pending approval
π May 27 β Pending documents check
π May 29 β Documents requested (x2)
β³ June 1 β Pending approval
π June 2 β Documents requested again
β³ June 2 β Pending approval
β June 7 (Sunday!) β APPROVED at 11:30
β±οΈ Total: 18 days (12 business days)
π Extra documents requested:
β’ 4 months of bank statements (1 extra month requested)
β’ Muay Thai training program schedule ( on top of all gym docs)
β’ Proof of payment for the Muay Thai course (transfer slip, not receipt)
β’ Written explanation for having a Thai bank account (since proof of payment was a Thai bank slip)
β’ Photo of previous visa (picture of my multi entry Non B Visa)
π‘ My tip: they requested documents multiple times, which can feel stressful β but I genuinely think they care about what you submit and how you explain it. Each time they asked for something, I attached a cover letter alongside the documents, clearly explaining anything that could raise questions and making myself available for further clarification, even offering to visit the embassy in person.
Worth the wait. Good luck everyone! ππ₯
Hey everyone! Sharing my full timeline for anyone going through the same process β hope this helps!
π΅πΉ Portuguese Passport
π Previous visas: Educational & Business
π May 20 β Application submitted
π May 22 β Additional documents requested
β³ May 26 β Pending approval
π May 27 β Pending documents check
π May 29 β Documents requested (x2)
β³ June 1 β Pending approval
π June 2 β Documents requested again
β³ June 2 β Pending approval
β June 7 (Sunday!) β APPROVED at 11:30
β±οΈ Total: 18 days (12 business days)
π Extra documents requested:
β’ 4 months of bank statements (1 extra month requested)
β’ Muay Thai training program schedule ( on top of all gym docs)
β’ Proof of payment for the Muay Thai course (transfer slip, not receipt)
β’ Written explanation for having a Thai bank account (since proof of payment was a Thai bank slip)
β’ Photo of previous visa (picture of my multi entry Non B Visa)
π‘ My tip: they requested documents multiple times, which can feel stressful β but I genuinely think they care about what you submit and how you explain it. Each time they asked for something, I attached a cover letter alongside the documents, clearly explaining anything that could raise questions and making myself available for further clarification, even offering to visit the embassy in person.
Worth the wait. Good luck everyone! ππ₯
Answer summary
A member shares their recent experience applying for a Thai DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) related to Muay Thai training from the Manila embassy. They provided a detailed timeline of the application process, which took 18 days overall. Several documents were requested throughout, including proof of bank statements, a training program schedule, and payments. The applicant emphasized the importance of clear communication and providing thorough explanations alongside documents to alleviate potential concerns during the visa application process.
118 repliesnewest first
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Carlos *********
That wouldnt be advisable, until you're sure
Jackie **********
Yes, to Chaing Mai and stayed 4yrs
Rory *********
I thought about it ,now zero interest
Jim ********
I moved here sight unseen two years ago. I sold everything: house, car, furniture, etc. I came with two suitcases and an open mind.
David ***************
@Jim *******
How are things in Thailand? I here a lot of partying happens!
Lyra *****
Yes. Worth it. Just make sure your visa is sorted beforehand.
Christoph **************
Videos of bar girls I assume!? πβΊοΈ
Derek *********
Me
Cody *********
I bought a one way ticket when I was 17 years ago my last day ended up on a showtime documentary fighting In Thai prison lol π I was wild
Jim *********
Don't forget to go "Downtown"
Alain ***************
One guy i met opened a restaurant in Phuket because he has soo much experience running a restaurant in North America. He never visited or experienced the οΏΌ bureaucracy. He f'ed up and now running away from his problems in surat thani province or something. Donβt do it. I spent months in different places for 3 months each over the years before the move. I also changed my mind about where i want to live multiple times. I believe I made it right. You will make some mistakes along the way but donβt let them stop you. Videos, especially the ones where people walk and talk let me narrow down the area to stay. Including 2 weeks of quarantine just walking through Bangkok in google street view Rral estate agent: why do you know more short cuts than me? π€£οΏΌ
Barry **********
I came here for the first time, only watched videos on YT,
Didn't have huge expectations but the one thing I didn't expect was that the Brits are everywhere and not very friendly,
Very clickey.
Didn't have huge expectations but the one thing I didn't expect was that the Brits are everywhere and not very friendly,
Very clickey.
Brandon ************
@Barry *********
Yes but who goes to Thailand to be around other foreigners? Easy to avoid if you try!
Ossie *********
That would be a foolish idea I came three times before moving over permanently in 2006
Jeanne *******
We did one year ago. Watched tons of YouTube and came. We love it here!
Werner *************
Jeanne Burns but were is β here β ? Bangkok , Isan β¦
Jeanne *******
Werner we are in Bangkok. We are in Bangkok for at least another year. After that, we might go elsewhere in Thailand, but unsure still.
Bang **********
Visited in March for 3 weeks. Fell in love with Thailand. Came home and realized the US is a third world country. Moving for good on July 22nd. Never looking back. Going to live in Thailand until I die.
James **************
Yup I saw a video of Soi 6 Pattaya and I came a week later. Been here 4 years now and I must say it's going quite well. My new favorite food is Pad Thai which a tried for the first time last week after 4 years of full English brekkies and cheese & ham toasties from 7-11.
Werner *************
James John Wright 4 years in soi 6 is quite an achievement. Never ventured into soi 5 ?
James **************
Werner Van Gelder a little dull in comparison. I once tried Soi
***
, but I had to do an emergency exit.
Tim ********
Yes I did π
Ashley ********
Yes
GiftedPass***********
I follow all the social influencers. As with their vast experience and sound knowledge based on weeks of being in a tourist area, it's very sound advice
Werner *************
GiftedPassionfruit101 itβs not
Dorothy ******
I did but we did a lot research for a year and I've traveled all over the world so I adapt easily. I love it no regrets. My experience my opinion.
Krazye******
Yes
Lance *******
Yes. Never visited in advance. Did exhaustive research and had a plan B,C and D in case it didnβt work out.
Ron ****
we usually recommend 200 hours of video on a country before moving to live for good. you would need to keep a record of how much time you spend everyday and when you hit 200 you are ready to sell up and move to a new country. you can register with some apps and they will send you a certificate of completion of 200 hours of video on your new home country. you would be eligible for certain tourist prizes when you land.
Mike **********
check out
********************************
you will change your mind
Andrew ********
No do not move because what you see from content creators they often mislead or leave out information. Many people have encountered serious issues with that. Come here on a tourist visa first and see for your self before you make the choice to move or do your own due diligence past watching videos
Susanna *********
I moved here and I only had a lonely planet !
Charles *********
see path
Beverly **********
Kind of....for a one year "retirement gap year" in 2019. Not just videos. Books, websites, social media of various types, conversations and phone calls too. A year of research before flying in.
Marcos **********
Me. And I'm still here after 6 years.
Tyefia *******
Yes I did last year with my kids. Never visited before just went off of deep research of perspectives from everyone ok youtube/tiktok. When you feel.drawn you know
Eggs ***********************
9
Robert ********
Yep
Chris **********
I did, and it's the best decision I ever made. I sold everything in Aus, brought my dogs over and haven't looked back
Canu*****
We will be in a month. Not solely on videos however⦠YouTube is the land of make believe
BronzeNec**********
I have some experience living abroad. The issue is not visiting first, because you can fall in love with a country easily while on vacation mode. What makes it livable in the long term is real life experience with hospitals, government services, housing rentals, language barriers and the attitudes of the locals on a daily basis, not just the tourist industry. I lived in Portugal for 4 years. Visited first and the first 6 months was wonderful until my first hospital visit, first issue with my apartment, first time renewing my visaβ¦the ugliness of the people really came out when I needed help. Thailand also has different rules for locals and foreigners but the locals are noticeably more welcoming and friendly. Depending on what country you come from, the sabai sabai lifestyle can get on some peopleβs nerves.
Les ********
Video? What's that?
Deanna *******
Left the US 10 years ago, destination unknown. Went to Thailand and still here.
Steven *******
Came 1st time & knew I would retire there ... October I am done in USA πΊπΈ
David ********
I guess it all depends on what type of life and lifestyle you have in your home country.
I have an amazing home life and I wouldn't give that up to live in Thailand, long visits to thailand on a DTV satisfy me and my thai wife.
I have an amazing home life and I wouldn't give that up to live in Thailand, long visits to thailand on a DTV satisfy me and my thai wife.
Dave **********
I came on the invite of a Thai teacher I had been talking to on Facebook messenger for 8 months. Rented my house, and stored my stuff in a large storage building out back. One year later I married her. Thee years later I sold the house. I've been here 10 years now. And intended to continue to live here.
ExcitingO*********
Yep. No regrets
Karen *******
I did. Have never been here. Retired here in February. Absolutely love it, have never been happier in my life.
Kevin **********
Karen Neice Well Played
Phil ******
Nope Paula Clark its better to look for an area that meets your needs
Timothy ******
On my 6th trip and just planning on maying staying 6 months in Thailand and 6 months home.
Rob *******
Sure... but just because it worked for others doesn't mean it will work for you. Why take the risk.
Robert *******
No.
Jack ************
Every single one of em π€£
Dave *****
Apart from anything else, people that do this tell me that they are so tight on budget, they canβt afford to even do an exploration trip.
I see a broke expat in the near future lol.
I see a broke expat in the near future lol.
Colin **************
Yes. I did that exact thing. Hadnβt even left my country before. And moved there for over a year without coming home
Heather ********
we moved without visiting first. Been here 6 months and all is well so far. :) (retirement visa).
Mary ********
I visited Thailand long before I ever saw the first vlogger and only started watching videos after I made the decision to retire here.
The issue with using vlogs as your sole reasoning to move is that moving to a new place means your experience will be different to the next person as we all have different expectations and needs. People have been moving to new countries though long before the internet and some succeed and others fail - vlogs aren't going to change that. Your experience will be based on where you go and what you expect. Learn to adjust your expectations to the reality and you will do fine - insist on those around you to change so it meets your expectations and you will fail.
The issue with using vlogs as your sole reasoning to move is that moving to a new place means your experience will be different to the next person as we all have different expectations and needs. People have been moving to new countries though long before the internet and some succeed and others fail - vlogs aren't going to change that. Your experience will be based on where you go and what you expect. Learn to adjust your expectations to the reality and you will do fine - insist on those around you to change so it meets your expectations and you will fail.
Jason *******
I moved here 4 years ago without ever visiting. Seems like a waste of time to visit a place first.
Peter **********
Ffs π€¦ββοΈ
Jeff ********
Scam post.
Dean *********
Jeff Peters seems legit to me
Tom ******
That's like buying a car site unseen.
Nobody in their right mind would do that.
Also even visting for a short time you'll only see the good side of Thailand.
I've been coming to Thailand for over 50 years , living here for over 40 years and each day I learn somthing new about this wonderful country.
Its a long process and if you do move to Thailand make sure you make an effort to learn and speak Thai then you'll settle in easier.
Nobody in their right mind would do that.
Also even visting for a short time you'll only see the good side of Thailand.
I've been coming to Thailand for over 50 years , living here for over 40 years and each day I learn somthing new about this wonderful country.
Its a long process and if you do move to Thailand make sure you make an effort to learn and speak Thai then you'll settle in easier.
Terry *********
I have learned a lot over 15 visits and feel confident now to move there permanently in September. I think going in blind with just YouTube videos is doable but you need to visit a place to get a Real feel where is right for you.
David **********
That would be incredibly foolish.
Eddie **********
What is the difference between all the migrants to Europe USA and the rest fleeing to Asia?
Darko *******
That would be a silly move just based on videos ,
Copper*******
No , go visit to see if it's for you first.
Rae ********
we did !
Friendly*********
For millennia people have moved to places they had never seen before, even to places they had never heard of before. οΏΌ if you donβt want to visit first donβt, do what works for you
Sonja ************
I visited but Iβll be moving there in August 2026ππ€
Jetta *******
Yes I did lol.
John *****
Only a few million π€£
Nigel **************
That would not really be the best way to make a decision as big as this. For example you need to feel the heat, humidity and pollution for a start.
Janet ********
I did. I lived there for two years before I had to return to my home country for family reasons. I had never been before, and it was AMAZING. I miss it everyday.
Kevin **********
Janet Bridge I went to college with a Tonde (or something similar) from Canby. I can't remember his first name
Kevin **********
Janet Bridge Oh you're an Oregonian. Grew up in Eugene, moved to Guam at 16 and back to Eugene for college and finished up at Portland St.
Jay ****
Yep. Went to stay for 90 days to get instructor license and stayed until covid bs. Then went back when it reopened. Now on retirement visa and happily married with kids.
Kay *******
I took 2 months in SE asia traveling around came back home , now trying to move there for a year. I think visiting would be helpful to determine if you truly love it .
Andrew ******************
We were only in and around Phuket for 2days, but loved it. We are planning on a long visit next year, and then retire in either Thailand or Vietnam
Jasmine *********
Honestly you could! Its absolutely amazing but the weather is something to see if you like full time first but you can always move back or somewhere else if you dont like it. If I weren't allergic to the sun I wouldn't want to be anywhere else
Copper*******
Jasmine Mathias you'll be fine in Bangkok then near 90% of time covered in smog an pollution , save rays from you
Jasmine *********
CopperElk5611 the heat also unfortunately I just spent a while there trying and different regions it didn't work out
Naomi **********
Iβm glad somebody has asked this question because I have never been there, but I am moving there on September 2. Iβm absolutely terrified.
Rick ********
Naomi McKenzie maybe join some expat groups in the area you'rel going to. It might be nice to have some other women who share your culture to chat with.
You got this!
You got this!
Dorothy ******
Naomi McKenzie don't be, look at it as a new journey and new chapter in your book.π
Chuck **********
Naomi McKenzie you r in for a surprise! Should never do that! You have to check out towns you would be comfortable in.
Naomi **********
Chuck Stringer Iβve heavily researched SE Asia and Thailand especially and I am comfortable with my decision to go to Huahin. My son is on a medical DTV and the proximity to Bangkok where he will be getting care was the major decider for us.
James *************
@Naomi *********
π€ U should research Bangkok Hospital (it is huge) right in the middle of Hua Hin 500 metres across the Rd from my CondominiumDean *********
Naomi McKenzie if you don't like it, you can just move. The only thing that might be tough to get used to is the hot and humid weather.
Naomi **********
Dean Riggott well I live in Florida so Iβm used to the heat
Angela *********
Naomi McKenzie we just moved here a month ago from Houston and never visited first. We haven't had any problems with the weather. Just takes time to learn everything, and we accepted that before coming. We love it so far.
Daren ********
Naomi McKenzie It is just like Florida except in the mountains. You will be ok.
Gerry ********
Naomi McKenzie you will love it. Just make sure to buy the pink mosquito spray from
****
Scott ********
I get it
Terry ******
I am the same.
I hope to be in hua hin. Within about 3 months
I hope to be in hua hin. Within about 3 months
Bill *********
Terry Wood Okay for a weekend visit but never to live, as it is super boring. As they say it's God's waiting room
Rena ********
Terry Wood
Why that city?
Why that city?
Terry ******
With all the videos and articles. Seem to be a good place to start out. Then go from there.
Lisa ******
Naomi McKenzie We are moving end of July and have never been. But I was born in Asia and have visited when I was a teenager. It was a culture shock for me but I know I can handle it. Feel free to add me, I'll be posting my experience, lmao. My husband and daughter are going to be with me.
Craig **********
Naomi McKenzie not worry itβs amazing just make sure you follow the visa rules and change your expectations for appreciation
Not have strong rules because different culture here enjoy the land of smiles beautiful beaches low cost beautiful people
Not have strong rules because different culture here enjoy the land of smiles beautiful beaches low cost beautiful people
Jasmine *********
Naomi McKenzie you're going to love it ππ©· the kindest ppl and everyone visiting is on vacation
Teddee ********
My family did. Visiting wasn't really an option, but we researched for about 2 years before making the plunge. We absolutely love it here. That said, all the research in the world is still no substitute for experience, so if you can visit, definitely do so.
Brandon ************
I did. Never been to Thailand. Never been to Asia.
Covid hit and we could work remotely full time. Decided to move to Thailand and stayed for a year before my company started making noises about returning to the office.
Covid hit and we could work remotely full time. Decided to move to Thailand and stayed for a year before my company started making noises about returning to the office.
Stephen *******
@Brandon ***********
companies dont realise they save alot of money remote work now i have started up my own business might not get anywhere but if u dont try u never know I am doing marketing videos and i want to create adverts and etc with the latest ai tools will make it afordable to small businesses and small bands like music videos just launched my site today need to get google traffic now π€
Bill *******
Stephen Adams Thatβs not to mention how much they save when you donβt use any punctuation keys.
Copper*******
Stephen Adams but it's more affordable for businesses to use ai aswell, same way you want to use and it sell it
BlueLyc*******
CopperElk5611 AI for commercial purposes is anything but cheap
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