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FAQ Blog on Thailand’s New DTV Visa for Muay Thai Study (Soft Power Option)



DTV Destination Thailand Visa Muay Thai

Introduction:

  • At Muay Thai Fever, we want to make it clear that we are not visa agents, but with nearly 60 successful DTV Muay Thai visa applications, we've gained considerable experience in navigating the application process, especially when it comes to the specific documentation required for the soft power Muay Thai option.

  • While applications from home countries have generally gone smoothly, we’ve noticed that embassies in neighboring Southeast Asian countries tend to be more particular, and at times, pedantic about documentation.

  • Our Credentials: We’re proud to say that Muay Thai Fever was the first gym to successfully process a DTV Soft Power Muay Thai visa, and out of all our applications, we’ve only had one failure—which was not due to our documents.


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the DTV Muay Thai Visa?

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a long-term visa option that allows foreign nationals to stay in Thailand to study Muay Thai under the country's soft power initiative.

How long can I stay in Thailand with a DTV Visa?

The DTV visa grants an initial stay of up to 6 months, with the possibility of extending for a 5 year period on an unlimited multi entry stamp. You can extend in country for a further 6 months one time.


Who is eligible for the DTV Visa with the Muay Thai soft power option?

Anyone interested in studying Muay Thai under a qualified program like ours can apply. The visa is open to all nationalities, but specific requirements may vary based on the Thai embassy in your home country or the country you're applying from.


What documents are required to apply for the DTV Visa?

Essential documents include:

A completed visa application form.

Passport valid for at least 6 months.

*Proof of enrollment in a certified Muay Thai program.

Financial proof (such as bank statements) to show you can support yourself.

Health insurance with coverage for your stay may be requested.

Other specific documentation as required by the local embassy (e.g., police clearance, depending on your country).


* What is required for proof of enrollment in a soft power course?

Different embassies require different documents. So far, we’ve been asked for, and now include in a pack of 10 documents:

  1. Sports Authority of Thailand gym license.

  2. Board of Boxing Sport Coach’s license (A license preferred).

  3. Ministry of Education, Department of Skills Development instructor's license.

  4. Owner's ID card.

  5. Certificate of the gym being a LTD Company and tax liable.

  6. Itinerary of training program.

  7. Curriculum.

  8. Business card or owner's phone number.

  9. Photos and Google Maps link to the gym’s location.

  10. Invitation letter


Do I need a Sports Authority of Thailand letter directly from the Sports Authority office to proceed?

 Some gyms are putting out false information that you need a letter from the Sports Authority. We have completed nearly 60 applications, and this has never been a requirement. We have the gym certificate from the Sports Authority, and going to the office for each individual applicant would be logistically difficult and unreasonable, even for a visa application. Why the gyms are spreading this false information is anyone's guess, but it is definitely not a requirement.


Does it have to be a soft power activity?

No, it doesn't, but this is a grey area, and some embassies will insist on it being a soft power activity such as Muay Thai. To be sure your application won’t be rejected, you should choose a Muay Thai school or other soft power activity. However, we are aware that a few applicants have been successful using self-defense, MMA, scuba diving, etc., but you are taking a chance. To be sure of success, choose a soft power activity.


Can I apply for the DTV Visa while in a neighboring Southeast Asian country?

Yes, but keep in mind that embassies in nearby countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia are often more strict and detailed in reviewing documentation. We recommend applying from your home country whenever possible for a smoother process.


How long does it take to process a DTV Visa?

Processing times vary depending on the embassy. It can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. It's best to start your application early to avoid delays.


Do I have to attend the Muay Thai course? Is attendance monitored?

There is no monitoring of attendance or proof of attendance currently required. It is a tourist visa not an education visa and you are encouraged to travel around the country and not required to remain in the city where the course is held. At Muay Thai Fever we have embraced this flexibility and although we issue courses for 6 months you will be able to alter the course once you have secured your visa. The course can be tailored to fit your travel plans.


How long should the course be?

Embassy's are increasingly asking for a course that matches the length of stay. So as it is a 180 day stamp, a 6 month course is the preferred option. If you are staying for a shorter time a shorter course should suffice if you can demonstrate your length of stay with a return air ticket.


Why are Education visa Schools and Visa agents telling me this is a bad visa?

The DTV visa is a more advantageous option compared to the education visa in almost every aspect. However, schools offering education visas have invested significant time and resources to obtain the necessary licenses, and they are understandably trying to protect their business by discrediting the newer, more competitive DTV visa. Unlike the education visa, the DTV doesn't require visa agents or in-country immigration office visits. Instead, applicants go to another country for processing. As a result, visa agents, who stand to profit from education visa applications, often downplay the DTV in favor of more lucrative alternatives.


Can I work while on a DTV Visa?

The DTV Muay Thai visa is primarily for studying Muay Thai combined with tourism. Working is not permitted under this visa type unless you secure a separate work permit.


Do I need to pay for the visa separately from my Muay Thai course fees?

Yes, the DTV visa fees are separate from your Muay Thai training program fees. The exact cost will depend on the Thai embassy where you're applying.


What banking documents do I need?

Bank statements aren't our area of expertise, but based on client feedback, most embassies are now exercising their right to ensure applicants can afford an extended stay in Thailand. Officially, the requirement is to show 500,000 Thai Baht (or its equivalent in any currency) on the day of application. However, embassies may request additional proof of financial stability, such as 3 to 6 months of bank statements. Some embassies are satisfied with evidence of regular income, while others require that the 500,000 Baht has been in the account for several months. It's always best to check with your specific embassy or consulate before applying.


What happens if my application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, it’s often due to incomplete or incorrect documentation. At Muay Thai Fever, we help ensure that your documents meet the required standards, but embassy decisions are ultimately outside our control.


What makes Muay Thai Fever the right choice for the DTV Muay Thai visa?

As the first gym to successfully process a DTV Soft Power Muay Thai visa, our team has the experience and know-how to guide you through the process. Out of nearly 60 applications, we've only seen one fail—and it wasn’t due to our documents.


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