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What should I know about applying for a DTV visa through a Muay Thai gym in Thailand?
DTV visaMuay Thai visaChiang Maivisa application processvisa rejectionrefund policyexpat experiencesThai immigration laws
Sep 18, 2025
7 months ago
Nan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERFor 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.
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).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Anonymous ******************
Write me a private message, I'll warn my friends about the name of this gym.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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
Chris *********
Most places dont offer refunds thou.
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
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
Peter ********
Is this Cambodia?
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?
Anonymous ******************
@Alex ********
may I know the gym name?Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
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.
Andrew *******
@Dan ******
usually it’s a stipulation if applying for dtv that you will refunded if not approvedDan *******
@Andrew ******
some agencies offer refunds and some gyms offer refunds if you are rejected because of the paperwork they provideJonas *************
@Dan ******
well the immigration seems to be very vague in their rejections....Dan *******
@Jonas ************
yes unfortunately the same as all immigrations around the world. We reserve the right to reject your application and not tell you whyJonas *************
@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?
Reply to
Jonas *************
Reply
DTV_Be*******
Did you not know their policy in advance?
Reply to
DTV_Be*******
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