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What visa options should I consider for taking cooking classes in Thailand and which would allow me to stay longer?

Thai Visa Types DTV Visa ED Visa Student Visa Cooking Classes in Thailand Visa Requirements Expat Life in Thailand Immigration Process

Oct 23, 2025

a day ago

The **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey hey guys, I’m Geneva. Been in the group a while, but just bouncing back from a bug & have been deep into preparing for the flight to Thailand with my 2 pups. 

I’m looking at all this information about the DTV Visa using search, & I’ll be honest either my mind is still foggy or information is all over the place. 

I have not chosen Thailand to be my forever home yet, but I am deciding between different VISAS. I wanted to do the student visa, because I want to take cooking classes & really get into the culture. However, just wanted feedback on which VISAS you all have & for what reasons. Can you still take classes if you have a different VISA, or is the student VISA a necessity? 

I’m in Vegas, so I only have an embassy in California… can’t afford to be taking a trip and selecting the wrong one. I fly out next week, and will do my initial 60 days. 

SN: I am American, brand new passport for 10yrs; military brat, started every thing in life in Europe, been traveling all my life but always with family. First solo international adventure. Also my dogs are fine; permits approved, health certificate, DOT, etc I do not need any information in regards to that. 

Thank you in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Geneva, an American expat planning to move to Thailand, seeks advice on visa options for taking cooking classes. She is considering the DTV Visa—which allows for multiple entries and longer stays—and the ED Visa (Education Visa) usable for recognized educational programs. Feedback suggests that while cooking classes can be attended without a specific student visa, enrolling in accredited institutions could be necessary for obtaining an ED Visa. Additionally, the DTV Visa requires a financial condition and must be applied for prior to arriving in Thailand. Community members warn against traveling with pets during a short 60-day stay.

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.

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Arun ***************

Just jumping in here to add to what some others have shared , if you’re interested in taking cooking courses to get your visa, you can also apply under the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)Thai Soft Power category. Its a 5 year multiple-entry visa, compared to 1 year with ED visa. Application needs to be done from outside of Thailand and takes approximately 2 weeks (depending on the country). Do take note there is also a financial minimum requirement of THB500,000 held in your bank for over 3 months for the DTV Visa.

Having helped over 250 students get their visas through our cooking programs, we’re quite familiar with the process! so feel free to drop us a message if you have any questions, happy to share more details from our experience.

17 hours ago

Bob **********

You don’t need an ED visa to go to cooking classes and I would definitely not bring your pups on a 60 trip

a day ago

The **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bob *********

I literally said do not bring up my dogs, yet here goes a white woman blatantly ignoring a Black woman’s request and bringing up my dogs. I didn’t say I was staying for 60 days. I’m not sure where you’re making up this information from, but please don’t do it again.I will be there for a year. I’m just debating on whether or not I would want to commit to a DT visa because I may not feel like Thailand is my end all be all; my dogs are NOT negotiable. Do not bring up my animals again because I see them as my children. Do not DISRESPECT MY DIRECT REQUEST AGAIN

20 hours ago

Bob **********

@The *************

your totally lost I guess pups means something else to you and bringing race into this makes me believe this is a wind up your a troll and you certainly haven’t got a clue how things work in Thailand

20 hours ago

The **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bob *********

I SAID WHAT I SAID. Nothing is negotiable

20 hours ago

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

@The *************

lol. Ignorance

7 hours ago

Reply to

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

Wannikea *********

There is no student visa, there is an ED Visa. You would have to speak with the particular cooking institution to see if they have the certification and approval history to qualify you for an ED visa.

a day ago

The **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

ED stand stands for education, which is student studies student visa ED visa is the same thing I don’t do condescending behavior don’t do it with me

20 hours ago

Wannikea *********

@The *************

so thick skinned

18 hours ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

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

You can't get a student visa with cooking classes only or it needs to be in addition to language classes you'll need to attend (due to immigration checks). The only way is DTV and you'll need to apply for a good amount of months, not only one... I would say at least more than 6 months at the moment.

a day ago

The **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 797 Thank you! I love ppl that give great answers without condescending stuff!!!

I actually have a friend already in Thailand been there a few years, I have looked at DTV but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit to 5 yrs; which is why I’m looking at doing studies. I want to do Muay Thai & cooking, but still deciding; i feel like I will learn the language better from a local in a regular relaxed setting.

20 hours ago

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

@The *************

a visa doesn’t make you commit to living here for the term of the visa. It gives you the option to come and go for the next 5 years. 🤦🏾‍♂️

7 hours ago

Reply to

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

What is the experience of applying for a DTV visa while attending cooking school in Thailand?

3 comments

4 months ago

What are the best Thai cooking schools in Bangkok for DTV visa applications and which visa companies can assist?

20 comments