• Ferry vs flight: Ferry (Koh Lipe → Langkawi) is fine. No rule that you must fly.

• Ticket back to Thailand: Often requested, sometimes not. Best to have a flexible/refundable onward ticket just in case.

• Bank statement: Don’t self-translate. It should be in English or officially translated.

• Tips:

• Course letter must clearly show your name + 6-month duration

• Bring printed copies of everything

• Stay outside Thailand until the visa is approved

Rules can vary by consulate, so worth double-checking with the Malaysian one before you go.

@Charlie **************

you’re welcome

you’re probably fine

SCB doesn’t automatically close accounts just because you changed visa types. Replacing a swallowed card is a normal branch service. Bring your passport (and old one if the account was opened on it), bank book if you have it, and explain the card was retained by the ATM.

yes, it can be, if done properly

Muay Thai or Thai language are both valid Soft Power study options for DTV as long as:

• The school is legitimate and registered

• You have official documents (enrolment letter, course details, duration)

• Your finances and background are clean and consistent

Most rejections people talk about are usually due to weak paperwork, not the study option itself.

Congratulations 

If you’re the sole director/owner, a self-signed employment contract isn’t usually required and often isn’t the strongest document on its own.

What people commonly submit instead:

• Company registration documents (UK Companies House)

• Cover letter explaining your role and how you earn income

• Director confirmation / company letter stating you actively work for the company

• Proof of business activity (invoices, contracts, or bank statements)

The goal is simply to show the company is real and you actively work in it. Your covering letter is important and appropriate here.

Congratulations 🎊

Popular ones people usually look into:

• Rawai Thai Cooking Class (Rawai)

• Organic Thai Cooking School (Rawai area)

• Phuket Thai Cooking Class by Chef VJ (Karon)

• Kata Thai Cooking Class (near Kata/Karon)

When you contact any school, just ask if they can provide written confirmation or a certificate showing participation and duration, as that’s what’s typically needed for DTV paperwork.

Officially, you should have:

• Passport

• Printed copy of your DTV approval letter

• Proof of funds (the regulation states 20,000 THB or equivalent may be requested)

• Accommodation address in Thailand (for arrival record)

There is no written requirement to show a return or onward flight for DTV holders, though officers may ask general questions at their discretion.

In practice, many people are not asked for anything beyond passport + visa approval, but it’s safest to have the above ready.

Best practice is to transfer the DTV to your new passport at Immigration once you get it.

In theory, you can travel carrying both passports and show the old one with the visa, but in reality it often causes confusion with airlines and immigration officers. Transferring it officially avoids problems on entry, extensions, or re-entry later.

Most people who’ve done it say the transfer is straightforward—just time and paperwork.