Answered5 months ago
What was the experience and timeline for getting a Muay Thai visa approved at the Manila Embassy?
๐ฅ DTV Soft Power โ Muay Thai | Manila Embassy | APPROVED โ
Hey everyone! Sharing my full timeline for anyone going through the same process โ hope this helps!
๐ต๐น Portuguese Passport
๐ Previous visas: Educational & Business
๐ May 20 โ Application submitted
๐ May 22 โ Additional documents requested
โณ May 26 โ Pending approval
๐ May 27 โ Pending documents check
๐ May 29 โ Documents requested (x2)
โณ June 1 โ Pending approval
๐ June 2 โ Documents requested again
โณ June 2 โ Pending approval
โ June 7 (Sunday!) โ APPROVED at 11:30
โฑ๏ธ Total: 18 days (12 business days)
๐ Extra documents requested:
โข 4 months of bank statements (1 extra month requested)
โข Muay Thai training program schedule ( on top of all gym docs)
โข Proof of payment for the Muay Thai course (transfer slip, not receipt)
โข Written explanation for having a Thai bank account (since proof of payment was a Thai bank slip)
โข Photo of previous visa (picture of my multi entry Non B Visa)
๐ก My tip: they requested documents multiple times, which can feel stressful โ but I genuinely think they care about what you submit and how you explain it. Each time they asked for something, I attached a cover letter alongside the documents, clearly explaining anything that could raise questions and making myself available for further clarification, even offering to visit the embassy in person.
Worth the wait. Good luck everyone! ๐๐ฅ
Hey everyone! Sharing my full timeline for anyone going through the same process โ hope this helps!
๐ต๐น Portuguese Passport
๐ Previous visas: Educational & Business
๐ May 20 โ Application submitted
๐ May 22 โ Additional documents requested
โณ May 26 โ Pending approval
๐ May 27 โ Pending documents check
๐ May 29 โ Documents requested (x2)
โณ June 1 โ Pending approval
๐ June 2 โ Documents requested again
โณ June 2 โ Pending approval
โ June 7 (Sunday!) โ APPROVED at 11:30
โฑ๏ธ Total: 18 days (12 business days)
๐ Extra documents requested:
โข 4 months of bank statements (1 extra month requested)
โข Muay Thai training program schedule ( on top of all gym docs)
โข Proof of payment for the Muay Thai course (transfer slip, not receipt)
โข Written explanation for having a Thai bank account (since proof of payment was a Thai bank slip)
โข Photo of previous visa (picture of my multi entry Non B Visa)
๐ก My tip: they requested documents multiple times, which can feel stressful โ but I genuinely think they care about what you submit and how you explain it. Each time they asked for something, I attached a cover letter alongside the documents, clearly explaining anything that could raise questions and making myself available for further clarification, even offering to visit the embassy in person.
Worth the wait. Good luck everyone! ๐๐ฅ
Answer summary
A user shared their detailed experience applying for a Muay Thai visa at the Manila Embassy, highlighting a timeline of document requests and approvals that spanned 18 days. They advised others to prepare extra documentation and be thorough in their explanations, as multiple requests for documents can occur. The post indicated the importance of having a clear communication strategy with the embassy and provided insights into the challenges faced during the immigration process.
104 repliesnewest first
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Dente *********
Just let it go you cant have problem with immigration officer or they will deny your visa for no reason they said no and you cant do anything about it
Willi*****
Dente Beowolf I know that.I just wanted to get an idea of how big a problem these officers are.Or whether I was just unlucky.
Jim *******
You should have told them it's your money and you'll do with it as you please!
Aser *****
Jim White their reply would be that this is their country and their rules, you can choose to leave as you please.
Willi*****
Aser Yam even though they broke their OWN rules due to an incompetent officer? Piss off !
Robert **********
800k for retirement 400k for marriage immigration is correct
Greg *******
I was fined
*****
Baht for going under by 1 baht for 1 day!!
Keith ************
I would go to the Phuket Town office next time.
Bob ********
The officers say a lot of different things, but usually they go to their boss for his opinion which is usually right.
Neil *******
My comment, is 'do they want serious people investing in Thailand' or not?'
It is a joke the hoops people are having to go through.
Thank god my wife is Philippina!
Neil.
It is a joke the hoops people are having to go through.
Thank god my wife is Philippina!
Neil.
Snapper *******
$400 k on a marriage visa multiple entry
$800 k on retirement visa
$800 k on retirement visa
Jack *******
Im Thinkigng Only in the First yaer.maeby abote the Visa
Mariano *********
You have been lucky
Steve ********
Easiest way to do it ,if you have the funds, is just open a depisit account and dont touch it period job done
RedKi******
Use a agent
Willi*****
RedKiwi7212 I did.They are just as puzzled as I am.
Bobby **********
This is why I keep a few million baht in the account. Just in case of an emergency situation and I can avoid problems with immigration.
But hey ๐คท To each their own ๐
But hey ๐คท To each their own ๐
Paul ***********
Bobby Williams I have one (800.000) for immigration and another ( more money) for health care. And a third for my monthly living. ๐
Geoffrey ******
So many people here stating what the supposed law is regarding use of funds in your extension to stay account. Though, in actuality most of you are correct in your comments of what is supposed to be factual, REMEMBER, there is only one person that makes the rules and regs for extension approvals, and that is the IMMIGRATION officer. TIT. Just listen to what they say, and normally no issues. We are guests here, and must follow their rules. Matters not what it states about policies, the IO has the deciding vote on how things go. Again, do as they say, and you should be fine. You can't solve issues with immigration offices on FB. Have a great day.
Jeffrey *****
You need improvement in choosing your battles mate.
Stephen ******
I have gone down below 300k and only a month or so before renewal , never had an issue because over the last 3 visas I was only asked to bring a letter from the bank the morning of my renewal stating I had the required 800k on the day not statements what so ever . I have posted on here several times only to be told by others I'm wrong . I can only say about what happened to me .
George **************
And the message is??
Steven ***************
Its all about the timing. 3 months after and 2 months before each annual extensions of stay. In between you can use it down to the 400 limit but immigration really doesn't like it if you do. So depending on how close you were date wise they were giving you a warning to not screw up.
Raymond **********
Go see TVS Visa Pattaya and stop playing around with your future. They will get you if not.
Phil ******
Hi @Will. For a Thai retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O), you must maintain the เธฟ800,000 balance according to a specific timeline to satisfy immigration rules:2 Months Prior: The full เธฟ800,000 must be deposited and "seasoned" in your Thai bank account for at least two months before you apply for your visa or annual extension.3 Months After: The full เธฟ800,000 must remain untouched in the account for three months after your extension is granted.Year-Round Minimum: For the remaining seven months of the year, your balance can never drop below เธฟ400,000.
So was the withdrawl within the last 2 months?
So was the withdrawl within the last 2 months?
Martyn *********
Phil Beer that is the minimum requirement everywhere but each office is entitled to make up their own rules for which ever is best easiest for themselves and employees in phukets case never below 800,000 that's their set of office rules so that is what you need to suffice if you prefer different office rules you will need to relocate to a different area they will not change their rules for you or anyone else
Willi*****
Phil Beer Nope, bank account opened July '24.Non O retirement visa approved Ocyober '24.Balance dropped to 500k in May '25.So should not have been a problem?
Uffe ********
The only thing that matters, is what they say at the Immigration! TIT! Facebook will not help you!
Willi*****
Uffe Trader they chastised me and told me to never let balance go beneath 800k again or they would cancel my retirement visa.Many people have told me this is bullshit.Just trying to find the truth.Their website is an absolute schemozzle,clear as mud.Need to hear from folks about their real life experiences. Immigration forces us to park 800k,earning no interest,in case of emergencies.But if you use that money for an emergency they say they can deport you.What a pathetic joke ๐
Uffe ********
Willism69_ Accept and adapt!
Willi*****
Uffe Trader accept what? Just depends on who is sitting behind the desk on that particular day.Next day,different person,different rules! I am not causing any problems,Immigration are !
Melissa *******
Willism69_ yup. But that is how it goes.
They are in control here.
I would listen to what they told you as it is probably noted and were warned. If they donโt renew it next time, but they do someone else, how does that help you?
I can I with other Canadians before and is not all get the same exempt time. No reason give.
Youโre the second one to post a similar experience in the same week.
If they told you not to touch it. I would listen. If want to find a reason to not renew or make it difficult they will.
They are in control here.
I would listen to what they told you as it is probably noted and were warned. If they donโt renew it next time, but they do someone else, how does that help you?
I can I with other Canadians before and is not all get the same exempt time. No reason give.
Youโre the second one to post a similar experience in the same week.
If they told you not to touch it. I would listen. If want to find a reason to not renew or make it difficult they will.
Willi*****
Melissa Batch yep,rules,laws and regulations don't matter.
Melissa *******
Willism69_ it benefits them to have your money interest fee for their use sitting in an account.
They hold the control and the power .. we are guests here.
Basic economics.
If banks could get ppl to give them their money and they can loan it out and invest with it interest freeโฆ why not ?
It is about Thailand and what benefits them. Not you or have to make sense to us.
Their game, their rules.
They hold the control and the power .. we are guests here.
Basic economics.
If banks could get ppl to give them their money and they can loan it out and invest with it interest freeโฆ why not ?
It is about Thailand and what benefits them. Not you or have to make sense to us.
Their game, their rules.
Willi*****
SereneRaspberry6951 yeah,just let them deport you for no reason.Stop whinging and moaning.Rules,laws and regulations don't matter anyway ๐
SereneRas**********
Yes same as imigration at the airport nothing you can do about it just go with the flow.
TIT.
TIT.
Willi*****
SereneRaspberry6951 each "officer" behind the desk has their own rules you mean!๐๐คช
SereneRas**********
Each imigration office has there own rules just do as they ask you wont have any problems.
Willi*****
Melissa Batch but why?
George **************
The whole thing is a joke
Foreigners stil donโt get the message
Foreigners stil donโt get the message
Leonard ***********************
George Panagopoulos no matter what you are always a visitor until you can become a Thai citizen
George **************
Leonard Kingston Miragliuolo totally agree
You are welcome
Until youโre not !
Where I live you only report to authorities if are on parole ๐
You are welcome
Until youโre not !
Where I live you only report to authorities if are on parole ๐
Willi*****
Leonard Kingston Miragliuolo what has that got to do with it?๐.We are talking about retirement visas,not citizenship.
Leonard ***********************
Willism69_ It has a lot to do with this comment 100% please read his comment the man I responded to this is his comment "The whole thing is a joke Foreigner's still don't get the message"then look at my response again.
Gerar ********
Please explain, which message ?
Peter ********
Yes please what is the message ????
Miyamoto *********
George Panagopoulos Please explain?
Alan *********
You need to keep the
Did you drop during these dates ?
*****
0 for 3 months after the extension date and then 2 months before renewal.Did you drop during these dates ?
Jeff *************
Alan Freeman this is how I understand it too, Iโm just glad my immigration office follows the rules on the website and donโt make up their own like other ones do
Julian *******
Alan Freeman government savings bank. immigration like it because itโs a government bank. my interest is tax free too
Willi*****
Julian Lewis they pay interest? Wow ๐ฅฐ
Jeff *************
Julian Lewis so I can open a savings account at a Government Bank? Which one
John *******
Not every office follows thatโฆ. Simpleโฆ as said before keep above 800
Willi*****
John Brown yes.Forget the rules regulations and laws,just do as we are told by that specific immigration officer on that particular day and cross your fingers and hope for the best.
Willi*****
Alan Freeman bank account opened July '24.Non O retirement visa approved Ocyober '24.Balance dropped to 500k in May '25.So should not have been a problem?
Tony ********
Willism69_ I believe the immigration officer is going by the date you opened your bank account and not the visa approval date.
Willi*****
@Tony *******
if that was true,my balance dropped below 800k 10 months after I opened it.Even better ๐ ๐. Sadly,it isn't true.Julian *******
Alan Freeman phang nga want 3 months prior and 3 months post. they make the rules up as they go along. i decided to just put my 800k in GSB and leave it there. earns a little interest over the year but negates any issues. they also provide 12 months statements and lefter of confirmation for only 100 baht if i put 20 baht on the day i need the statements etc
Gerry ******
Julian Lewis exactly what I do.
Willi*****
Julian Lewis great advice.But who are GSB? Bangkok Bank would not allow me to download 12 months of statements on their app.Had to catch a taxi to and from Phuket Town bank branch with all my documents,again( of which they already have multiple copies) to get 12 month statement.Then they froze my account for 5 months! No reasons,explanations or apologies offered or given!๐๐คฎ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐คฌ
Willi*****
Benoit Warnant Thanks so much.Shall investigate ๐ ๐ ๐
Benoit *********
Willism69_ I think Government Saving Bank (the 'pink' bank)
John **********
It depends at what point it slipped below 800k. You need to maintain the 800k for the first 3 months after getting the extension and then a minimum of 400k until you come back up to 800k again for the next extension
Joiner *****
@John *********
2 months before, and 3 months afterLook at the thai website
But as usual, that depends on your corrupt IMO officers
Willi*****
Joiner Man 100%
Willi*****
@John *********
bank account opened July '24.Non O retirement visa approved Ocyober '24.Balance dropped to 500k in May '25.So should not have been a problem?John **********
Willism69_ correct. If it had been a problem you wouldn't have got the extension
Greg ***********
Willism69_ "they" must love their position of power, showing off who is the Boss, who has the absolute say, and you are only the di..y Farang . . . . . "They" also must love they have the power to ignore the official police order and pull "their" own rules out of "their" noses. It is called Southern Thailand Pride . . . . . Many Immigration offices in the South are known to be rather rude and nosey-pokey. . . . . .You do not experience this sort of behaviour at offices in the Northeast.
Willi*****
@John *********
they "pardoned" me this time,but if I drop below 800k at any time this year they said they will deport me.
Bob **********
Willism69_ Someone else posted something like this the other day interesting
Willi*****
Bob D'Andrea annoying.
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