Why are applicants for the 5-year Thai DTV under the Soft Power/Muay Thai category sometimes only granted a 6-month visa?

In our experience it has happened on occasion when a customer purchases a 9 month program and is not able to satisfy the embassy with why they need a 5 year visa. Whether it is their financial situation and ability to support themselves long term or when asked what they will do after the course expires they are unsure of their answer instead of being clear that they will continue to train Muay Thai. With one or two border runs and a 6 month METV you can complete a 9 month course so if your plan for 5 years is not certain or clearly stated then you risk getting a METV instead. This is not happening at all embassies it seems to be selective embassies where this happens more often. Research here for your particular embassy to see if this is happening regularly or not. FYI We have not had anyone issued a METV with a one year program.

They might want a full itinerary for 5 years otherwise they’ll give you a METV.

Mostly been Jakarta recently and Japan since the visa was implemented issuing METV instead of DTV. A 9 or 12 month course is probably advisable these days.

The UK are often asking for remote work/income now for soft power applications. You should wait until they ask for it though and not provide it straight away

How you are able to support yourself for the 5 year duration of the visa is a big factor in my view. So if you will do that by working remotely from Thailand then apply under the Workation option rather than Muay Thai. Otherwise show how you can do so from savings or whatever