DTV Visa Experience Thailand 2025 — In this firsthand account, Ivy shares her real-life journey getting approved through the Soft Power Muay Thai category. From preparing documents and handling embassy delays to navigating unexpected visa challenges, she offers practical insights and hard-won tips. If you’re planning your own DTV visa application, this story will help you feel more informed, prepared, and confident.
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Editor’s Note
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is an exciting new long-stay option for digital nomads, remote workers, and cultural learners — but navigating the process can feel daunting, especially with limited guidance and embassy-to-embassy differences. That’s why we’re thrilled to share this firsthand story from Ivy , a digital artist and Muay Thai student who successfully applied for the DTV while abroad.
Ivy walks us through every step of the journey: what documents she prepared, what surprised her, what delayed things, and what she wishes she’d known before applying. If you’re thinking about the DTV, her experience will help you prepare — and remind you that you’re not alone in the process.
Background & Why I Applied
I moved to Thailand just after the borders reopened following the COVID-19 lockdown. It’s been my home ever since — but the visa situation has always been a challenge.
Over the years, I’ve been on two Special Tourist Visas (STV) and two years of an Education Visa. As my final ED visa was coming to an end, Thailand launched something new: the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The timing was perfect.
The DTV finally feels like it was designed for people like me — digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone wanting to stay long-term while learning Muay Thai, taking cooking classes, or diving into Thai culture. There are even categories for medical studies and beach volleyball.
I run a digital art business online, but I don’t pay myself a consistent salary yet, which meant I didn’t feel confident applying under the income or business categories. Luckily, I’ve been training in Muay Thai for a while — so I applied under the Soft Power Muay Thai category, using Phuket Muay Thai in Rawai as my training partner.
I submitted my application at the Thai Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I was based at the time.
Application Timeline & Process
🗓 First Submission – 13th May
I started by gathering everything I thought I might need — not just what was listed on the official site, but also what I’d seen others mention in forums and Facebook groups. The official portal doesn’t go into much detail, so I took the “better safe than sorry” route.
Here’s what I submitted to the Thai Embassy in HCMC:
- Bank Statement: 6 months’ worth showing the equivalent of 500,000 baht in savings. (The form says 3 months, but I’d read that many applicants get asked for 6 — so I just submitted 6 upfront.)
- Muay Thai Classes: I paid 20,000 baht to Phuket Muay Thai for a 40-class package (valid for six months).
- Gym Documents: After payment, the gym provided a package with their business license and government approvals.
- Rental Contract: Not officially required, but I submitted one just in case — others had been asked for it during follow-up.
- Proof of Stay in Vietnam: Hotel booking in HCMC for 9 days (the embassy says it takes about 5 working days to process).
- Passport: A full scan, cover to last page — including my Vietnam entry stamp.
- Flight Intent: I included a short paragraph explaining my plan to return to Thailand after approval, with placeholder flight info (no ticket purchased yet).
Everything was uploaded through the embassy’s online portal.
🗓 Request for Additional Documents – 16th May
Just a few days later, I got a follow-up email requesting more proof — mainly about my financial situation.
Here’s what I added:
- 6-Month Bank Transaction History: My original statement only showed my balance, not transactions. I resubmitted with full transaction details.
- Proof of Self-Support:
- My business ownership certificate
- Three months of business bank statements
- Six months of invoices from my main client (Amazon USA)
- Screenshots of my social media accounts and my Amazon storefront
- My business ownership certificate
- I also wrote a paragraph explaining that I’m not currently paying myself a salary and am applying through the Soft Power category because of my ongoing Muay Thai training.
- Extra Evidence: Photos of me training (with timestamps), pictures with my coaches, and an explanation of my long-standing relationship with the gym.
🗓 Waiting… and Running Out of Time
This is the part I wasn’t prepared for.
There were public holidays across both Vietnam and Thailand between 30 April and 12 May, and the embassy was clearly backed up. I’d expected quick movement, but my Vietnam tourist visa was about to expire.
And here’s the kicker: I assumed I’d get 90 days in Vietnam, but I was only allowed to stay until 21st May.
On 20th May, I went to the Thai embassy in person — only to find out that all DTV matters are handled online now. No walk-ins. No help desk. Not even for urgent cases.
On the morning of the 21st, I emailed and messaged the embassy on Line, explaining my situation. They replied on Line — “Let us check…” — but there was no movement that day. I had no choice: I booked a flight out of HCMC just before midnight to avoid overstaying, then arranged a fast-turnaround visa via an agent so I could re-enter Vietnam the same day and keep waiting.
There were cheaper ways — like just paying the overstay fee — but I didn’t want any overstay record, not even in Vietnam.
🗓 Visa Approved – 26th May
People in the DTV Facebook group started reporting approvals again around the 23rd. I sent another Line message on the morning of the 26th, and finally — around 4 PM — I got the email. My visa was approved.
The embassy even replied to my Line message a few minutes later to confirm.
🛬 Arrival in Phuket – 27th May
We were at the airport in HCMC before sunrise, ready to go. At Phuket Immigration, everything went smoothly. I handed over my printed DTV visa — they didn’t ask a single question.
Even now, it feels a little surreal. I can finally stay in Thailand long-term and have the freedom to fly in and out without stress.
The process had its rough moments, but honestly? It was worth it.
What I Wish I Knew
There’s a lot I wish I’d known before starting the DTV process — not because it’s impossible, but because it’s surprisingly opaque and slower than expected. If you’re planning to apply, here are my biggest takeaways:
✅ Start early — don’t leave it until the last minute.
Even if your documents are perfect, processing times are unpredictable. Embassies get backlogged easily, and holidays can add major delays.
✅ There’s no hotline. Communication is slow.
Once you submit your application, expect silence. Email replies are rare. Line messages sometimes work, but even then, responses are brief and not always helpful. You have to be patient — and persistent.
✅ You’re never too prepared. Seriously.
The official site gives you a short list of required documents — but most applicants are asked for more during the review process. Submit extras up front if you can:
- 6-month bank transactions, not just a balance
- Proof of how you support yourself
- Rental contract, even if optional
- Photos, letters, receipts — whatever supports your story
✅ Organize your documents before uploading.
I created four clearly labeled PDF files with everything neatly grouped and in logical order. It made the uploading process much smoother and easier for the embassy to review.
✅ Emotionally prepare for some uncertainty.
It’s not like renewing a tourist visa at the immigration office. You’ll wait. You might not hear back for days. Just stay calm, have a backup plan, and remember that others are going through it too.
“It’s not a fast process — but if you qualify and prepare properly, it’s worth the wait.”
Final Thoughts
The DTV visa is a fantastic option — once you’re on it.
The application process still feels a little experimental, and at times, it was frustrating not knowing what was happening behind the scenes. But if you meet the requirements and can ride out the delays and uncertainty, this visa is honestly a game-changer.
It gives you the freedom to stay in Thailand long-term without needing to constantly border-hop or sign up for language schools. It lets you plan your life — not just your next visa run.
If you’re thinking about applying, I hope this story makes you feel a little more prepared — and a little less alone — in the process.
And most of all, I hope it gives you the confidence to go for it.
By Ivy
📣 Have your own DTV story to share?
We’re always looking for real-life experiences to help the community navigate life in Thailand. Whether you’re applying under Soft Power, business, or just figuring it out as you go — your story matters.
📧 Email us at [email protected] and we’d love to hear from you.
🥊 Partner Shout-Out: Phuket Muay Thai
A big thanks to Phuket Muay Thai, Ivy’s training gym and one of our trusted Phuket Community partners. Their support, documentation, and professional setup helped make her DTV visa journey possible. Whether you’re a total beginner or a dedicated fighter, their Rawai-based camp offers a welcoming and high-quality training environment.
⚠️ Contributor Note & Disclaimer
This article reflects Ivy ’s personal experience applying for the DTV visa in May 2025, based on her specific situation and embassy location. Requirements, processing times, and accepted documents can vary depending on your category and the Thai embassy you apply through.
Always refer to the official DTV visa portal or consult your local Thai embassy for the most up-to-date information.
