Thailand is offering a five-year multiple-entry visa to foreigners who participate in "soft power" activities like Muay Thai training. The Destination Thailand Visa (D.T.V.) requires a $400 fee, proof of $15,000 in savings, and six months of training minimum. The program aims to attract longer-staying tourists who can contribute to the local economy while engaging with Thai culture.

Most training is recreational with no required sparring, making it accessible to beginners. Gyms like Fitfac, which operates 11 locations in Bangkok, report strong demand with about 700 D.T.V. trainees. The visa eliminates complex embassy visits and lengthy application processes that previously deterred long-term visitors.

Business is booming for Muay Thai gyms, with revenue increases of about one-third reported at some locations. While professional fighters like Bastian Porta from France are using the visa to pursue competitive careers, the majority of participants are casual learners seeking cultural immersion. For Thailand, this strategy extends tourist stays while promoting traditional martial arts as diplomatic soft power.