Hi everyone, I’m feeling stressed and a bit confused, so I wanted to ask for some advice.

I recently applied through an agent, (recommended by a friend) for the DTV.

Before paying they said absolutely all the procedure and payments were online transactions.

Once I paid them and the 6 months cooking school, they said I should pay the embassy fee in person.

This was initially something I asked and they said very clearly that was no need to visit the embassy.

Im in India and should take a flight to reach Mumbai.

I paid my monthly rent where I live and though they only spoke about just paying in person, now they suggested me to stay for a couple of weeks in Mumbai till the procedure is finish.

I tried to call Mumbai embassy and the number I can find online doesn’t exist.

The agents can not provide a proper number.

They also mentioned about a case of someone who was granted a 6 months visa at this consulate instead of 5 years, after paying a 6 months soft power. So they encouraged me to pay one year soft power.

I didn’t…

Did anyone have a similar experience? How is about the embassy payments?

Does anyone have a contact of Thai Mumbai consulate?

I would really appreciate your comments .

*half an hour ago the agent said that they will refund their fee.

He didn’t mention about the soft power payment I made.

However, being in India and having to start again, what do you suggest me?

Do I need the soft power if I do it myself and should I travel to Thailand and then leave to Vietnam or Laos to go on with the process? How many days can take?

My idea is to spend there around 2 years or so..

Thank you in advance 🙏

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Normally in Vientiane you would apply for the DTV online and then pay in cash at the embassy.

Has anyone paid in advance and then submitted the documents in the afternoon or the next day?

DTV - those who have applied on the basis of learning Muay Thai - do you need to pay up front for a minimum of 6-months training per year of the 5-year visa? And is the processing fee paid to the Thai Government at time of online visa application or on approval of said visa?