Was just wondering could I apply for a DTV if I want to start teaching English online to students outside of Thailand? Am about to begin a TEFL course soon and was also wondering how I could show proof of employment if that’s needed? Will be applying through London Embassy

Soft Power HCMC update

I know a lot of people doing applying through HCMC for soft power visa have had some trouble, so I'll post my update.

After I submitted my initial application with all of my documents, I got a request for further documentation 2 days later. They were asking for proof of income.

I then submitted a letter explaining that my application was for soft power activities (muay thai training), and that I was unemployed. I confirmed that I will not be working in Thailand. I also included 6 months from statements from my brokerage account and my Neo bank account, to explain that this is where the recent lump sum of money into my bank account came from, and also this is where I would gather funds from to pay for any other large unexpected expenses.

I then got approval for my visa 2 days later, and now I have the 5 year DTV. The only thing is that they made a remark on the acceptance saying employment prohibited ; I'm not sure if it's normal or important, but I don't think it will matter anyways since I don't plan to be employed in Thailand

Following the *"socially in-ept"* post, I thought I’d share my experience from today as well. Before I go into details, I just want to point out that the officer was very likely just confused—I don’t mean to stress anyone out.

Anyway, here’s the story:

I entered Thailand today for my second entry on a DTV. My first time last October went smoothly, and I stayed for about a month.

For context, last year I was mainly on an education visa for 11 months and extended it multiple times. Before applying for a DTV, I canceled the ED visa as usually advised, and I had never overstayed.

In my case, the officer was neither rude nor particularly friendly. (For privacy, I’ll use *they* as a pronoun.) They first asked if I had a return ticket—I said not yet. Then they asked, *"How long are you going to stay?"* I said a few months, adding that I know I can stay for 180 days. (Probably not the best answer—better to have a plan! 😅)

Next, they asked, *"What are you doing here? Why did you stay so long last year? And where are you going?"* I told them I had been on an education visa and was studying Thai (for real). Then I said, *"I'm just traveling,"* and gave them a rough idea of my plans for the next few weeks.

They mumbled in Thai, *"But you already stayed too long,"* then added, *"And you don’t have a visa."* I replied in Thai, *"I do, I have a DTV."* They then checked my passport, found the DTV page, and quickly stamped the opposite page with a 180-day stamp.

So, I wouldn’t say it went smoothly—they asked a lot of questions, and I felt they were a bit suspicious. But maybe they were just confused because of all the extensions I had with my education visa last year. Plus, not handing in a printed copy of the DTV probably didn’t help. I guess an e-visa is more convenient in that sense.

Overall, no big deal, but make sure the officer knows you’re entering on a DTV. A printed copy would definitely help—it would have saved me a few drops of sweat! 😊

I hope this gives some useful feedback to some of you!

Has anyone experienced airport immigration charging above normal rate for re-entry permits vis a vis local immigration offices, i know there is a small charge for photo and providing forms, but I normally take photo and fill in form before I go and charge is standard for actual re-entry stamp……actual experience rather then heresay please……..

I need an advice on how to obtain DTV visa from USA. I'm retired, 70 yo with money in Bangkok Bank.

I just had a Freind arrive in Bangkok with a tourist e visa to be denied entry as it was not recognised She is from Tanzania and I think scammed by an agent how do you check if the visa is real or not

Good morning to all in Thailand. I am inquiring about visa requirements: is a physical therapy clinic categorized under the medical section of the visa or are specific requirements necessary for that section of the visa?

DTV approved just now! Canberra, Australia Consulate.

Thank you to a few anonymous posters for their advice, I was considering just using an agent and doing the soft power route even though I am self employed - until reading their posts and I am very glad I did it myself! Super super easy. Had everything ready before I started (took me maybe an hour to prepare) and uploaded and submitted the application within 30 mins.

Type - Business Owner/director

Submitted: 12th Feb

Additional documents requested: 14th Feb they asked for proof of financials of the 500k thb, strangely I had already uploaded 2 different screenshots including a bank statement, but it seems they preferred a proof of balance letter from my bank which only showed the amount on that date, in AUD. I also showed well over the 500k minimum on all 3 screenshots.

Approved: 19th Feb at 5pm

Proof of location: Australian drivers license

Paperwork: Cover letter + employment contract from me to myself, signed only by me, proof of balance letter from bank, THB to AUD conversion rate screenshot, ASIC business extract

Flight number: Flight number into bkk in 2 weeks, no exit flight

Let me share a strange case !

I applied for DTV at Vientiane Embassy and got approved today, but the visa type issued is 'Tourist TR' with multiple entry instead of DTV. I applied for DTV and also paid the visa fees set for DTV.

Do embassies have the rights to give out whatever type of visa they want to without my consent?

Have anyone experienced a similar case? Please share your knowledge on that case if u have any, and kindly leave suggestions for me.

Sharing my DTV approval for HCMC soft power cooking.

Fri Jan 31.

Applied with passport pic, copy of passport biometric page, cooking documents provided by Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy, entry stamp into HCMC, VN hotel booking and 3 months of bank statement over 500k.

Feb 5.

Further documentations requested. They wanted 6 months of bank statements, employment certificate and income proof.

On the application I wrote that I was unemployed, as I quit my job recently. I gave them my tax return, a couple of pay slips and an end of service letter that my HR provided me when I left. I wrote a short letter explaining I currently do not have a job as I moved to Thailand recently and taking a career break (I have been living here for a month on a tourist exempt visa).

Feb 10.

Further documentations requested. They wanted more information on the school.

I emailed the school who helped me with some pictures. I took screenshots of their website and resubmitted all documentations that I had already given them (receipt, cooking timetable, acceptance letter, business registration, director ID).

Feb 17.

Approved.

Flew back to Thailand today with a print out of my dtv into Bangkok. No issues.

I did extensive research in this group before my application so I was quite surprised being asked for extra documents twice. I think the HCMC embassy is starting to get more critical on soft power and the process took 2 weeks for me because I had to supply more documents.

The Bangkok Cooking Academy was very helpful with my application, I recommend them.