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Which visa should I choose for training Muay Thai and freelance teaching in Thailand?

Muay Thai visa DTV visa workcation visa freelance teaching Thai immigration rules visa options for expats

Oct 7, 2025

2 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I searched this in the group already but still think I might need advice. I originally wanted to apply for the soft power Muay Thai DTV visa because my intention to stay in Thailand is to train full time at a Muay Thai gym, but I am also a freelance English teacher on Preply and this is my primary source of income. Therefore, I am unsure which visa (workcation or soft power) is the better route to go. Any advice or experience is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether to apply for the soft power Muay Thai DTV visa or a workcation visa, as they train at a Muay Thai gym and work as a freelance English teacher. Comments suggest that the workcation visa is more suitable for freelancers, as the soft power route may not permit self-employment. Community members emphasize the importance of having a history with teaching to strengthen the case for the freelance route.

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Sabine *****************

I think the problem is that the soft power route will not allow you to work as a freelancer/ self empmoyed. So if you want to legally work as a freelancer while in Thailand - that would be the route to go. At least these were the rules when I applied in July 2024 in Vancouver Canada.

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Sabine ****************

thank you, very helpful 🙏🏼

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

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

Is there any proof of anyone being asked for more evidence of cooking lessons ? Medical appointments etc after 6 months? Not seen it .

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Sean *******

Anonymous participant 698 Immigration don't want anything to do with the DTV. And couldn't verify any documents you showed them anyway. It's the MoFA who issue them.

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Sean *******

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Peter ********

Workcation

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Mathew ********

Don’t listen to people who say workcation is the same as soft power. If you have 6 months history with Preply go freelance route, it’s legit and you won’t have to renew at schools every

****

months.

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mathew *******

thank you so much. I was wondering about this, and when I searched most people applied for workcation for their visa. However, I have also received conflicting advice. Do you know if it would be an issue to compete in Muay Thai fights if I’m on a workcation visa?

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Mathew ********

Anonymous participant think about it if you go soft power you will need to keep renewing enrolment at schools every

****

months and how long until they tighten the rules on that. Workcation no issues and you can go to any cooking class or gym you like

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Stephen ********

@Mathew *******

by your logic you will be having to show your portfolio/books for the last 6 months each 6 months. If they tighten the rules that is 😁

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Mathew ********

@Stephen *******

Logic tells me saving on school fees is the better choice if you can apply as freelancer. Also no worries about them tightening the rules on soft power which would be very easy to do

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Mathew ********

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Kungnang **************

You can apply with workcation

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Sean *******

Muay Thai keep it simple, all DTVs are the same anyway.

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Sean *******

I know but some don't say it and give the route you applied instead.

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Sean *******

@Mathew *******

Not really, it's not like you get stamped in any longer or anything.

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Mathew ********

let’s wait and see, either way if you can get workcation that’s the best option for anyone

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Sean *******

@Mathew *******

Ah another wait and seeer. We've had a few of them before and they got fed up and left.

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Mathew ********

you obviously didn’t have a choice but to go soft power route, but people who do should definitely take the workcation route every time

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Mathew ********

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Sean *******

@Mathew *******

Immigration don't even know how you got it if it isn't in the remarks. I got mine with 6 months MT last August. Three entries no questions asked. It's a tourist visa, relax.

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Sean *******

Mine says Employment Prohibited like the vast majority of DTVs.

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Sean *******

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Mathew ********

that’s just not true though is it. If you work online freelance route is much cheaper and has a lot less risk of issues in the future

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for the response 🙏🏼

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Daisy *****

Anonymous participant same situation, I went for soft power, plus Muay Thai is really fun 😍

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you! You were accepted by applying for soft power as a teacher?

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

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