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Why are Thai massage classes not considered a form of soft power for the DTV visa?

DTV Visa Soft Power Thai Massage Visa Types Education Visa Thai Culture Long-term Stay Immigration Process

Mar 25, 2025

a month ago

Bill *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know people talk about soft power for DTV visa and it has to be Thai culture activity. I’ve been a licensed massage therapist for 20 years. Why can’t Thai massage classes be considered a soft power? ￼

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question discusses why Thai massage classes, despite being a significant aspect of Thai culture, are not recognized under the soft power criteria for the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). Several comments suggest contacting accredited schools, the embassy, and emphasize the need for courses to be registered with the Department of Education to qualify for this visa. There is skepticism regarding the likelihood of massage therapy classes being approved for the DTV visa, with community members suggesting alternative visa options and stressing the importance of adhering to current visa regulations.

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J.P. *********

Make sure the course is more than 3 months, that other tourist visas can't accommodate

a month ago

Amanda ************

I also agree it’s odd, but maybe you can try contacting schools first and get an explanation from them, or maybe even support if possible.

But most massage schools offer education visa which I do think Muy Thai camps did not always have until recently. So maybe it’s better for them to stay with education and not add DTV.

Good luck!

a month ago

David ********

Why you asking this question here? How are we suppose to know why the Thai government has not included Thai massage as softpower DTV. Try asking the correct authority that introduced DTV would be my suggestion. Just do what is asked if you want DTV don't change the rules

a month ago

Ronelle ********

Is it possible for the children ( working), to sponsor the parent?

If not, what visa is best to apply for to visit and stay longterm?

a month ago

Amy **************

What sort of medical treatments are approved

a month ago

Greg ********

@Amy *************

Ones I have seen posted approved are 1) Diabetes 2) Arthritis 3) Glaucoma / eye treatment 3) Menopause and of course Dental. There was a post yesterday about initial medical treatment DTV was approved but extension rejected in Chiang Mai. Basically no detailed treatment plan going forward.

a month ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Need to ask the MFA at the embassy you are applying at. The school will need to be accredited and licensed too I would have thought.

a month ago

James ********

Not a chance to get the DTV Visa with it. Just my opinion but none has yet been approved for massage therapy.

There are other, easier, known options for the soft power DTV.

a month ago

Kool *******

Any school, in order to qualify for the DTV, must be registered with the department of education. You might try the Wat Pho traditional massage school, or the Sunshine massage school, as both are registered with the department of education.

a month ago

Bill *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

the Thai school I went to and Chiang Mai was authorized by the Thai ministry of education

a month ago

Reply to

Bill *********

Mike **********

education visas needed to be for accredited schools, I only ever heard of language, cooking, and muay thai. I'm not sure if DTV soft power needs to be accredited or not. if this has never been an option though, that may be the reason why.

a month ago

Andi ***********

Contact the embassy you will apply from if they will approve such a course. Embassies can approve courses as they see fit.

a month ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Are online Thai cooking or Muay Thai courses accepted for a DTV visa in Thailand?

25 comments

a month ago

Which schools in Thailand are accepted by the French embassy for the DTV visa focused on cooking or Thai boxing?

2 comments

a month ago