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Why was my Thai visa application rejected twice despite providing all requested documents?

Thai VisaVisa RejectionExpats in ThailandNon-Immigrant VisaFreelance VisaMuay Thai VisaDTV VisaVisa Application Process
Mar 9, 2025
20 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have just been rejected for the second time.

Embassy; Thai embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands.

1st request; freelancer.

After multiple back and forth requests for additional documents they asked me to deliver contracts of work or clients.

I provided them with a rental contract with a client paying me rent monthly, and provided terms of use and agreements, but couldn't deliver them the contracts they were looking for because that's not something I can deliver in my line of work.

Finally went to awaiting approval and rejected 2 days later.

Reason; Insufficient reasons to apply for this type of visa.

2nd request; Soft power.

I found a Muay Thai school, agreed to a 6-month course, paid in full. Provided all the requested documents and the embassy did not request any further documents. Straight to awaiting approval, rejected 4 days later.

Response; the reasons to apply for DTV are insufficient. The Embassy wishes to suggest the applicant to apply for other type of visa for example, Non-Immigrant.

I am at a total loss, It could be me, but I don't find this an acceptable justification, I can't do anything with this.

I don't know what I did wrong, if I did anything wrong.

I can't talk to anyone to ask them what they mean by insufficient reasons (I provided all the documents as requested and delivered extra information like my rental contract in Thailand and proof of sponsorship, even though I already have more than 500,000 baht in my own bank statements).

I wouldn't even know what to provide now if I wanted to make a new application.

In the meantime, Im due to arrive in Thailand in the upcoming week.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The author describes their second rejection for a DTV (Digital Nomad) visa application at the Thai embassy in The Hague after having previously been rejected for a freelance visa. Despite providing documents related to a Muay Thai course and additional financial proof, the embassy deemed the reasons insufficient. The community responses suggest alternative strategies, such as reapplying from a neighboring country or using a visa agent. Some members critique the author's initial application method, noting that rental income may not qualify as freelance work. Overall, there is a strong emphasis on the complexities and perceived inconsistencies in the Thai visa application process.
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Rio ******
You qualify for a different Visa. As they said. Look into the Smart Visa.
19 days ago
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Marc ***********
An agent will of cause cost something but than its done! Now they even offer to organize a dtv visa when you are already in Thailand
19 days ago
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Lee ***********
@Pascal **********
 not strictly the case, I'm a Freelancer who rents out properties, I'm not registered as a company, I do tax returns and I was approved after presenting proof of everything. Contracts are with the tenants. Not sure, but sounds like the Author mabe just renting his own apartment out!

In general they look to be tightening up all over and quite rightly so, it's getting slightly abused.
19 days ago
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Ray *****
@Lee **********
 what is being abused? In general and slightly doesn't actually say anything
19 days ago
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Lee ***********
@Ray ****
 read alot Ray and you will be upto speed.
19 days ago
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Lee ***********
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Pascal ***********
@Lee **********
 thanks for the heads up. šŸ™

But as you say, you can provide contracts and tax returns. The OP didnā€™t have that.

As you are doing this as a freelancer and not as an owner, you must have contracts with the owners as well. They are the clients of your freelance activities and you have documents to prove it.
19 days ago
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Lee ***********
@Pascal **********
 I'm the owner as well šŸ˜‰
19 days ago
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Lee ***********
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Felipe *********
You burnt yourself in the first attempt
19 days ago
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Cole *********
Hire an agent
19 days ago
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Alexis *********
Contact Thai visa centre in Bangkok they will do it for you
19 days ago
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Paul *********
I have read that is one of the worst or most difficult places, Try Saigon, they seem to be extremely helpful.
20 days ago
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Shane *****
Since when did anyone would consider taking rental income from property as remote work? You seriously expect to get through on that?
20 days ago
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Pascal ***********
@Shane ****
 yes as I and several others were received a DTV. Managing your properties through a company isnā€™t that rare. And as you usually have long term rentals, you donā€™t need to be in the area all the time. :)
19 days ago
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Jose *******************
@Pascal **********
 it doesnā€™t sound very digital to me
19 days ago
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Shane *****
@Pascal **********
 if you have a proper company with multiple properties to rent then a case can be made but one or two as private owners are nonsense.. this sound like a loophole..if i am the authority i will reject you all.. these are not remote work and you are not remote working..lets get real..
19 days ago
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Pascal ***********
@Shane ****
 the number of properties isnā€™t important but the income/profit of your business is. ;)

In my particular case,I also buy, renovate and sell a property from time to time. Iā€™m quite sure that Thai authorities like my tax returns a lot more than tax returns of most freelancers/influencers.

Also donā€™t forget that not all DTV holders want to live (almost) permanently in Thailand. Many are like me, having a property in Thailand and want to stay here part of the year.
19 days ago
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Luit *****************
@Pascal **********
 Why should Thai authorities like your tax returns as long as you not pay tax to them or buy elite visa?

And just like you, I only stay part of the time here, DTV is not meant to live in Thailand permanently
19 days ago
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Luit *****************
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Marton ****************
come to thailand , go to visa agent, they organize visa run + dtv paperwork, u gonna travel nearby country, and most probably u get your DTV in few days!

1attempt: u didnt prove u are a freelancer....

2: u need supporting letter from the Muay thai club

So find visa agent where u wanna stay i n thailand
20 days ago
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George *******
As long as you meet the requirements. Rental income with evidence of a professional portfolio the applicant is owner and managing online as a remote worker and presented with tax return confirmation and bank statements showing payments should be accepted.
20 days ago
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Jay ******
Go as planned to Thailand and you get 60 days on arrival, during that time take trip to a neighbouring country and apply for DTV.

Or use an agency to process the DTV for you while you enjoy your stay in Thailand.
20 days ago
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Quincy *******
@Jay *****
 there we go. Got anyone you would suggest? Shoot it to my inbox please
19 days ago
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James ********
@Quincy ******
 don't use a Thai Visa Agent to get the DTV while you're inside Thailand.

That's a terrible decision. It's illegally obtained. Even those agents who are offering it require you to leave Thailand and at fees in the 100,000 Thai baht range.

IF you have the Muay Thai training school documents, ask them which Thai Embassy or Consulate they are sending their students to get the DTV visa. It's easy to do with the correct documents in SE Asia.
19 days ago
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James ********
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James ********
@Jay *****
 that's not good advice to use an Agent for the DTV visa while you are in Thailand. It's a fraud.

Simply go to another SE Asia country and apply for the DTV Visa using the Muay Thai training school. Make sure the gym has been successful in getting the DTV visa for its sponsored applicants.
20 days ago
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James ********
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Meaw ************
Come to Thailand on visa exempt and use the same Muay Thai documents (You may ask your school to correct the dates) and go apply from JAKARTA
20 days ago
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Tammi *****
Go to Thailand, see how much you like it. Then apply from Vietnam - you'll get it within 7 days.
20 days ago
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Winston ************
Submitting a second application to the same embassy that rejected your first application if quite stupid, imo. My application was cancelled, without reason, by one consulate. I simply reapplied to another consulate in another country under the same category, with the same documents, and was approved!
20 days ago
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Travis ********
@Winston ***********
 the ambiguity of the process is absurd
19 days ago
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Jose *******************
@Travis *******
 itā€™s not some places they just donā€™t care and approve every person from the west
19 days ago
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Luit *****************
@Travis *******
 That just is how visa processes work, it just is not an exact science.
19 days ago
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Luit *****************
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Steffen *****************
Done a few of these for of few mates. Including Soft power

Feel free to send me pm to discuss your situation.

Where are you based in Thailand?
20 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Steffen ****************
 did you even read his post heā€™s in the Netherlands
20 days ago
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Steffen *****************
Anonymous participant 932 I also read heā€™s coming to Thailand in a week
20 days ago
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Steffen *****************
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Ben ********
Sorry to hear this. I think you burnt yourself with the first freelance attempt, perhaps would have been different if you'd tried the Muay Thai route first time around. I don't think that being a landlord of a property and gaining income that way counts as freelance work (in their eyes). But don't dispair, try from another country with the Muay Thai attempt, Cambodia, Vietnam etc. You can do it!
20 days ago
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Pascal ***********
For your 1st attempt you literally say that you canā€™t provide the documents they are looking for because of ā€œyour line of workā€. If you claim to be a freelancer, you need to prove that. If you canā€™t prove it, your application is denied. Sounds logic to me.

And renting out properties isnā€™t a freelancer job. You can apply for the remote worker option. I did it successfully, but I have a company to manage my properties. I made a portfolio explaining what my company does, why I can do it remotely part of the year, provided an official balance sheet and tax filings. Also, my history for the last decade showed that I was regularly in Thailand, usually for 2 or 3 months. Completely in line with the reason why I applied for a DTV.

Your second attempt is a guess but may be denied because they assume you want to abuse the system. Got denied first time, and then try the ā€œpopularā€ route. But for 6 months -though accepted usually for DTV- a tourist visa multiple entry is sufficient.
20 days ago
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Fabio ****
Apartement rental might be considered as investment income and not as a freelance work I guess. Some guys get approved with airbnb short term rental because that's more business like
20 days ago
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Greg ********
@Fabio ***
 The UK guys I know in similar circumstances ie renting out houses and apartment have formed a UK Ltd company and qualified. They are directors/employees of their own company that manage their properties remotely.
20 days ago
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Greg ********
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Greg ********
Travel to Thailand on Visa Exempt then exit and try in a neighbouring country to Thailand with the Soft Power. Good luck.
20 days ago
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Charles **********
this^^
19 days ago
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Lalit ***********
@Greg *******
 may I ask, to apply in vietnam I can be tourist to apply no neeed to be vietnam resident right? thank you so much
19 days ago
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Rosslyn ********
@Lalit **********
 yes
19 days ago
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Greg ********
@Lalit **********
 Correct. Can apply in Vietnam as a tourist. No need to be a resident.
19 days ago
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Lalit ***********
@Greg *******
 thank you so much Greg , may I ask one more question , do we need to go to embassy or everything online?
19 days ago
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Greg ********
@Lalit **********
 It is eVisa ie online. The Embassy may contact to request an interview though. They have been known to ask for extra documentation too such as copies of every page in passport. This may be to check you are actually in Vietnam during your whole application processing period.
19 days ago
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Lalit ***********
@Greg *******
 thank you so much Greg ! appreciate your help.
19 days ago
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Lalit ***********
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Greg *******
@Greg *******
 is giving the best advice
20 days ago
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Greg *******
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Cherry *****
Stop wasting money on visa. Stay 60 days on visit visa and exit and retry. Get another 60 days.
20 days ago
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Rosslyn ********
@Cherry ****
 itā€™d be better to have a METV before you arrive at that point
19 days ago
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Fleace ********
Cherry Yee They are cracking down on Visa runs. I know two people that were stopped last week.
20 days ago
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Greg ********
@Fleace *******
 The numbers reported stopped are definately increasing.
20 days ago
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Han *****
@Greg *******
 These numbers will continue to rise until everyone finds out the way to go, when you have several ins n out.... Been here 5 years, 2ED student (1sketchy school that got busted), 3 years on visa exempt n extensions. Got asked once/interviewed once in 2023, scared the hell out of me, after that, always used agents (cheap af), not even one single question or worry since then.

Not going to take long until everyone finds out how you can stay long term without any visa, and without any issues. Yeah, im a moron, using the system, think that's what most of expats would call me, Lol!
20 days ago
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Greg ********
@Han ****
 I was in and out for 18 months no issues. Pals have loved here even longer. There is no doubt that lately there has been a tightening of this. Your are talking historically ie 2023. Talk to agents about it. Yeah you can pay for safe border runs and airport entry. Costs start to add up. Why not get a better visa like the DTV?
20 days ago
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Han *****
@Greg *******
 for people who don't find out d keep doing the typically boarder run, yeah, they will have it harder. For sure. I like it. Even tho I should be one of them, lolm
20 days ago
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Greg ********
@Han ****
 I did border runs on a van twice. Once to get visa exempt to go from O retirement to B. The next was to get Visa Exempt to go from B to O Retirement. I would rather stick pins in my eyes than a bus run. Better off flying out and having a holiday for a few days then back.
20 days ago
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Han *****
@Greg *******
 Done the van thing as well, 16 hours in one day, nah, not for me. I agree, better flying out, make it a short holiday in a neighbour country, then fly back. Need a break every 90days anyway, lol.
19 days ago
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Han *****
@Greg *******
 my name is "orangea marked" in the system, as the officer in the interview showed me on his computer and told me "next time you come without a long term visa, you will be sent back to Europe". Now, several arrivals, ins n outs after that - last one just 3 days ago. Not one question asked.

"Normal" agent services who provide visa/boarder run is not what I'm talking about when I'm mentioning "until everyone finds out".
20 days ago
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Fleace ********
@Greg *******
Yep!
20 days ago
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Fleace ********
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Luit *****************
@Cherry ****
 That will work only till IO thinks you are not a tourist. And when MFA thinks non-o is the correct visa in this case, IO also might come to that conclusion, but we don't know the situation.
20 days ago
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Alexei ****************
@Greg *******
 they canceled the ETA recently and it's gonna be only a digital arrival card the same as we use to have... Nothing change, just gonna be less use of papers ā™„ļø
20 days ago
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Greg ********
@Alexei ***************
 Still no announcement that ETA is not going to happen just that it is postponed. That still does not matter that they are clamping down on people using visa exempt or tourist visas to live in Thailand. Plenty of recent reports of people stopped entering
*****************************************************************************************************************************
20 days ago
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Greg ********
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Greg ********
@Cherry ****
 Doing that is getting more difficult and when ETA implemented might just be impossible to do long term.
20 days ago
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Ciaran *********
@Alexei ***************
 it literally MAY be replaced. Nowhere does it say itā€™s been canceled.
19 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Alexei ***************
 Source ?
20 days ago
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Greg ********
Anonymous participant 331 ETA is postponed but no date for implementation. June has been mentioned but dates slip. The ETA would need to be submitted and approved before arriving at a land border or boarding a flight I presume. As Thailand are more concerned with extra visitors at the moment putting extra friction in place by requiring an ETA might go against that strategy.
20 days ago
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Greg ********
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Greg ********
@Alexei ***************
 Postponed the ETA. They have different purposes. ETA is for those without a visa ie Visa Exempt. The TDAC is for anyone arriving. Unless they are planning on combining the two????? However, TDAC ready to go May 1st.
20 days ago
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Greg ********
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John **********
Your first attempt sounds like you just rent out your apartment, that's not a business so not surprised it was rejected. The second attempt was the Muay Thai school government approved and you supplied copies of their licenses etc, failure to do so is the most likely reason.
20 days ago
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John **********
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