Top Muay Thai school sets up website to help foreigners apply for DTV
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) applicants should request a letter of acceptance from a recognised Muay Thai gym to ensure a smooth visa application process, leading Thai kickboxing gym Fitfac Muay Thai Academy said on Tuesday.
The recent introduction of the DTV offers alternatives to foreigners wishing to stay in Thailand, particularly digital nomads or those interested in Muay Thai or cooking classes.
However, early confusion arose among DTV applicants on which documents from a Muay Thai gym would be accepted due to unclear information on Thaievisa website. Several Thai embassies requested a certificate of recognition from the Muay Thai school issued by Education Ministry, which is required for a Muay Thai Visa.
DTV offers applicants a 180-day stay with a financial requirement of 500,000 baht ($15,159), which is different from the Muay Thai visa which covers a 90-day stay and comes with a financial requirement of US$4,000 (131,934 baht).
Fitfac, which has more than 11 locations across Bangkok and 100-plus trainers, is one of 46 Muay Thai schools certified by the Education Ministry. It pointed out that many DTV applications had been denied because the applicants provided only a fitness gym contract or an acceptance letter from an unrecognised Muay Thai training facility.
To tackle confusion between DTV and Muay Thai visa applications, the school said Thai consulates are now equipped with databases listing all recognised Muay Thai schools from the Education Ministry. The Sports Authority of Thailand has also submitted its list of certified standard boxing camps to the Consular Department, it added.
“Currently, many embassies will only consider Muay Thai camps or gyms with a certification of high standard from the Board of Boxing Sport or certification from the Education Ministry when issuing the DTV,” the school said.
Fitfac recommended those applying for the DTV request both an acceptance letter and a certificate from the school, along with a copy of the authorised signature of the person issuing the letter.
“It is important to secure the acceptance letter from a recognised Muay Thai school or a certified boxing camp from the Board of Boxing Sport to guarantee the DTV visa,” the school said.
The school added that it has launched a website, dtvvisathailand.com, to provide comprehensive information about the DTV application process and required documentation.
Fitfac has already successfully issued letters to almost 30 applicants from Canada, the US, the UK and Austria. The school also offers support staff to assist applicants through the visa process and can issue the necessary letter of acceptance within one day of payment.
