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Why does the Thai DTV visa application require training photos for Muay Thai if I have no prior experience?
DTV VisaMuay Thai VisaVisa Application ProcessImmigration Rules ThailandExpats in ThailandMuay Thai TrainingVisa Requirements
Mar 24, 2026
a month ago
Ibrahim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am applying for my DTV under the Soft Power (Muay Thai). I am using Issa Compass as the agency for my application. They are telling me that I need to upload pictures of me training in Muay Thai. I have zero Muay Thai experience so naturally I don’t have photos. Has anyone that applied through an agency, been told this before?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice about their DTV visa application for Muay Thai under the Soft Power initiative. The agency they've hired requires them to upload photos of themselves training in Muay Thai, which poses a challenge since they lack any prior experience in the sport. Comments from the community provide various suggestions, such as enrolling in a local gym for a brief training session to take the necessary photos, while others raise concerns about the legitimacy of applying for a visa without genuine interest in the sport. Some emphasize following the agency's instructions as part of the application process.
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
Kate *******
It’s a bit like needing to speak the language before going over to study the language!
Nati ******
If there aren’t any Muay Thai gyms in your current area, go to some other combat sports training center and snap some basic photos of you pretending to do it and say you are an enthusiastic martial artist and want to now learn Muay Thai in Thailand.
Btw your service is telling you exactly what is needed to make it so that you sail through the process. Perhaps you should listen to them.
Btw your service is telling you exactly what is needed to make it so that you sail through the process. Perhaps you should listen to them.
Shem ******
Imagine paying someone to do your visa for you and they make it harder. Good lord.
Mike ************
They say it would help.
It doesn’t say anywhere that it is a rule.
Reading is apparently difficult
It doesn’t say anywhere that it is a rule.
Reading is apparently difficult
Nathan ***********
The whole DTV visa debacle will unravel real hard. If you think you've got a "5 year visa" with no strings attached for pennies, you're in for a nasty surprise.
Arto ****************
Go take a test class in any muay thai gym in gym anywhere in the world
Knowledgea**********
Make a mirror selfie posing in a boxing pose
Dany ********
just tell them: mai mii
Neal *********
This is for the DTV application for Muay Thai? I have two friends that have done this visa and now they didn't have to take photos to prove that. The school is registered and well known. The application was pretty straightforward like they just supplied the information that they needed from the school The school helped them with a lot of that and then yeah both of them got approved girlfriend and boyfriend. No pictures provided. It also doesn't make any sense because you're getting the visa to come to Thailand to do Muay Thai You wouldn't already be doing it and taking photos.
Tiki *******
Go to your next Muay Thai Gym and take a training lesson and make some pictures.
...and don't forget all immigration officers practice Muay Thai daily, so if you come back after you leaving Thailand maybe they ask you to show your skills. If you can not show them or it's not good enough for a 6 month training, they can and will revoke your visa.
...and don't forget all immigration officers practice Muay Thai daily, so if you come back after you leaving Thailand maybe they ask you to show your skills. If you can not show them or it's not good enough for a 6 month training, they can and will revoke your visa.
RoadtoHappiness ****
Tiki Joern what a spectacular bs 😂😂😂😂😂
Tiki *******
@RoadtoHappiness ***
make your research...Reply to
Tiki *******
Reply
Visa ********
Get a cooking visa. Much easier. You just need to send them a short video of you making scrambled eggs.
Paul ********
just do an ai photshop
Stuart ********
The answer is in the photo.
Steve ********
Why wouldn't you try Muay Thai at home first to see if you like it.
I'd think this visa is for people who have experience and want to train full time in Thailand.
I'd think this visa is for people who have experience and want to train full time in Thailand.
RoadtoHappiness ****
Steve Harris what 😂😂
Reply to
RoadtoHappiness ****
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Joseph *********
Buy some shorts on Amazon and take some pictures
RoadtoHappiness ****
If you're just applying for a visa for a future Muay Thai course, why would you need photos if you've never trained? The IQ of immigration officers is astounding.
Robin *********
I am not a fan of using an agency for something you can do yourself. But if you do, I suggest following the advice that you pay for.
Alyssen ********
They take photos of us in class even! We are here ED Visa to learn Thai and every day in class they come take a photo of everyone who showed up
Tim *********
Why pay an agent and then not follow their advice. Genuine Muay Thai athletes would be doing Muay Thay or MMA maybe, in their home country, and reach a level where the idea of training in Thailand is genuinely exciting for their sport. You might not like Muay Thai, or Thailand, yet you want a 5 year visa 🤔
I'm_an*******
go take some photos, it’s not that hard 😂
Curtis *********
I'm_an_expert Literally my thought. Some people are born without initiative, I swear.
I'm_an*******
Curtis Bentley it blows my mind how complicated people like making their lives
Reply to
I'm_an*******
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I **************************
And you definitely start doing muay thai?
Muay ******************
Jakarta embassy do ask for these kind of photos
Kerry *******
Just so you're aware the government can track your attendance in the gym...Starting this endeavour in Thailand there's going to be a lot of pain. I've never seen a Thai gym in my life that goes easy and when I don't do the things with ample zeal there's one guy that hits me quite hard with a stick... I hope you love Muay Thai, because love bit is needed. Do start a bit of running and buy liminent before to save yourself some pain. All the best
Travis **********
Save the money and do the application yourself. Takes 20 mins to fill out the application and then a week to two weeks for approval.
Peter ********
Wow ..I used this company 7 months ago.. this is brand new for sure.
Nada ****
Delete this after you get advice. Gov monitors social media
Loq *********
People that go to Thailand to learn Muay Thai usually already have a certain level and passion. I would decline your request solely for the reason being you could get the visa and not like Muay thai since youre not even beginner
RoadtoHappiness ****
Loq LaFlame very smart 😂😂
Reply to
RoadtoHappiness ****
Reply
Danny *******
Just take some pictures of you throwing some punches and some knees. It's not rocket science
Khun *******
Some decathlon gyms are free and have a ring and bag setup etc. Hire the closest vendor to hold the bag 😂
Don *****
Yeah, I'd pay attention. Thai immigration is getting more strict by the day. And if you have a beer belly like mine make sure the photos show you from the neck up only.
Mat ******
Generate in midjourney 😆
Nelson ******
Next thing you know you’ll see your photo on their visa agency ad.
Ash *******
Honestly Issa compass wanted way more than the actual embassy did. I ended up trying on my own for a diff type and getting approved without the extensive docs they wanted
Joe ********
@Ash ******
if you was to do it your self and not get accepted For some reason
Are you able to do it via agent
Maybe your not doing to application right ?
Reply to
Joe ********
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Melanie ****************
Just go to a gym and take pictures as they said. No need for experience, do your first class to show you're a minimum interested in muay thai.
Bonus points if you buy muay thai shorts or show a photo of yourself watching One Championship ahah! Issa is a great agency, listen to them, they're trying to make you have your DTV and that makes sense to be honest.
And if you don't even want to go to 1 muay thai class and have 0 interest in muay thai, save it for others who are really interested and maybe do another DTV like the thaï language or cooking one.
Bonus points if you buy muay thai shorts or show a photo of yourself watching One Championship ahah! Issa is a great agency, listen to them, they're trying to make you have your DTV and that makes sense to be honest.
And if you don't even want to go to 1 muay thai class and have 0 interest in muay thai, save it for others who are really interested and maybe do another DTV like the thaï language or cooking one.
Daniel **********
Scam
Marianne ********
Why do you use a agency at all?
Its just a added cost on something you should be easily able to do yourself.
Its just a added cost on something you should be easily able to do yourself.
Jose ***********
@Marianne *******
thanks for the advice👍Reply to
Jose ***********
Reply
Marc ********
Because of people like you exposing agents on internet it will be more difficult for others getting DTV
Mark ***********
@Marc *******
dodgy agents need to be exposedMarc ********
Mark Hempstead Then there won't be any left if that is the criterium
Reply to
Marc ********
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Anonymous ******************
Just use AI , easy
Joseph *********
Anonymous participant 532 Honestly this is genius
Unforgettabl*************
Anonymous participant 532 Ah yes, fraud by AI slop.
Reply to
Unforgettabl*************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Yes I used them and did this. Just go to literally any Muay Thai, or even boxing gym, buy a private lesson and ask them for a few photos.
Nathan ***********
Anonymous participant 326 See how long that keeps working lmaoo
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 326 luckily some do… I have visa for (only) 9 months… but go to school 3x a week, getting tests that goes to migration, every class they take a picture of the students in class… and then you’ve people who are dodging all rules… can get 5 years…
I **************************
Nimetön osallistuja 326 hope immigration starts to monitor these people who won't go near the boxing ring, or to learn thai, learn cooking thai food etc.
Just another loophole for the people to get long term visa
Just another loophole for the people to get long term visa
Nathan ***********
I Know Almost Everything The DTV visa is a Shinawatra scheme that's wildly unpopular with the current Thai authorities and Thai immigration as a whole. People who usually benefit from the usual workarounds don't benefit from the DTV. They will start by undermining it, then repeal it outright. Mark my words.
Michael *******
I Know Almost Everything exactly, only a matter of time before these visas get binned due to abuse, much like the old Education visas - will end up spoiling it for the folks who are genuine.
Reply to
Michael *******
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Karimah *********
👏👏👏😄
Reply to
Karimah *********
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Awa *******
If i were you i will just hop in any muay thai gym in your local area, pay 1 day visit then take some photos to show you are practicing muay thai. This is not a must but really increase the chance to get the visa approved. Won’t cost u much time and money.
RoadtoHappiness ****
@Awa ******
I think you no even need to pay, they will let you do some pictures.Reply to
RoadtoHappiness ****
Reply
FunAvoc*******
Go get a day pass at a local boxing gym and ask for them to snap a few pics
Joseph *********
FunAvocado4123 This!!!!
Reply to
Joseph *********
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Marcus ******
How about you try a tourist visa or a VOA first to see if you even like the sport 😉👍 saves a whole lot of hassle then you’ll also have your evidence if you decide you want to return for further training
Melanie ****************
@Marcus *****
why would he go to Thailand for a muay thai class whereas he could just take a class in his city and take a few pictures in a few minutes?Marcus ******
@Melanie ***************
very trueReply to
Marcus ******
Reply
Euan *********
Probably don’t enroll for a Muay Thai visa then, you lot making people going for a legit reason look bad
Nick *******
Warren Hastie he clearly has en elevated sense of self importance!
Skimo ******
@Euan ********
based on your logic, people would need to show they speak Thai before applying for Thai ED visa to come study Thai 😂RoadtoHappiness ****
Warren Hastie he got too many punches on his head, forgive him.
Tim *********
Sarah *******
@Euan ********
ego muchDe *****
@Euan ********
Can you tell me why someone going to Thailand to learn Muay Thai following the rules of the visa is "not legit"? Is there anything in DTV rules that say you need a history of Muay Thai training?Nathan ***********
@De ****
You clearly don't understand how this stuff works. The DTV visa isn't a long term visa, it's not a safe visa, it will blow up in your face.Mason *******
Nathan Sommelier Clown 🤡
De *****
Nathan Sommelier have you seen the video where the MFA guy who helped create this visa explained it can be used for the full 5 years? Apparently you know something he doesn’t know. All visas are subject to cancellation or later restriction, that’s part of the deal living in Thailand. Even elite visa might have to deal with that one day.
Nathan ***********
@De ****
You're right, I know a bunch of things you don't know about this particular visa, who pushed it, and how it's universally disliked by the current Thai administration, Thai immigration, etc.Reply to
Nathan ***********
Reply
RoadtoHappiness ****
@De ****
don't talk with trollPeter ********
@RoadtoHappiness ***
Agreed, idiots are gonna idiot no matter what. Better that people focus on the positive than the noise from the negs innit!Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Euan *********
Why would someone who’s never trained before need a 5 year visa to try something new out? Once they realise these people are just doing it for the visa they will make more restrictions
Nick *******
@Euan ********
I don’t think you are in any position to be so judgemental. They may make it harder for soft power but those applying now are not doing anything wrong. You would no doubt do the same if you were in your shoes.De *****
@Euan ********
I'm sorry, I missed the part where it says you need to stay the whole 5 years. Have you considered that some people are doing this in good faith and are interested in learning Muay Thai? The visa is an added benefit, but people can have more than 1 motivation. Also, it seems like you just don't like the soft power option. Take that up with MFT, they created this.Arto ****************
@De ****
why apply for a 5 year visa if you plan to just try it out for a bit?Michael *******
@De ****
yip, just like to folks who enrolled in language schools to learn Thai and come to Thailand on an education visa……many rarely turned up for classes…..don’t be so naive not sure why so many young men are anxious to spend extended period in Thailand, oh, there’s me being naive 🧐Euan *********
I’m a massive fan of the soft power option, doing thai boxing for years, it’s just funny to see now everybody is interested in trying it for the first time now they can get a visa
Axel *******
@Euan ********
it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. The visa didn’t exist so people didn’t know how to stay long term. Now it exists and gets promoted by the Thai government and you are saying people doing it for the visa 🤷♂️Matt *******
@Euan ********
😂 you tried it for “the first time” at some point mateEuan *********
Yeah not on a 5 year visa in Thailand but yeah sure everyone may aswell apply, and then inevitably when they realise the soft power options being abused they’ll get rid of it
Mason *******
@Euan ********
You'll get your 5 years don't worry. But you'll be back home after that most likely. Whether people abuse the DTV or not.Alex **********
@Euan ********
mate, you’re not Thai lmfao. Pipe down you’re one of literal thousands here training. Hop in the gym and shut up.Reply to
Alex **********
Reply
What additional documents are needed for a DTV Soft Power visa application for Muay Thai activities?
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