It’s actually funny how carefully you’re quoting parts of my post.

Why didn’t you quote the very first line you mentioned, where I literally said “help with DTV Soft Power visa” — not “apply for me”?

As for “where’s your data?” — it’s called being on the ground. Talk to people, read this group, look around. Not everything that’s widely known needs a spreadsheet.

There’s a difference between legality and morality. I don’t see a moral problem in doing something that’s technically illegal but harmless. Modern life makes total legal purity nearly impossible, and Thailand is a clear example of a system where even locals joke about some outdated and bizarre laws.

If that bothers you, that’s your problem. I mind my own business — maybe try the same.

Anonymous participant 467 Maybe read my original post again. I literally said I can apply on my own. I just wanted to know whether attending classes is actually enforced. That’s it.

Let’s not pretend this is some moral high ground situation. A huge portion of nomads in Thailand are on ED or now DTV visas with little to no real intention of actively attending classes. Thai authorities are well aware of this — and they’re also well aware of how beneficial long-term foreigners are for the economy.

It’s the same reason why no one suddenly bans all the street food vendors outside 7-Eleven. Is it technically illegal? Often yes. Can you imagine what would happen if they disappeared overnight?

So yeah — thanks for the lecture. Very enlightening.

If Thailand ever needs a random Facebook comment section moral officer, I’m sure you’ll be first in line.

@Alexander **********

Can you elaborate a bit?

Oh, I didn’t know that! But is there any option to enroll somewhere without actually having to attend the classes?

Anonymous participant 398 Ahh, got it — thanks for clarifying. In that case, is there any follow-up or monitoring to check whether someone actually attends the classes, or how is that usually verified?

Leaving the country isn’t an issue. I’m totally fine doing a short trip to a nearby country for a few days if needed.

@James *******

Yes, that’s correct. I’m currently finishing my second year on an ED visa. I live in Chiang Mai and hold an EU passport.

I’m starting to understand that I should be able to handle the DTV application myself. But is there any option to apply without the requirement to attend classes?