Why do people hire agents for the DTV visa despite straightforward requirements?

Oct 26, 2024
a month ago
I am posting this anonymously because I own a Muay Thai gym and I want to respect the groups rules and I am not trying to promote my gym.

Here is my question. Why on earth are people getting agents? Some of these agents are charging exorbitant fees - what are they charging for? The requirements seem pretty straight forward and this visa seems ridiculously easy to apply for.

Someone contacted us and gave me a list of documents they required which sounded off because we have done many DTV applicants and they never asked for some of these docs, then they told me the agent was asking for them and when I found out how much the agent was charging my jaw dropped.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post raises concerns about the necessity and high fees charged by agents for obtaining a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Thailand, questioning the complexity of the process that seems straightforward to many. Commenters discuss various reasons people might opt for agents, including lack of confidence in handling the application independently, fear of rejection, and the need for assistance in navigating the requirements. Some feel that agents complicate the process to justify their fees, while others suggest that certain applicants might lack the necessary financial backing or documentation.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
George ********
What are agents even charging?
Raihan ********
do your gym need a verification from embassy?
Carey *********
Its the same reason some will fix they're own cars instead of using a mechanic. Some have the skill and patience while others don't. Some would rather just pay an agent rather than mess with it. I can understand that.
Achanster ******
Where is your Muay Thai gym please?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Achanster ******
Anonymous participant in bkk?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Achanster *****
yes in BKK. In Ari
Roman ****
How do I contact you for dtv
Nicole ******
Can your gym help in getting DTV? If yes, please message me
Sonny ******
Are there any documents needed from a gym to be eligible for DTV?
Aron *********
It’s filling in an online form with some documents.

You can revise it if needed after feedback.

You must really hate money to hire an agent for this.
마리오 ***
I suspect most often it’s because they don’t have the 500k show money and rely on the agent for that. Wouldn’t be surprised if we eventually see Immigration add a requirement for your 500k to cook for at least six months because if this practice/abuse.
Todd *********
@마리오 **
you wouldn’t be surprised??? Ur unaware they have been doing same with 800k for retirees for 25 years? It would be SHOCKING if they change anything
Dirk ****
Why do all these gyms post, like they do the trick with their "invitation letter". You still need exactly the same other papers to show, as without them. I understand, that they lose money now with education visas.. But those posts are really weird
Mark *********
What is your location?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
an admin posted our gym name in a comment above. Appreciated.
Steve *********
Could you pm me you gym name please?
D**
Tiger Eye Muay Thai and MMA
Bo **********
@Steve ********
same here.. Thank you for u time
Jay *****
@Steve ********
same here thanks
David **********
How do I contact you for my DTV?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tommy **********
I was quoted 30k for a 6 month package soft power, dunno if tat was a good deal or not ?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tommy *********
depends on how long you get to train and how often and if your actually going to train or not. If you have no intention on training that's too much money in my opinion
Tommy **********
Anonymous participant It was just for the DTV nothing more.
Ma ****
Tommy **********
@Ma ***
Pattaya
Bob *******
You would think it’s straight forward but some people get rejected for no reason, even though they seem to have all necessary documentation. They have been told, a stamp is missing on a work certificate even though the requirements published on the embassy website do not state the necessity. Or some have been issued tourist visas instead of DTVs. Search this group for all these stories. Some cases are complicated. Passport from country A, bank account in country B, application in country C. If an agent “guarantees” the visa, you know where part of the “fee” goes to.
Anthony *******
When i walk down the street at 10am and see all the old guys drinking beer. I'm pretty sure they all use agents 🤔
Christopher ***********
Some applicants don’t want to risk losing 10,000 THB (or more depending where they apply to). They would rather pay an agent ‘to get it right’.
Christopher ***********
@Javier *******
You need to have a word with my Visa Agent. The majority of her long term (returning) customers are Brits. Lack of cash is one problem, the work (and type of work) that some of them do is another. Finally, when they get in trouble, they bring her all their paperwork. Although written in English, she has to read it to them and explain what they need to do. Literacy is not their strong point.
Javier ********
@Christopher **********
you don’t lose anything before you pay they will tell you if your documents are enough to apply.
Tom *****
Benjamin Michael Paying the visa fee twice due to an error is still cheaper than paying an agent
Javier ********
Benjamin Michael with e visa, is true that if you fill your personal information incorrectly they won’t return the deposit.

But for additional documents they will let you send it afterwards.

Anyways paying someone 50K baht to make sure that you don’t put your name wrong on the form seems a bit excessive.
Benjamin *********
@Javier *******
totally agree, just saying for some that may provide them peace of mind. But I agree, this particular application is very straightforward and it seems ridiculous (to me) to need assistance with it.
Benjamin *********
@Javier *******
maybe in person? But many embassies are using the Thai e-Visa. Submit documents, pay the application fee, then they review and may request further documents . It's non-refundable. It's not a deposit. Many have been rejected for trivial reasons and minor errors (name spelt wrong after auto import after passport photo upload, incorrect passport expiry date, etc.) and have to pay again if they want to re-apply.
Deepak *******
Unless the agent is putting 500k money, the visa really does need an exorbitant agent fee. And if you don't have 500k stashed away, you should not apply for a DTV
Wannikea *********
Lemme guess, 100,000 baht to the agent?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Antanas *************
Anonymous participant I wanted some information if possible… what age limit to attending Muay Thai classes?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antanas ************
no age limit that I am aware of
Paula ********
Anonymous participant I was quoted 100k I just laughed
Todd *********
@Paula *******
so did the agent…
Harry *********
Some people are Lazy have enough money are old and dont like Computer… so i think agents are good. Not all people can do it self and use Facebook or other groups for Help. Just think about people are different.
Wannikea *********
No surprise really, the logistical, cognitive, and self motivation, abilities of half the people asking about this visa stuns me. Therefore charge them max for babysitting, picture book stories, and spoon feeding.
Ning ******
Cos some might not have some docs, and agents might be using f_____ docs ?
Neil ******
I think some people are trying to get the dtv whilst still being in thailand
Tim ********
An agent will make it look far more complicate to warrant why they’re charging so much that’s all
Wannikea *********
500K being banked as well?