Answered2 years ago
What should I do if I've been misled about the cost of my Muay Thai lessons and visa in Thailand?
Attention Attention! Please let this incident be an example to everyone, do good research.
I came to Phuket Muay Thai course with Soft Power DTV. I paid 24000 baht for 6 months, 1 lesson per week. But the gym says that the money I paid is for the visa and does not include the lessons. I have all the documents and invoice. Right now, I want to overcome the language barrier and solve this in a good way. But what should I do if I can't solve it? Thank you.
I came to Phuket Muay Thai course with Soft Power DTV. I paid 24000 baht for 6 months, 1 lesson per week. But the gym says that the money I paid is for the visa and does not include the lessons. I have all the documents and invoice. Right now, I want to overcome the language barrier and solve this in a good way. But what should I do if I can't solve it? Thank you.
Answer summary
A user shared their experience with a Muay Thai gym in Phuket, where they paid 24,000 baht for a 6-month course, only to be told that this payment was for the visa and not for the classes. The user is seeking advice on how to resolve this issue, especially considering a language barrier. Community comments highlight concerns about potential scams in the gym industry, suggest contacting authorities, and stress the importance of clear documentation regarding the services paid for.
81 repliesnewest first
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Derry *********
My gym Muay Thai Fever 100% includes the training and classes when you get the visa
We have many DTV students in each class and they are very welcome
We have many DTV students in each class and they are very welcome
Tony *************
Sorry to hear about this. You should probably specify that it was ‘a’ muay thai gym in Phuket , because Phuket Muay Thai is the name of a reputable gym down there that is foreign owned and has successfully converted many DTV visas. Good luck
Marco ***********
Not surprised language school and gyms scam with DTV. People look for an easy way to stay longterm and they look for money to scam.
Sean *********
Update your post and name the gym please...
Henrik *****
Be aware, that now you could also be liable, to be charged for putting a Thai compagny in discredit in public.
Erin ******
OP@Henrik ****
I haven't announced any name yet. But yes you are right thanks.
Lee ***********
Tell them your reporting them to the Police and Immigration since they won't honour what they sold you to obtain the Visa, so they are in essence also scamming the Royal Embassy as well
Ibrahim ******
Hope you get it sorted, your intention was valid, get training, get visa. For that amount of money seems reasonable to expect atleast 1 session per week for 6 months. Yeah there are gyms that offer less, but it's not always so easy to tell the difference.
I belive a comment above about reporting to Thai tourism is for sure a route. I do hope it's just a language barrier, as I have had communication issues, but after using google translate in different ways, got things cleared up.
I belive a comment above about reporting to Thai tourism is for sure a route. I do hope it's just a language barrier, as I have had communication issues, but after using google translate in different ways, got things cleared up.
Erin ******
OP@Ibrahim *****
thank you for your support.
Kevin ********
Any communication with them should be in writing. If you have receipt that details including lessons and they fail to provide then simply ask them for refund or will take legal action and sue.
But get them to admit it doesn’t include lessons before you do that. They don’t want bad publicity. They “lose face” and it reflects badly on them. But do NOT post the name publicly as they could sue for defamation if they lose money as a result of what you write.
But get them to admit it doesn’t include lessons before you do that. They don’t want bad publicity. They “lose face” and it reflects badly on them. But do NOT post the name publicly as they could sue for defamation if they lose money as a result of what you write.
Erin ******
OP@Kevin *******
Great advice thank you.
Chris *********
$600 for the visa and you paid $1100. Something fishy indeed.
Greg ********
@Chris ********
The Visa fee goes to the Thai MFA. The fee for the gym usually includes the course and the documentation required to apply and qualify for the DTV. It seems here the gym wants to charge 24k for the qualifying paperwork and then more on top to actually train at the gym
Ben ***********
What? No wonder you miscommunicated with the gym. I hope you get it straightened out. Good luck.
Erin ******
OP@Ben **********
thank you.
Oli *********
100% scammed!
Martin **************
Find a different gym. They are scamming you.
Chris ***********
All gyms and language schools do this lol
Steve *******
If you got your visa, just accept the situation and go train at another gym.
But make sure to inform others that this gym is scamming people, in an anonymous way. Review them on google maps and on Reddit. You can add their location or some other way for this group to know which gym it is, in your post.
But make sure to inform others that this gym is scamming people, in an anonymous way. Review them on google maps and on Reddit. You can add their location or some other way for this group to know which gym it is, in your post.
Erin ******
OP@Steve ******
I will try to solve the problem once again. I don't want any problems, but if it doesn't get solved, I will do what is necessary.Anonymous ******************
I'm not surprised. Plenty of people use Muay Thai as an excuse but never show up to their lessons, which gives ideas to scammers and questionable gyms. There will be more and more abuses from both sides until a proper cleanup happens. And sadly for you, you're genuinely interested in Muay Thai and face the results of it...
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 440 Wait till Immigration start visiting providers of Soft Power like they sometimes visit ED providers. Of course some offices are more active than others where the Ed was concerned ie local priorities.
Erin ******
OPİsimsiz katılımcı 440 Thank you for your support.There is no point in getting a 5-year visa unless you are happy and busy with something. Everyone has to understand this. I will pay money, you will serve me properly, you will earn money, I will gain new skills and I will be busy with something for 5 years.
GenesisFritz **************
Funny that foreigners keep telling it's a scammed, when you got the VISA that you paid for.....do you really believe that it will be free to just process your visa, given all the documentation and still you will get a Muay Thai lesson....common
Steve *******
@GenesisFritz *************
hey dingus, he said he paid for 6 months of classes. That is the basis for a visa, but he didn't pay to get help with a visa. He applied for the visa himself.Why are you in this group?
Stefani ********
I am sorry for your experience. We are with an extremely reputable Muay Thai place in Chiang Mai.
The funny thing is, 90% of the visas he helps with, the people don’t show up to take their classes
The funny thing is, 90% of the visas he helps with, the people don’t show up to take their classes
Mayada *********
@Stefani *******
May l know what is that placeAnonymous ******************
@Stefani *******
Right. That's exactly why scammers are now taking profit of it. Easy money made on easy obtained visas.
Charles **********
Why did you pay 24k ??, I paid 15k with PhuketKing, it’s been great so far with classes 1x week for 6 months no extra charges
Erin ******
OP@Charles *********
I was rookie
Andi ***********
Your receipt details payment for 6 months of lessons? Is the Gym
Erin ******
OP@Andi **********
Yes
Winston ************
Don't make too much drama out of this. Yes, you were scammed. But you have the DTV. Just find something else to justify your stays for the next 5 years in case immigration asks. If you escalate this to the authorities it will probably backfire on you. Just walk away and keep your DTV.
Anonymous ******************
@Winston ***********
Yes, you're probably right about the backfire. It's better to look for another activity and accept the loss. Unfortunately, this will become more and more common, with people jumping on the opportunity to make easy money off those who are barely interested in soft power other than using it to get a visa. These people will never show up and will never even realize they got scammed. 😅
Beth **********
Phuket Muay Thai is owned by an American so there should be no issue with language barrier.
If that’s not the gym you’re referring to and you just mean a Muay thai gym in Phuket then I would suggest changing how you have worded it otherwise it will affect that gyms reputation and I’ve heard nothing but good things, my friend has trained there a long time 🙏🏼
If that’s not the gym you’re referring to and you just mean a Muay thai gym in Phuket then I would suggest changing how you have worded it otherwise it will affect that gyms reputation and I’ve heard nothing but good things, my friend has trained there a long time 🙏🏼
Joel *********
Is the documents for the visa not the acceptance letter from the school saying you have paid for the lessons?
That's what mine is. Soft power in Chiang mai.
That's what mine is. Soft power in Chiang mai.
@Jamie ********
you might be able to share light on it maybe?
Julien ******
Following
Marcella *******
Are you referring to the actual gym Phuket Muay Thai? I've trained there and found them very reputable. Also not sure about the language barrier as the owner is American. I wonder if there just some misunderstanding perhaps?
Dan *******
@Marcella ******
it’s not Phuket Muay ThaiDan *******
The gym in question is not Phuket Muay Thai.
I’m assuming the poster means a gym in phuket.
I’m assuming the poster means a gym in phuket.
Erin ******
OP@Marcella ******
It is a gym where classes are currently active. Before coming here, I talked to people with good English levels in the correspondence, but the people I am dealing with now do not speak English. I send e-mails to the people I talked to before, but there is no response.Greg ********
@Erin *****
It might just be a language issue .. hopefully
David ************
That's a scam. The. Isa is 400usd. Name and shame. Approach thai tourism for register a complaint and police.
Erin ******
OP@David ***********
Yes definitely like that. Thanks for Advice.
Scott *******
@Erin *****
Just remember that your visa was granted based on what you would be alleging is a fraudulent gym. If they get blacklisted, you could get blacklisted too.David ************
@Erin *****
good news is in thsilznd you can sue company in this case.Erin ******
OP@Scott ******
Yes seems complicated.
Christopher ********
Tell us which gym ?
Erin ******
OP@Christopher *******
I will share If I can't solve it.
Anonymous ******************
You've been scammed, but you got the visa which is what you were after so just enjoy the next five years 👍💯👍
GenesisFritz **************
Funny that foreigners keep telling it's a scammed, when you got the VISA that you paid for.....do you really believe that it will be free to just process your visa, given all the documentation and still you will get a Muay Thai lesson....common
Erin ******
OPFirst of all, this is not about the visa. I work as a personal trainer and I really came here to learn new skills and workout.
Erin ******
OP@GenesisFritz *************
Sorry but You're being a big fool right now.Erin ******
OP@Alex ******
NoGreg ********
Anonymous participant 856 What happens if proof of attendance is asked for?
Seun **********
@Greg *******
they ask for that??Greg ********
@Seun *********
Extension definately but entry they could. It is up to the Immigration Officer. It is why some advising take pics etc and have available on phone. The same happened with Ed visa. People asked questions.Erin ******
OPİsimsiz katılımcı 856 If I can't solve it, I will have to find another place and pay again, but as you said, I need to be highly motivated. Thank you.
James ********
There should be a fee for the classes, maybe a small fee for the admin/documents. Plus, if you are applying the visa yourself online, that fee on top. That’s it.
Erin ******
OP@James *******
In the documents I have, it says that it was paid for part-time 6 months of muay thai lessons. So there is no extra fee, you pay for the lesson, not the visa.James ********
@Erin *****
correct, but some gyms charge for the documents you need to apply for the visa. If you are applying for the visa yourself online, there is a charge….Erin ******
OP@James *******
It wasn't like documentation charge but I got your point.
Lucas **********
You getting scammed bruh...
Erin ******
OP@Lucas *********
AlmostLucas **********
@Erin *****
100%
Anonymous ******************
Well you got ripped, most gyms charge between 15,000 - 20,000 for 6 months courses that's 2 classes per week and provide the documentation you need, Muay Thai schools sells Muay Thai classes NOT visas I would go back and speak to the owner of the gym
Achanster ******
Anonymous participant 850 could you please give a gym name of 2? I plan to apply next month.
Erin ******
OPİsimsiz katılımcı 850 That's exactly what I'm trying to do right now.
Michael ********
Anonymous participant 850 this 💯
Javier ********
Did you pay additional 15k for the DTV visa?
Erin ******
OP@Javier *******
yes I paid.Javier ********
@Erin *****
then why they say that money is for the visa, doesn’t make sense.Erin ******
OP@Javier *******
They are confusing maybe? I don't know they are just local trainers.Greg ********
If I understand you correctly you paid the gym 24k and now they are saying this was just for the paperwork to get the visa? No actual training or lessons included?
Erin ******
OP@Greg *******
yes like that.Greg ********
@Erin *****
Wow. Sorry to hear that and it is certainly a first I have heard. Hope you get it sorted. You may have a valid complaint to one of the Thai Sporting bodies they need to be registered with depending on the documentation and correspondence you have. Hope you get this sorted out and good luck.Erin ******
OP@Greg *******
Thank you, if I can't solve it, I'm doing like as you said.
Calvin ******
It’s a sticky one isn’t it. Technically, your visa is invalid because you won’t be engaging in the course, and if ever there is checks on it… you could be held responsible.
Carmelito *******
@Calvin *****
this never happens, stop spreading panic and misinformation. If you don't have 100% confirmed facts, why do you feel obliged to post? Is it some inner urge?Calvin ******
@Carmelito ******
the visa has been active for just a few months, not even a year. Did I say that there is going to be checks? Did I spread panic? I clearly said “IF EVER THERE IS CHECKS ON IT” maybe your reading comprehension is lacking, but to me, that means simply what I say. “IF EVER”. Bozo
Dany ********
@Carmelito ******
but he is absolutely right. and he did not say that there is any checks right now.. but it is likely that there will be checks further down the line. for an extension you would already need to proof your participation with pictures…Activity
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