This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Which visa option is better for a family considering staying in Thailand: Digital Nomad or Muay Thai?
DTV VisaDigital Nomad VisaMuay Thai VisaDependentsVisa RequirementsThailand ImmigrationVolunteer WorkProof of Income
May 18, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm trying to decide between the digital nomad option and the Soft Power option (Muay Thai). I have a wife and 2 kids (4 and under) that I hope can be dependents on my DTV. We do intend to stay in Thailand for most of the 5 years (while complying with the 180 day requirement) as we will be receiving financial support to do volunteer work.
I hope to try and get our application right the first time and thus I have concerns about both options:
Digital Nomad - I have solid proof of income from working as a mental health therapist with various firms but I will be working minimally with these firms if we were in Thailand because of our transition to volunteer work and time zone differences. If we did get approved for this option, would I have to show that I've earned income from these firms while re-entering Thailand on the DTV?
Muay Thai - I have no problem attending classes for years if we get approved for this option. My concern is whether my wife and kids will be approved as dependents since Im assuming most people pursuing this option are single men.
Any feedback/clarity you can give will be appreciated!
I hope to try and get our application right the first time and thus I have concerns about both options:
Digital Nomad - I have solid proof of income from working as a mental health therapist with various firms but I will be working minimally with these firms if we were in Thailand because of our transition to volunteer work and time zone differences. If we did get approved for this option, would I have to show that I've earned income from these firms while re-entering Thailand on the DTV?
Muay Thai - I have no problem attending classes for years if we get approved for this option. My concern is whether my wife and kids will be approved as dependents since Im assuming most people pursuing this option are single men.
Any feedback/clarity you can give will be appreciated!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering two visa options: the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) and a Muay Thai visa for staying in Thailand with their family. Key concerns include the ability for their wife and two young children to be included as dependents, the implications of volunteering while on the DTV, and proof of income requirements. Comments provide insights on both visa routes, indicating that families can be approved as dependents under Muay Thai and cautioning against mentioning volunteering during the application process. It is suggested that the Digital Nomad option may be the better choice if the user can maintain income proof.
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
Henrik *****
For volunteering in Thailand you need a work permit and corresponding visa, not DTV.
Anonymous ******************
Digital nomad version 💯 the best choice!
Anonymous ******************
You can't work in Thailand (volunteer work, or otherwise) on DTV regardless if it's for soft power or digital nomad purposes.
Meaw ************
You can apply Muay Thai and not mention Volunteer work pay....
Anonymous ******************
@Meaw ***********
And call it illegal work... What a great agent advice! That's a whole family we are talking about.Meaw ************
Anonymous participant 957 sorry im not an agent and you dont need to trust 😊 i though he get paid for being volunteer in his country no?
Thank you 🙏 🙏 its just a random suggestion maybe sorry if its irritate you
Thank you 🙏 🙏 its just a random suggestion maybe sorry if its irritate you
Anonymous ******************
@Meaw ***********
In other of your posts, you say you're "helping your customers" with Muay Thai classes. So you're anyway selling some services.Meaw ************
Anonymous participant 957 because im a Muay Thai camp owner not an agent and people apply their own. Thank you for your interest & time to search my name but i reply to the person who asked :)
Anonymous ******************
@Meaw ***********
Okay. Anyway, recommending someone to hide she/his working under a DTV so that the person may eventually spend some money with you isn't the wisest and honest. That's just NOT ALLOWED.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Stu***
Yeah I’ve got Muay Thai DTV with wife and two kids coming under mine. No problem.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stu***
Do you mind if I ask where you're from, which embassy you applied and how recently were you approved? And also have you re-entered Thailand with your family every 6 months?Stu***
Anonymous participant Canberra embassy. Mine was approved a month ago then wife last week. We will be re-entering every 180 days yes.
Reply to
Stu***
Reply
Stu***
Just FYI volunteer work is still considered working which would be forbidden on DTV, from my understanding.
James ********
@Stu***
correct ✅Anonymous ******************
@Stu***
That's correct. It requires a working permit. Mostly if money is involved as confirmed.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Wannikea *********
Do not under any circumstances mention your future plans, period. Apply for the scheme you wish and that is what you are doing in Thailand. As far as what requirements upon entry in the future, who knows. Income is not a requirement, but funds to sustain your life and family are.
Andi ***********
There are married men doing the Muay Thai option and their families approved as dependents so you can be approved as well. If you extend your 6 months stay at an immigration office, you will need to show proof of income. Currently requests for income proof are not asked on return via a border run extension.
Greg ********
Currently there is no requirement to show the 500k or any income upon re-entry into Thailand. At the moment the only time you have to show money is the 500k at initial application or if extending at the immigration office in the country. Your wife and children will be approved as dependents on either route. The following is my opinion - if you qualify go for the Workaytion. For an extension all you need to show is an updated letter saying you are still employed plus the 500k of course. The extension is much cheaper and easier than travelling in and out of the country as a foursome unless you already had trips planned. If the rules change and you had to show proof on ongoing activity for entry this is also easy with workaytion.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
and would the proof of ongoing activity be a bank account statement or pay stubs?Greg ********
Anonymous participant The ones who have reported recently have said immigration asked for 500k in a local bank account for 30 days before the application. A bit of a Catch-22 as many cannot get a Thai bank account. Ongoing activity for soft power would be further bookings.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
when you say application, are you referring to the initial application or the extension?Greg ********
Anonymous participant Extension in this case
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
thanks! I just anticipate the proof of ongoing activity being significantly less than before so hopefully that won't be an issue?Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Are you volunteering in Thailand? That may be an issue as your DTV doesn't allow you to do it. And that's even more valid if you're getting money from it. You'll need a work permit and the related visa for it (usually Non-B).
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 957 Getting a Volunteer Visa (Not B as they have income requirement) and WP to go with it is pretty much impossible in Thailand now
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Yep right. If that visa still exists. And if PAID volunteering is fulfilling the conditions. But the DTV is a no no.Greg ********
Anonymous participant 957 Greg Lange who runs a large volunteering organisation has posted in here about impossibility for getting a VOL Visa - even with support from the right places.
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
22 comments
a year ago
36 comments
a year ago
29 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
50 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a family moving to Thailand while considering work and education?
4 comments
a year ago
18 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
16 comments
a year ago
5 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
19 comments
a year ago
58 comments
a year ago
18 comments
a year ago
4 comments
a year ago
28 comments
a year ago
9 comments
a year ago
23 comments
a year ago
14 comments
a year ago
19 comments
2 years ago
12 comments
2 years ago
30 comments
2 years ago
4 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.