Bangkok, Thailand. A Bangkok-based Muay Thai coach said questions about staying in Thailand to train long-term are frequent and often center on keeping immigration paperwork organized and compliant.
Two main long-stay routes for training in 2026
The coach said long-stay options that typically align with Muay Thai training in 2026 generally fall into two categories: the education (ED) route and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) route. Other approaches were described as short-term travel options or as leading to repeated extensions and added stress.
The coach said visa decisions depend on documentation rather than an applicant’s training ability, and that coherent, consistent paperwork is critical.
DTV described as a multiple-entry option with longer stays
The coach said the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has become a practical option for more applicants. It was described as a multiple-entry visa that allows long stays per entry and includes an extension option within Thailand, which the coach said aligns with trainees’ plans to live and train for months.
More digital processing and stricter document standards
The coach said application processes have become more digital and more exacting, with applicants uploading documents through online systems and sometimes receiving revision requests before further review. While described as manageable, the process was said to penalize poorly prepared files.
Digital arrival card required separately from a visa
The coach said Thailand uses a digital arrival card system that travelers submit shortly before arriving. It was described as separate from the visa and not a replacement, and the coach said forgetting it can create avoidable issues on travel day.
ED route tied to structured programs and enrollment proof
The coach said the education route makes sense when training is organized as a program backed by a school, supported by enrollment documents and an institution. The coach said this creates a clear purpose for stay that aligns with the structure of the visa.
The coach added that applicants often assume a gym letter confirming training is sufficient, but said many ED pathways require formal enrollment proof and supporting documents that appear official and verifiable. The coach said delays often occur because files do not look official enough or do not match expected wording, rather than because applicants are unqualified.
What steps have you taken to ensure your visa and arrival documents match Thailand’s current requirements?