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Has anyone successfully obtained a DTV visa through the Discover Thai Nature course?

DTV Visa Thai Botany Course Soft Power Visa Application Experience Embassy Approval

Feb 9, 2025

12 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello DTV group, has anyone had experience using the “Discover Thai Nature” course (Seminar Thai Botany, Herbs and Fruits

Soft Power - Making Thai Food, produce and herbs famous) to obtain the DTV through soft power? I plan on applying in Hanoi later this month and wanted to inquire on your experience with this option

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around experiences with the "Discover Thai Nature" course as a means to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand. Several contributors shared mixed feelings, with some expressing skepticism about the course's legitimacy and its potential for visa approval. A few have had success, particularly those who applied from Australia and the U.S., while others mentioned difficulties with certain embassies. Concerns about the course's future and its acceptance at various consulates are also raised, leading to a debate about its viability and potential over scrutiny from Thai authorities.

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Anonymous ******************

I applied for DTV with this course, and it was approved by Sydney consulate. I do live in Australia, and don’t have a recent history of back to back Thai visas

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Karen ************

No luck on Heritage Craft for art teachers and historians.

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Mun *****

@Karen ***********

what do you mean, precisely? That there is a Heritage Craft school/course that you tried to sign up for in order to get a soft power DTV but failed to get it? Or that you wished there were such a course? It sounds like a viable soft power skill to learn, much akin to Thai cooking. I would sign up for something like that.

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Karen ************

I have been studying the Heritage Craft of Chasing and Repousse at the Silver Temple for six years under Master Tu. There are six of us now, all Farang, learning both the traditional imagery, techniques and tools while stretching and adapting the process to into new art but with the distinct voice and respect of traditional Thai Craft.

I brought this up before in this group. I’m a metals educator and travel to different countries researching Metal Craft. I spend four months a year in Chiang Mai and have found home. I think I was a monk in another life hammering away inspired by the grace and lines of Thai art.

My first piece. It just comes naturally.

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Mun *****

@Karen ***********

oh that's amazing! I'm sorry but I hadn't seen your earlier posts in this group about that. I used to work in heritage conservation and I still have some contacts in the region who work in this field, like traditional textiles in Laos. So are you thinking of getting a DTV so that you can spend longer than 4 months a year in Chiang Mai? Sorry I'm just trying to understand what you mean when you say no luck on heritage craft, because it seems to me a totally legitimate Thai culture pursuit to justify a DTV.

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Karen ************

I was told by a couple of Thai that the Soft Power DTV does not comply. I can get medical, but I really would love to pursue this. I brought a group of artists last year through a Thai friend’s travel agency. Two are returning next year to study for six weeks.

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Mun *****

@Karen ***********

oh I see. Well that's too bad. I wonder if it's simply because the criteria for compliance is so vague. I hope someone who works in this field manages to set something up that does comply for soft power. It would be wonderful for you I'm sure, and to me it certainly does help spread Thai culture. Best of luck!

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Mun *****

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Joy ******

I think it's just a scam

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Jeremy *********

Christopher Noland funny as I have now attended one in person and one online

Talk out your asses some more 🙄🤣

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Christopher ********

yup

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Jeremy *********

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Jeremy *********

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Jeremy *********

Who's the fraud 🤭🤣

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Jeremy *********

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Jeremy *********

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Sweet *****

Was this the company that a few people got declined at the Phnom Penh embassy?

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Anonymous ******************

Yes it is

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Anonymous ******************

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Jeremy *********

I did but I applied in America and was approved

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Peter ********

They did not answer my enquiry on that question.

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Mun *****

what was your question?

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Mun *****

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Anonymous ******************

Looks an highway for refusal to me. And these « seminars » will (hopefully) sooner than later come under lot of scrutiny when used to get a 5 years visa…

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Ray *****

Anonymous participant 345 why hopefully? You get your DTV why concern yourself with how others obtain theirs. You don't make the rules. If some embassies accept then great. A Thai entrepreneur has done a good job in providing a service.

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Anonymous ******************

"hopefully" because this course is not a legit seminar and exist solely because of DTV and this is sure that there will be no real teachers and no students, and ultimately, it will damage the whole idea of DTV visa. The authorities could use this type of beheavior to justify a cancel of this visa, just like the STV visa as for exemple.

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Ray *****

Anonymous participant 345 seminars are allowed for the DTV. If an entrepreneur sets one up that is acceptable to a number of embassies then good for them. The DTV will not get cancelled on the basis of this. Personally believe they will not change any of the requirements.

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Mun *****

Anonymous participant 345 how do you know that there are no real teachers and no students? I understand that the business sprang up in response to the DTV but that in and of itself does not mean it isn't "legit". I certainly hope it's legit. It is an interesting area to me (I have a horticultural research background). It's right up my alley, along with other potential soft power courses like traditional arts and craft or dance/music.

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Anonymous ******************

This is a gamble in my opinion. You will gamble when apply for DTV (some people were refused with this kind of soft power courses, as you can read in comments below). You will gamble with your extension or / next entry.

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Mun *****

Anonymous participant 345 yes I agree on that point

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Kyle *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 345 I haven’t signed up yet so I’m not sure of anything but it does have online and in person meetings for the seminar courses so I’m not sure why you are saying it’s not legitimate- unless I’m missing something.

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Anonymous ******************

My opinion (if it worth something) is : IF you can apply DTV for workation category, go for it. If you don't meet the requirements go for a "traditional" course (muay thai, thai cooking ect...) with a legit and well established school. Why do i say that : Because in the future, you do not know what IO (immigration officer) or Immigration offices could ask you. This new "seminars" might not even exist in one year... Then, how will you you do to keep your DTV visa ? Workation option is , in my point of view, the category the most easy to justify a long stay in Thailand.

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Sean *******

345. Good point. I don't want it cancelled I want another one in 5 years. 🙂

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Anonymous ******************

me too ^^ i am a DTV holder, and i am a strong advocate of this. i waited this type of visa for so many years..i really wish it stay there now.

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Anonymous ******************

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Sean *******

Exactly. The only people who should be "hoping for more scrutiny" are Elite visa holders. And certainty not fellow DTV holders who for some strange reason think theirs is superior.

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Anonymous ******************

it depends if you wish to see this visa canceled in the future because people abuse the system or if you wish it could benefit many other DTV holders sir.

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Ray *****

Anonymous participant 345 zero reasons for it to be cancelled. More likely promoted heavier to get more people using it

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Ray *****

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Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant 345 The fact that everything is online makes no sense for a long-term visa but yeah it is still accepted in some places. People can do it from home without needing a visa. It would be a dream if I could get a visa for every country where I'm taking an online class 😅

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John *******

Anonymous participant 424 - If you look at their website, you can also take in person.

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Anonymous ******************

Yes, what's the percentage of these? 1%? 😅 I'm sure you know why people are applying to it... Let's be honest, almost nobody would subscribe to that kind of thing if it wasn't linked to the DTV. What would be the % of people even trying to connect once to it? 😂

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John *******

Anonymous participant 424 - then you have me, who has DTV for mobile work, who is still interested in signing up. However, you can make the same argument with any course (cooking, muy Thai, etc.).

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Anonymous ******************

Because you're amazing, John! 😄 But we do agree on the main idea that soft power is often a good excuse to get a DTV. Now, at 9,999 THB for five years of activity, it even overshadows other DTV activities and other visas. I don’t see why everyone wouldn’t apply for it from now on, as it offers the exact same benefits as other DTVs... I can't see it lasting for long. 🤔

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Anonymous ******************

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Anonymous ******************

Not accepted by all embassies... You'll need to check it with yours.

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Anonymous ******************

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