Isn’t this generally NOT recommended even though some do it?

You’re not supposed to be in Thailand when you apply for a DTV and that’s why the consulate asks for proof of location.

Or this another inconsistency making the whole process feel like a dice roll?

About 4500-6000฿ return from Chiang Mai. Requires a night in KL. Transport to and from airport plus hotel.

More comfortable? The time spent traveling, maybe.

Cheaper? Certainly not.

Stressful? That’s up to the officer you see granting you entry into Thailand.

My last trip there in July everyone else that crossed over paid 2,000฿.

I was the only one to pay USD having changed baht to dollar in Chiang Mai the day before.

We don’t pick the exchange rate. Laos says it’s $45 (all nationalities) or 2000฿.

Make sure your USD is unmarked, unstamped, crisp, and of a recent year.

One of my bills was rejected for being “too old”. I think it was printed in 2013.

They are very picky about their USD but will take almost any baht.

Great write up. Thanks for sharing.

@Fre****

, might be worth making a website.

Anonymous participant Apply for ONE reason.

Cooking school is perfectly fine and works.

If you choose to go medical: This hospital is not the only hospital. You could call around. The best hospitals have English speaking staff on the phone.

Get to Thailand as tourist. See their doc. Get a treatment plan outlined and say you’d like to use that for a DTV.

If you get pushback or they say they’ve never done it, find another place.

It seems from the wisdom of this group it is best to apply with a gym that is experienced with handling DTV paperwork, not just any Muay Thai gym.

And definitely a 6-month course. That’s usually a part of the DTV package which is typically around 15,000฿.

Whether you train or not due to injury is only your business.

Grateful this community has a solid BS detector.

None that I know of.

Was writing you a long reply but Facebook robbed me of it. So will leave it there. Send a message if you want details about the trip.

For visa exempt:

2 nights out at Chiang Khong border crossing plus additional requirements for visa exempt entry if you go on your own

Can be done same-day with a border run agency.