I didn't even know that studying Thai was one of the soft power categories? You would think that an Education visa would be what they would recommend.

All the posts I have seen from Vietnam have been extremely positive, particularly HCMC. That's where I am going shortly.

Hop over to a neighboring country (Vietnam is very friendly and straightforward). Provide the required documents. Wait a few days for approval. No need for an agent in obtaining a DTV.

@Kun***

ummm, this sounds like a scam.

@George *****

Apply in vietnam before the end of the month. They are moving to Evisa in October and it will take up to 30 days to get the visa. 2 days now with in-person in consulate.

So, did you submit on Day 1 in the morning and get it back the next day afternoon OR did it span 3 working days?

Thanks for sharing. Im heading there soon. Sounds like a great embassy to do it at.

@Su *******

yes, this is true. I think the area that will become more strict is this silly soft power category where someone can get a 5 year visa for a doctors appointment or a 3 month muay Thai class. I just can't fathom that the person who thought of this was sober when they came up with this category. All the soft power categories can be done on a tourist visa. The workation / freelance category I can understand but even 5 years is long for that. I think they will require evidence of whatever you are doing when you extend / re-enter but who knows.

@Paul ******

some have reported that they wanted to see 500,000 in the last 6 months of their statements so how do you explain that?

@Paul ******

10,000baht in your account is the requirement. Some embassies vary in how they want you to prove it. Some want to see previous statements of 3-6 months. This is a fact, so it's not correct to say that just because the visa didn't exist that they aren't going to ask. Many embassies are asking for more than just your latest statement.