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What should I know about applying for a DTV visa through a Muay Thai gym in Thailand?

DTV visa Muay Thai visa Chiang Mai visa application process visa rejection refund policy expat experiences Thai immigration laws

Sep 18, 2025

a day ago

Nan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For those who want to apply for a DTV visa, my friend applied through a Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai, since you have to register for a course at a gym before applying. He then flew to another country to submit the DTV visa application at the Thai embassy, but it was rejected. This Muay Thai gym is popular in this group , which is why he trusted it. I called the owner in Chiang Mai to ask for a refund, and she asked where I was. When I told her I was in Bangkok, she said that since she’s in Chiang Mai and I’m in Bangkok, I can’t do anything to her. So be careful, you might be the next unlucky one. The gym even threatened me if I left any bad reviews on Google Maps. The gym has great reviews for visas and advertises a refund policy, but when he asked for a refund, they refused. And that’s the reason why they have good reviews, because of Thailand’s defamation laws.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user shared a cautionary tale about their friend's experience applying for a DTV visa through a Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai. The friend registered for a course but had their application rejected after submitting it at a Thai embassy abroad. When seeking a refund, the gym owner refused, citing the distance and threatening legal action for negative reviews. Community comments debated the gym's refund policy, the reasons for visa rejection, and the reliance on Thailand's defamation laws to protect businesses from bad reviews. Overall, the discussion highlights the risks of using third-party services in visa applications.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Anonymous ******************

Write me a private message, I'll warn my friends about the name of this gym.

18 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

I’ve never seen a Muay Thai gym offer refund if your dtv is rejected - only if dtv rejected because of something specifically related to the gym?

If you enter name wrong on application and get rejected - how is this the gyms fault?

All of them will send you updated documents for your next application though - until you get it approved.

It’s a risk, and it sucks but it makes sense from the gyms side - too many silly things to go wrong on the dtv side for them to guarantee your success.

I could be wrong though - what does the refund policy state exactly?

19 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

If they don’t have the kind of cash flow to give a refund, they probably don’t have the cash flow to pay for a lawsuit. Most companies and people rely on the fear of defamation laws to avoid bad reviews.

I recently had a company not fulfill a service that I paid them for. I paid them to do service on my car. They returned the car without doing the work I paid them for. They were apologetic but never returned my money until I started to leave negative reviews. I chose my words carefully and honestly.

If they advertised that they would refund your money in the case of a failed DTV, be specific in your review if you leave one.

21 hours ago

Maneeporn ********

They clearly have a policy of non-refundable. If you wish to insure that to get refund from rejected application better to consider another gym and make sure they have the right paperwork to support your visa application

21 hours ago

Chris *********

Most places dont offer refunds thou.

21 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

You already posted this on FB group for Chiang Mai.

The denial can be for many reasons that have nothing to do with the gym.

Also maybe the friend should have asked the place do they refund in the event the visa is not approved

21 hours ago

Peter ********

Is this Cambodia?

21 hours ago

Alex *********

Your friend has already posted this morning naming the gym... Where is your friend from? Has your friend already lived in Thailand for a long time? Did you friend have 500k seasoned in the bank for a few months?

21 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

@Alex ********

may I know the gym name?

8 hours ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Dan *******

If the gym sold a course so your friend would qualify for the Muay Thai visa, and your friends visa was rejected for another reason (not due to the documentation provided by the gym) - then the gym shouldn’t have to refund unless it’s explicitly written in their refund policy.

a day ago

Andrew *******

@Dan ******

usually it’s a stipulation if applying for dtv that you will refunded if not approved

21 hours ago

Dan *******

@Andrew ******

some agencies offer refunds and some gyms offer refunds if you are rejected because of the paperwork they provide

21 hours ago

Jonas *************

@Dan ******

well the immigration seems to be very vague in their rejections....

15 hours ago

Dan *******

@Jonas ************

yes unfortunately the same as all immigrations around the world. We reserve the right to reject your application and not tell you why

15 hours ago

Jonas *************

@Dan ******

I don't know how it is today but the chinese visas at the embassies you used to pay when you pick up the passport with the stamp in, and you paid according to what visa they gave you.

Nowadays they say you need to use an agent, and I guess these may not be refundable and maybe even the visa fee?

14 hours ago

Reply to

Jonas *************

DTV_Be*******

Did you not know their policy in advance?

a day ago

Reply to

DTV_Be*******

What to know about applying for a DTV visa through a Muay Thai gym in Thailand?

43 comments

a day ago

Why was my DTV visa application rejected and can I get a refund from Muay Thai Fever?