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Will I need to show my Muay Thai course registration again when I return to Thailand after leaving for 6 months on a 5-year visa?
Thai Visa RulesMuay Thai Visa5-Year VisaImmigrationDTV VisaVisa RenewalTravel RequirementsProof of Address
Mar 27, 2026
a month ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERSomeone who gets a visa based on studying Thai boxing and is approved for 5 years... If he leaves Thailand after 6 months, travels to his country for a few months, and then returns to Thailand... will they ask at the entrance to see the course registration again?
TLDR : Answer Summary
For those holding a 5-year visa based on Muay Thai studies, returning to Thailand should generally not require re-submitting course registration, especially after a short absence. Many expats report that upon re-entry, immigration officers often only ask for the passport and visa. However, travelers should be prepared to explain their plans to continue practicing Muay Thai. Although some have faced questions about proof of training or funds, it's mostly a non-issue unless there's a history of irregular visa use.
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Ryan ***********
Just do some shadow boxing at the airport
MagentaWa*********
Many people reported they had to make shadowboxing on the front of the immigration officer. The shadowboxing must includes knee and elbow too.
But other people reported that if you present printed out, laminated DTV at least in A4 format in 3 copies then you get exempted from the shadowboxing.
But other people reported that if you present printed out, laminated DTV at least in A4 format in 3 copies then you get exempted from the shadowboxing.
Robert *******
Maybe some DTV youngsters understand.
Make up some stories, like holiday, I go look for new gym, I won the lottery,
OR
just shout out YOU can NOT handle the truth
Make up some stories, like holiday, I go look for new gym, I won the lottery,
OR
just shout out YOU can NOT handle the truth
Eric *******
So when I come back again on my DTV do I need to show proof of funds, proof of accommodations or anything besides just my passport and that 1 page printed DTV?
Andi ***********
@Eric ******
There is no mandatory requirement to show proof of DTV funds. You can be asked to show accommodation and 20k THB/equivalent currency as part of the general immigration process but it is rarely asked for.Eric *******
I don't remember saying a word or showing anything but passport and visa when I went the first time a week after the DTV came out. I just remember getting off plane going to one window where a guy just looked and stamped it and then getting in a cab to where I was going. Don't remember ANYTHING ELSE but I might have been in panic mode lol, especially hearing all the stories and info in here with people asking for all kinds of proof of stuff. I'm a tall clean looking white guy so maybe that helps idk
Andi ***********
@Eric ******
That's the norm showing passport and DTV, get stamped in. They can ask for the 20k and accommodation, but it's often for those with a history of border runs on visa exemptions. I have never been asked but have the cash and accommodation ready just in case.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Dave ********
I've been in and out multiple times and have never been asked to show a new course. I'm still training though.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *******
The first time you applied for the visa based on Thai boxing, did you bring them a receipt and registration documents for a course of 6 months or less?James ********
Anonymous participant or more than 6 months.
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Jan ******************
You don't need to register for another course if you already have a 5-year visa. Just tell them you're continuing to practice Muay Thai if any questions asked.
SunnyHam********
@Jan *****************
Better to be honest and say you are on an extended vacation, if that is the case. What are you gonna say if they ask for proof of continuing study Muay Thai, of that is not the case? Would look bad for you. The visa is granted for 5 years based on your enrollment in half to one year study. After that, the visa is still valid for travel.Luit *****************
SunnyHamster3652 No the visa is granted for purpose of visit Muay Thai in this case and only valid for that purpose of visit,
At the moment of application they try to check if you are seriously in training.
Of course they cannot check already at that moment for the full 5 year.
If you use the visa for another purpose, most likely you get away with it, but when they check you might have a problem.
At the moment of application they try to check if you are seriously in training.
Of course they cannot check already at that moment for the full 5 year.
If you use the visa for another purpose, most likely you get away with it, but when they check you might have a problem.
Jan ******************
SunnyHamster3652 I agree with that. That said, we do see from time to time that people are questioned at entry, and that is a perfectly natural explanation. You don’t need to say you will continue studying Muay Thai, only that you intend to practise what you have already learned. That comes across as entirely reasonable.
Luit *****************
@Jan *****************
Where would you practice what you learned? They might ask for proofJan ******************
@Luit ****************
Why is that? There are thousands of Muay Thai gyms in Thailand, so you can simply say you will attend one once you arrive. But by all means, if you think it is better to say that after completing a Muay Thai course you intend to spend the remaining five and a half years on the DTV purely on holidays, then go ahead.Luit *****************
@Jan *****************
I not say it is better to say you spend your time on holidays, then you admit you misuse the visa.But in all cases IO can ask for proof of the purpose of your visit, and it is completely up to them what they accept just like embassies can ask for the proof they like to see.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Lyndsey *******
No that's for your visa only
Reply to
Lyndsey *******
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