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What soft power activities are getting approved for DTV applications in Thailand?

DTV visa soft power activities Muay Thai cooking classes Thai immigration visa regulations remote work in Thailand expat advice

Jul 16, 2025

a month ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Soft power activity that's getting approved?

I was all set to apply for my DTV, got the money in the bank and a remote job, however I just realised that my job needs to be in my own country, which it's not. I could set up a Ltd company in my own country an pay myself, but that involves waiting another 3 months, so, I'm thinking of applying with a soft power course, but I've seen a few people get rejected on soft power, so which activities are getting approved?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses the approval of soft power activities for the DTV visa in Thailand, with a strong focus on Muay Thai training as a preferred option. Several commenters recommend reputable gyms in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai that have successfully assisted previous applicants. There’s also mention of cooking classes as an eligible soft power activity. Concerns and clarifications about job requirements regarding the visa are raised, highlighting the interpretation that remote work is allowed as long as it is not tied to a Thai company.

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

Muay Thai is probably your best bet. If you’re in Bangkok then tiger eye is highly recommended.

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Daisy *****

Muay Thai - I’d really recommend The Wall Fitness in Chiangmai 🙏🏼🫶🏼

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Peter ****

I would definitely not recommend that place

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Daisy *****

that’s a shame 😔 I’ve been with them since February and I really enjoy my classes

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

why? Going to talk with them tonorrow.....

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

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Panphailin *********

Incase you are interesting to do cooking class in Chiang Mai (DTV visa eligible).

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Our clients got approved from different country as Korea, Taiwan, USA, Canada, French, Vietnam.

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

@Panphailin ********

so, I had a look st your course for DTV...option 1 is not available for DTV? Only 2&3?

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Panphailin *********

Anonymous participant 535 Yes, it is correct. option 1 it is only 7 days for the clients who have a short holiday BUT they would like to learn to cook Northern Thai Lanna food seriously as a Chef or the restaurant owner.

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Panphailin *********

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

Muay Thai, you must enter the ring and fight at a approved stadium within first 3 months of DTV otherwise they may cancel your visa.

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John *********

Anonymous participant 939 get beaten up on Day 1 😂

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

Анонимный участник 939 Where did you come up with this nonsense?? A person can't learn enough in 3 months to get into the ring

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Jonathan **********

Anonymous participant 939 this is the way

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Jonathan **********

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Dnatjugweme ************

Why would one's job need to be in their own country? The only limitation is that your income should not be Thai-sourced.

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dnatjugweme ***********

it's what it says on the Hanoi Thai embassy site

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Donna ******

Anonymous participant I applied in HCM as a Brit working for a Singapore country, so definitely does not need to be your "own" country. Further, it says "their" country, not "their own". Subtle difference.

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Ray *****

Anonymous participant I think you misunderstood. You can work remotely for any company worldwide. Just cannot work for a Thai company

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

it states "in their own country" it pretty clear

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Pete *******

Anonymous participant “in their own country” means NOT in Thailand, it does not mean it must be in your country of origin.

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Dnatjugweme ************

Participant(e) anonyme Believe us, the wording is misleading, but there's no requirement to work for a company from one's own country.

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Andi ***********

Anonymous participant it also means country of residence or employment. 1000s have got DTVs via working and living in other countries but their own Inc myself.

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

can I ask about the specifics of your job if you don't mind? Primarily, how do you get paid, via an online service or direct to your bank? Secondly, does the company pay taxes on your pay or do you go and file your taxes yourself, or not bother at all?

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Andi ***********

Anonymous participant I get paid direct to bank account, company takes tax but I file a tax return myself as I freelance for a few companies.

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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Ray *****

Anonymous participant as I said before you are reading too much into it. As long as you are not employed by a Thai company or doing business in Thailand then it's fine

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Mel *********

Anonymous participant I read it as “Employment contract in their own country” OR “ digital nomad, foreign talent “ I think it’s either or. You would be a digital nomad working as foreign talent for a company, no?? Maybe I’m wrong but I think you’re ok!

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

I work for a Chinese company, I'm not a resident of China...

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

Anonymous participant Same here. Got approved at HCMC last week and my company is in India (I'm not from India)

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Andi ***********

Anonymous participant That is fine, you do not need to prove you are a resident of China applying in Vietnam.

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Mel *********

Anonymous participant I don’t think it matters. You are “foreign talent” for china.

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Mel *********

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Dom ********

Muay Thai - go though a legit gym and you’ll be fine. I’ve entered 3 times with my soft power Muay Thai dtv and never had any issues

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, this is what I want to find though, a legit gym who can provide the docs I need

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Dom ********

Anonymous participant where in Thailand will you stay? I know gyms in hua hin or Phuket that have everything you need

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

sadly I'm living on koh tao, Im fairly sure there's not a valid muay Thai gym here

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

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Benjamin *********

Participant(e) anonyme I found out PHUKETKING is a good option,

It was 15 k , now it’s 18 k

All other option I found. Are much expensive like 27k 30k

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Benjamin *********

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Is a DTV visa the same for remote workers and soft power, and can I work while on a Muay Thai course in Thailand?

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