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What should I do after my DTV Soft Power Visa application was rejected in Hanoi?

Aug 15, 2025
8 days ago
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello,

My application for the DTV Soft Power Visa has unfortunately been rejected again – this time in Hanoi, Vietnam. I was not provided with a clear reason for the refusal, so I am unsure what the issue was.

Around two months ago, my application was already rejected in Cambodia because the documents from my previous Muay Thai camp were incomplete and insufficient. Since then, I have enrolled in a new, professional Muay Thai camp in Bangkok, booked a nine-month course, and submitted all the required documents in full.

As I believed everything was correct this time, I am now uncertain about what steps I can take in Hanoi to possibly have my visa approved, or what other options are available to me at this stage.

Could you please advise me on what I should do in this situation?

Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has experienced repeated rejections of their DTV Soft Power Visa application, first in Cambodia due to incomplete documents from a Muay Thai camp, and most recently in Hanoi without a clear reason provided. They recently enrolled in a new Muay Thai camp and submitted all required documents again. Community members suggest considering factors like previous application history, potential red flags raised by rejections, and the importance of reputable camps. Recommendations include waiting 4-6 months before reapplying from their home country, submitting a new application immediately, or exploring other visa options such as enrolling in a cooking school. Additionally, there's a discussion about the possibility of negative notes being placed on immigration records and the value of using a visa agent to improve chances of approval.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Kyle **********
nobody asked you but... What your history in thailand? Have you ever been here? Have u worked here? Overstays? Previous visas?
Anonymous ******************
As a registered 'agency user' (willing to pay premiums), you're now likely getting repeatedly rejected to ultimately drive you to an agency that contributes maximum tea money to the consulate you're using. It's a game of incentives and a competition between agencies, not goodwill.

They also know you're willing to double down because you've invested already, exploiting the gambler's fallacy. Meanwhile the consulate keeps the money, doesn't owe you a reason or explanation (convenient) and probably splits profits under the table with those pretending to act in your best interest.

Would you like an interactive infographic with that? Just say the word — I am here to help.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone here think it might help if I create a new account on the official website where I submit my visa, so that they don’t see that I have already submitted a visa before, at least not through that account?
Anonymous ******************
@Niklas *******
Worth a try, but I could imagine they aggregate applicants by passport number. You need to understand this is a maximum extractive system with a 'fair' amount of randomness baked in. Similar to a casino. Please report back if you try again.
Anonymous ******************
Fly in as a tourist with fast track (60 days) and extend in country (+ 30 days). After that you can try to apply for DTV again. Worked for me.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymer Teilnehmer 221 Back then, I already waited two months between applying from Cambodia to Thailand and the next application. I am now considering simply submitting it again today to show that I have actually provided all the documents correctly. I would also include this in a personal cover letter.
Nick ******
I'd advise you try one last time with a reputable agent offering some serious 'guarantees' of success (or money back). It's definitely worth the few extra thousand baht despite what some here keep saying. Of course, it's another visa fee to pay for, but at least you'll then be absolutely certain you'll have done everything you possibly could to get this DTV.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick *****
Can you recommend an agency or an agent to me?
Nick ******
@Niklas *******
just use the search function and you'll find some. Last time I mentioned the one I went for, in this group, an army of 'trolls' almost insulted me...
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick *****
Could you please send me the name? Then I can send a message there.
Nick ******
Nick ******
@James *******
not at all, and I wouldn't want to be one either.
Nick ******
@James *******
you replied to the wrong person. Got my DTV 2 months ago, first attempt. Through an agent, yes.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick *****
I’m not sure if I need to do it with an agent, even though it might be another option. But I will first try again, right now, today, the very next day, with a personal cover letter.
James ********
Sorry to hear that your DTV application was rejected.

The detailed reply from the Muay Thai gym is detailed. It's apparent there's a change... once initially denied for the DTV visa at another Thai Embassy.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Unfortunately, that’s the case. I hope that with my application today, if I decide to submit it again, I will encounter an embassy staff member who will really look at my documents and see that all of them are correct.
James ********
@Niklas *******
Good Luck 🍀
James ********
James ********
Alex ****
Maybe rejected because duration of first entry for DTV is 180 days, but course is 9 months. Some Thai embassy not approve visa if course too short or too long. I believe the best just 6 months course with full proper documents and without previous rejections. Moreover Hanoi in general not high approval rates for soft power DTV, there is more easy DTV workcaction.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Alex Ni I have heard that the longer the course is, the better. But I think there might not be a definite answer to that, because some people see it that way and some embassies see it that way.
Alex ****
@Niklas *******
very depends on the location of the Thai embassy and staff views. I emailed to some Thai embassies they told me I need to purchase a 6 month course not less not more.
Anonymous ******************
Apply from your home country after 5-6 months. And if you have too much entry to country via exemption (more than it should be) it could also lead.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymer Teilnehmer 698 Yes, it would be an option to apply from Germany. But I have already done so much for this and I am currently in Vietnam, so I might even try again today with a personal cover letter beforehand. I hope that it will work this time.
Anonymous ******************
Thailand has a remarkable issue with people who clearly like being in Thailand, sustaining themselves and supporting the local economy. So when they finally apply for the coveted Proper Visa, they will reject them again and again. Better for everyone.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymer Teilnehmer 221 maybe yes…🫤
Dom ********
Mate you must be down a fair few thousand baht by now especially with a 9 month course plus two application fees!

Are you in a position to wait 6 months before re applying?

My only assumption is you’ve been marked as rejected in their system for some reason
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymer Teilnehmer 221 Where am I supposed to find a trustworthy agent…
Kyle **********
@Niklas *******
what's your past in thailand? I believe that could make all of the difference....
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kyle *********
I have been to Thailand several times but have never had any negative incidents. I only once applied for the DTV visa in Cambodia, but it was also rejected there…
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dom *******
I can imagine that as well. However, my documents for the second submission were 100% correct, with everything that could be done. Therefore, it is very unfortunate that it has been rejected again. I am now considering resubmitting it persistently with a cover letter in which I tell my story, and hoping for the best and for the goodwill of the embassy.
Fitfac *****************
@Dom *******
we have refund all the fee he have paid to us but we are still feel sorry for this incident , our customer have lost another 10k for the embassy fee.
DTV_Be*******
@Fitfac ****************
my understanding is that some embassies don’t like applicants to use agencies. Could this be the case here? What Muy Thai school was used?
Anonymous ******************
DTV_BegPecker Consulates like agencies, but not all agencies. They prefer agencies who bring in high volumes or high bribes. They actively work against more stingy agencies to drive more volume to the agencies that pull in more bribes. That's your answer.
Henrik *****
It should not surprise anyone that no reason for the rejection is given, since it is written very explicit in most Thai Embassy websites.
Konstantin ******
@Henrik ****
get a Job, Wife or Hobby bro
Anonymous ******************
He doesn't say he was surprised. He basically said it sucks and asks for advice. Your bureaucratic NPC comment adds nothing.
Fitfac *****************
We are sorry about your rejected visa with our package (we are the one offering the 9-month package).

Right now, the only reason we can think of for your rejection is that in your first attempt, you used an unaccredited Muay Thai gym, which resulted in a rejection and raised a red flag with the embassy staff, even though you did everything correctly the second time.

We have encountered the same issue with people who applied for a workcation visa the first time and were rejected. When they applied with us the second time, they were also rejected — even though 99% of our clients get their visas without any problems.

We assume that the embassy is now reviewing past applicant records when processing DTV applications. People who were rejected the first time are likely to be rejected the second time, even if they do everything correctly.

In your case, we would advise you to wait about 4–6 months and apply again from your home country. You could also consider other accepted routes, such as enrolling in a cooking school.
Andi ***********
@Fitfac ****************
That is an interesting change. As before there were often posts by first time failures who were successfully approved quickly the 2nd time.
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
what is SP?
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 367 Soft Power
Fitfac *****************
@Andi **********
Everything has changed a lot based on our experience; our supporting documents have increased from 10 pages to almost 20 pages.

and each embassy requires a very specific documents.
Andi ***********
@Fitfac ****************
that's a huge increase in paperwork. SP has come under the spotlight though due to some "agents" misuse.
Greg ********
Are you sure the Embasy in Cambodia did not add a note to your immigration record for some reason? Might be an idea to contact an agent with the contacts to check this.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
I have already inquired at the Cambodian embassy. They cannot give me any information. I think I will simply try again with a personal cover letter and hope for the best. I might even do it as soon as the next day, to show that I am confident my documents are correct.
Greg ********
@Niklas *******
Good luck and hope it all goes fine for you. It is obvious you are a genuine candidate and meet and the usual requirements.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
thank you very much 🙏🏽
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
I thought rejections are not noted. I think someone posted a reply from the embassy saying as much.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
Just seen the gym answer below - they also say an Embassy can raise a "Red flag" about an application and past applications can be reviewed.
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
ok ..I think though like mistakes with name should not be an issue? SP is the most misused so seems they are clamping down hard on it.
Greg ********
@Andi **********
Mistakes with name are cancelled and not rejected.
Jef ********
@Greg *******
that’s the key difference mate 👌🙏🏽
Greg ********
@Andi **********
It depends - an Embassy can put a note on a record. I mentioned one on here a week or two ago when Netherlands put a note on sopmeones and other embassies would not touch it. I had a reply from an agent who said that was possible but also alluded to certain embassies wanted a bigger controibution.
Wannikea *********
Details. Which Muay Thai camp, how long was your 500k sitting in the bank, is it a normal personal bank account in your name, how many months bank statement did you provide, were you asked to prove location and how did you prove it, was there any further documents requested? How old are you?

Answer each and every one of those questions in detail.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
Good day. Yes, I have submitted the proof for six months showing that I have over 500,000 Baht in my account, with a translation, with a certified translation, and I am from Germany. And I’m 28. I have sent my documents showing my current location, but no further documents have been requested.
Anonymous ******************
@Niklas *******
Does your proof of funds show regular income into the account or is it 500k just sitting there or worse just single lump sum deposit? While the latter senarios used to be acceptable they are becoming less so from what seeing. Did you get any further document requests or was it just straight denial? 100% sure your passport details matched? ( ie never trust the scan)
James ********
@Niklas *******
I'm confused...

As I understand it...

Both of your DTV Visa Applications have been DENIED. Is that correct ?
James ********
@Wannikea ********
And his passport nation is Germany, per his reply to you.
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
28🙏🏽