Applying for a DTV (soft power) with Thai language classes possible?

[Schnitzelfritz]

So far I have enquired at the Thai Consulates/Embassies in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines if an application for the DTV under the soft power category taking Thai language classes at a school recognized by the Ministry of Education will be accepted.

The most definite answer so far came from the Embassy in Yangon. They replied I'd have to book an appointment, submit my application, and find out whether my application would be accepted or not. The other replies I received were even more vague, some Consulates/Embassies didn't reply yet.

I have also asked The Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly if such an application might be successful, no response so far.

I will update this thread should I get definite 'yes' or 'no' answers.

 

It seems absurd that applications learning Muay Thai or cooking classes get accepted but nobody knows if learning the language will be accepted under the soft power category as well.

If Foreigners around the world speak Thai is not a soft power of Thailand then I don't know what is..

Edited 7 hours ago by Schnitzelfritz

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Schnitzelfritz said:

It seems absurd that applications learning Muay Thai or cooking classes get accepted but nobody knows if learning the language will be accepted under the soft power category as well

Just bumping your thread as no reply.

I'm guessing that for the reasons you mention eg Muay Thai , Thai Language etc that that an agent might be used to organize the courses.

The bottom line is that you need to have the visa issued outside of Thailand.

Agents I have chatted with are using Savannakhet. 

[Schnitzelfritz]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Just bumping your thread as no reply.

I'm guessing that for the reasons you mention eg Muay Thai , Thai Language etc that that an agent might be used to organize the courses.

The bottom line is that you need to have the visa issued outside of Thailand.

Agents I have chatted with are using Savannakhet. 

Thank you for the bump 😄

So those agents would travel together with the applicant to Laos and facilitate the visa on-site?

I would prefer to do that on my own but wouldn't hesitate to use the help of an agent if there is no other way. The only concern I have is that in the future upon reentry into Thailand an IO could check if the traveler still engages in the activities he got his DTV issued for. I intend to seriously study the Thai language and would be screwed in such a scenario with a DTV issued for participating in Muay Thai for example.

I doubt that in their system Immigration will only have an entry on which category the DTV was issued, workcation or soft power etc. I believe they will have more details to check. Bureaucracy is very comprehensive and detailed here after all.

 

[anrcaccount]

I think over time there'll be far more types of activities accepted under "soft power" than have been currently.

 

There's far more to it than Muay Thai and medical appointments. Other examples mentioned are attending concerts / events and "sports" but yet to see many of these alternatives reported as accepted. Agree that thai language courses should definitely qualify. 

 

If you struggle 1 just book a medical or dentist appointment, seeing many reports of these being accepted even without any long term treatment plan.

 

Then you can do whatever you want when you arrive, study Thai to your hearts content. 

[Schnitzelfritz]

1 hour ago, anrcaccount said:

 

If you struggle 1 just book a medical or dentist appointment, seeing many reports of these being accepted even without any long term treatment plan.

 

Then you can do whatever you want when you arrive, study Thai to your hearts content. 

Yep, this should work as it did for many others. I just think IOs will check on your reentry if you are still engaged in the activity you got the DTV based upon. If all you can show is a dental cleaning appointment months ago they might refuse you entry, not even granting you a visa exemption stamp because you already stayed in Thailand for half a year.

Getting the DTV seems pretty easy, but maintaining it could be challenging. 

[anrcaccount]

27 minutes ago, Schnitzelfritz said:

I just think IOs will check on your reentry if you are still engaged in the activity you got the DTV based upon. If all you can show is a dental cleaning appointment months ago they might refuse you entry, not even granting you a visa exemption stamp because you already stayed in Thailand for half a year.

Getting the DTV seems pretty easy, but maintaining it could be challenging. 

 

I don't agree based on the intent of the visa program and the statements of the foreign ministry so far.

 

It's essentially a 5 year tourism visa. You don't have to "maintain" it, it's valid for 5 years, unlimited entries in that time.

 

Once it's in your passport you're good to go in/ out for 5 years and are unlikely to be questioned at any land or air border. The visa is valid for entry. It's been granted to you. This is based on whats been said currently. 

 

It's not like the Education Visa.

 

The exception which is unknown currently, is the in country extension process, which can be avoided altogether of desired.  

 

But if you do extend, there's 2 ways this could go. 

 

One is you have to show your "purpose" is still valid i.e. Proof of soft power or Workcation.

 

Second and IMO most  likely is - its just a extension fee tick and flick exercise, you pay 1900 baht and some photocopies and you're extended for another 180 days.