Answered3 months ago

Why was my DTV application rejected in favor of a 6-month METV despite meeting all requirements?

DTV Visa Thailand Visa METV Thai Bureaucracy Visa Application Process Soft Power Program

Ted *******

asked Aug 11, 2026

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Posted this in the dedicated DTV group but wanted to share my experience here as well;

I’m kind of pissed and just venting. I applied for the DTV to the Los Angeles Consulate (I live in L.A.) under the Soft Power route with a reputable Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai with a 9-month program that I’ve paid for, provided bank statements with 30-40K USD balance over 3 months, etc.  Everything was in line to the T. I got a request back for the Sports Authority of Thailand cert and owner’s ID even though it was already provided initially. The gym presented another document with a cover letter, everything stamped, everything official, and I submitted it. This morning I got back an approval and I was jazzed, but upon further review they granted only a 6-month METV (multiple entry tourist visa). This is so messed up. I met all their requirements, submitted all the documents perfectly, registered for a 9-mo program because I understand they’re cracking down on 6-mo programs, paid the $400 fee, and all I got was a 6-month METV. Really leaves a sour taste in my mouth about going to Thailand. I wanted to spend a couple years there and travel around but now I have to re-think it. Thai bureaucracy and inconsistent application of the rules is so frustrating. I just needed to vent and share my experience.

Answer summary

A frustrated expat shares their experience of applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) through the Los Angeles Consulate for a 9-month Muay Thai program in Thailand. Despite providing all necessary documents, including financial proof and additional certificates, they received only a 6-month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). Commenters discuss possible reasons for the rejection, suggesting that Thai authorities may be tightening their visa application criteria and express sympathy for the expat's situation.

11 repliesnewest first

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Lynnette *******

Think they are looking more closely at people doing short courses to apply for 5 year DTV. Perhaps realising it's a way to get several years stay.

3 months ago

Lynnette *******

Your course was for 9 months. So perhaps they didn't see a reason for 5 years DTV. If you only needed to be in Thailand 9 months why did you apply for a DTV? The METV is hopefully enough for your course.

3 months ago

Ted *******

Lynnette Munoz It is their guideline, not mine. Initially the DTV program suggested to do a 3-month or 6-month course under soft power.

3 months ago

Lynnette *******

Ted Bates there was another guy had same issue with booking 9 month course but wanted 5 year DTV. He got given 6 month METV.

3 months ago

Lynnette *******

Ted Bates I'm just saying it might be part of tightening up on approvals. Perhaps 3 to 6 months initial course? I guess they need to know there's a reason why you need 5 years.

3 months ago

Ted *******

I understand it happens, but it's totally antithetical to the spirit and guidelines of the DTV. I think it comes down to personal prejudice and the person processing the application being a "hater".

3 months ago

Marianne ********

You can get up to 9 months out if that METV though.

And then consider the DTV again if Thailand is still for you

3 months ago

Ted *******

Thanks for your reply. What is the incentive for me to re-apply though ($400) when I submitted all the requirements perfectly, actually went above and beyond their requirements, and am a U.S. passport holder? I guess there's such thing as being "overqualified".

3 months ago

Marianne ********

Ted Bates Something was not good enough. Figure out what it was.

3 months ago

Marianne ********

Ted Bates yes.

3 months ago