Hi there!

Great question — and it’s one that many are wondering about right now.

The Soft Power DTV visa (including for Muay Thai and Thai cooking ) is not officially a work visa, but having remote income from an overseas company is generally accepted — as long as you're not working for or earning money from a Thai employer or within Thailand. Many applicants do show overseas income (like freelance, remote work, investments), and some embassies even require proof of funds or income to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

That said, this is a legal grey area. The visa isn't clearly defined as allowing "digital nomads," yet it also isn't strictly prohibiting passive or remote income either — which is why it's not uncommon for applicants to list their occupation as things like:

“Remote consultant for overseas company”

“Freelancer with international clients”

Or even just “Self-funded / Unemployed / Student,” depending on their risk tolerance

🔹 What’s safer to write?

If you're unsure or your income situation is complex, it’s often safest to put "student" or "unemployed" and back it up with bank statements showing you can support yourself. This avoids raising any flags that you're working in Thailand.

🔹 Tip for Hanoi

Some embassies — including Hanoi — are reportedly becoming more strict lately. Make sure your documents are clean, your explanation is simple, and your financials are solid (e.g., proof of funds in your bank, or a letter from your employer stating it's an overseas remote position, if you choose to disclose it).

✅ Summary:

Yes, remote work for a foreign company is commonly done on this visa and not illegal — as long as you’re not working locally. But because the law isn’t black-and-white, being cautious with how you present your occupation (or saying student/unemployed) may help reduce risk during the application.

We offer cooking classes in Phuket, fully accredited and licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education to provide certified culinary education programs with the option of a DTV and ED visa, including full visa support. According to Thai visa rules and regulations, it is strongly recommended to study and reside in the same city or province during your course.

We have successfully processed many approved DTV visas. Even students who previously studied under ED visa language courses were able to easily switch to a DTV visa through our cooking course.