DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) for Muay Thai: Your Ultimate FAQ Guide (2025)
- Muay Thai Fever
- 17 hours ago
- 6 min read
DTV Visa for Muay Thai: Your Ultimate FAQ Guide (2025)

Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has opened the door for long-term stays focused on cultural learning and soft power activities like Muay Thai. Whether you’re planning to train full-time, travel while learning, or just escape the cold for a few months, the DTV could be your perfect fit.
In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about applying for the Destination Thailand Visa with a Muay Thai course.
🔎 What Is the DTV Visa?
The DTV, or Destination Thailand Visa, is a 5-year multiple-entry visa that allows you to stay up to 180 days per entry, renewable once per entry (totaling 360 days per year). It was launched in 2024 to support cultural tourism, remote work, and soft power education — with Muay Thai being one of the most popular options.
🥊 DTV & Muay Thai – FAQ
1. Which financial documents do I need?
A recent bank statement showing 500,000 Thai Baht, or equivalent in a foreign currency, in savings is the stated requirement but embassy's and consulates always have the power of discretion to analyse if an applicant has enough money to fund a long stay in Thailand so they usually ask for back statements of 2 to 6 months. Each embassy has a different criteria.
Money can be in a Thai or international bank but most embassy's don't except digital wallets or wise / PayPal type accounts.
2. What paperwork do I need from the Muay Thai gym?
You’ll need a gym enrollment pack, including:
Invite Letter
Receipt
Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) license
Coach’s license, Board of Boxing Sport A License preferable.
Training itinerary and curriculum
Ltd Company Certificate
Owner’s ID card
Gym location photos and Google Maps link
Ministry of Education Instructors certificate.
Note: not every embassy will ask for all of these documents but if your gym can provide this it will cut out any further requests drama.
3. What other documents are required?
You’ll also need:
Passport copy
Completed DTV application form
Embassy-specific documents (varies)
4. How do I prove I am in the country where I apply?
Provide a photo of your entry stamp, hotel receipt or similar proof of residence if visiting a SE Asia country to apply. A utility bill, driving license or bank statement if you are applying from your home country.
5. How long does the visa process take?
Most embassies process DTV applications in 5 to 15 working days.
6. What’s the embassy application fee?
The official fee is 10,000 THB, payable in local currency.
7. How much does the Muay Thai course cost and how long should the course be?
Prices range from 15,000–20,000 THB for six months, depending on the gym. you may get away with a short course of 1 to 3 months, but it is highly advisable to take a 6 month course as it matches the 180 days stamp and maximum length of stay.
8. Who do I pay — the gym or the embassy?
Pay the course fee to the gym, and the visa fee to the embassy.
9. Does immigration monitor Muay Thai attendance?
Gyms are not requested to monitor or report attendance to any government body or organisation including Thai Immigration.
10. Can I travel and only train when in town?
Yes, it's a tourist visa. Travel around Thailand and train at other gyms is no problem. A good gym will offer a package that is structured but flexible. The embassy will get an itinerary with a program of weekly classes, which they like to see. However the course should be flexible and you should be ok to do the classes whenever you want on your own time line.
11. What if I get injured and can’t train?
Check with your gym, a good gym will offer flexibility of classes. You can pick up after your injury or sickness is over.
12. Can I apply at a consulate?
Yes, the DTV can be processed at any Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand.
13. What’s the best country to apply from?
Your home country is the best place to apply with a few exceptions. Japan, Singapore and Malaysia are very challenging embassy's even for nationals of those country's. France is very slow. If applying in SE Asia it is recommended to go to Jakarta, Vietnam or The Philippines. They are currently accepting without too much drama. (May 2025)
14. Is the embassy fee refundable?
No — the 10,000 THB fee is non-refundable.
15. Is the Muay Thai course fee refundable?
That depends on the gym. Always confirm their refund policy before payment. at the very minimum a gym should refund if the application is denied on the grounds of the Muay Thai course being rejected.
16. What if my application gets cancelled?
You can reapply or revise your documents. Fees are not refunded.
17. What questions might the embassy ask?
They may ask about your trip purpose, finances, and Muay Thai plans.
18. Will I need an interview?
Some embassies may request one, but not all do. currently, (May 2025) Laos is often reported to request an interview.
19. What do I need to re-enter Thailand?
Your passport, valid DTV visa, and sometimes proof of accommodation.
20. How long is the DTV valid for?
The DTV is valid for 5 years, with 360 days of stay per year allowed or 180 day stamps via border runs.
21. How often can I use the DTV to stay in Thailand?
Up to 180 days per entry, renewable once without leaving at a local immigration office, but this is not recommended as immigration have shown to be over strict when it comes to the DTV.
22. What happens after 180 days?
You can extend your stay for another 180 days at immigration, but it is really difficult with requests for bank statements, further Muay Thai course documents and lots of residence documents that are not easy to provide. The best option is to leave Thailand and simply re enter for a further 180 day stamp.
23. Do I need to report to immigration during my stay?
Yes, you must do 90-day check-ins with local immigration.
24. How do border runs work?
If you don’t extend, you must leave and re-enter to reset your stay. You should get a 180 day stamp regardless on your previous length of stay in The Kingdom.
25. Can I work on a DTV visa?
You can’t work for Thai companies, but remote work for foreign clients is tolerated.
26. Can dependents join me on a DTV?
You can apply for a dependent to join you on the DTV visa. It has been reported that this is quite a simple process for children but it seems to be that marriage partners are encouraged to get their own DTV.
27. Can I open a Thai bank account on a DTV?
Possibly. Some banks allow it with help from your gym or local sponsor. In the last few months, (May 2025 at time of writing) it has become increasingly difficult to get a Thai bank account on any visa, especially tourist class visas like the DTV. Many people have had success using the True money wallet system though. Its not an actual bank account but lets you transfer funds in and spend via QR etc in Thailand.
28. What scams or pitfalls should I avoid?
Watch out for:
Unlicensed gyms
Fake agents
Extra charges for "special SAT letters" (not required)
Promises of guaranteed approval
29. Can every nationality apply?
In theory yes, but it has been observed that certain African and sub continent country's are experiencing high scrutiny and longer processing. As a knee jerk reaction by the Thai government, people from certain country's who are highlighted by negative press reports in Thailand can suffer the consequences of temporary blanket denial.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Destination Thailand Visa is a game-changer for cultural travelers, digital nomads, and Muay Thai enthusiasts. But success depends on choosing the right gym, preparing the correct documents, and avoiding common scams. This FAQ covers the essentials, but always double-check with the Thai embassy in your country.
Interested in joining a licensed gym that helps with the DTV process? Muay Thai Fever in Chiang Mai offers full support, training from champions, and verified documents for your application.

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