Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and a major attraction for fighters and enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner looking to train at a traditional gym or an experienced fighter wanting to sharpen your skills, securing a Muay Thai visa Thailand is essential for a long-term stay.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Thailand Muay Thai visa, including the ED Visa (Education Visa) for Muay Thai, eligibility requirements, application process, visa costs, and the best gyms offering Muay Thai ED Visa Pattaya, Phuket, and Bangkok sponsorships.
What is the Muay Thai Visa?
The Muay Thai visa is an Education Visa (ED Visa) granted to foreigners who enrol in an accredited Muay Thai training program at a licensed gym. This visa allows students to legally train in Muay Thai while residing in Thailand for an extended period.
Why Get a Muay Thai ED Visa?
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Stay in Thailand for 6 months to 1 year
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Train legally at approved Muay Thai gyms
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Avoid frequent visa runs (Returning back every 30-60 days)
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Immerse yourself in Thailand’s fight culture
Many top-tier Muay Thai camps in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya offer sponsorship for the Muay Thai ED Visa, allowing fighters to focus on training without immigration concerns.
Muay Thai ED Visa Thailand: Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply for a Thailand Muay Thai Visa?
- Foreigners aged 12+ (minors need parental consent)
- Enrolled in a licensed Muay Thai gym offering visa sponsorship
- Able to provide proof of financial stability (20,000 THB minimum)
- Committed to attending regular training sessions
Required Documents for a Muay Thai ED Visa
To apply for a Muay Thai training visa, you’ll need:
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Valid passport (6 months+ validity)
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Visa application form (TM.87 or TM.88)
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Acceptance letter from a licensed Muay Thai gym
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Proof of funds (bank statement showing 20,000 THB)
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Medical certificate (some embassies require this)
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Recent passport-sized photos
These documents must be submitted at a Thai embassy or consulate before traveling to Thailand. Ensure all documents are up to date before applying.
How to Apply for a Muay Thai Visa in Thailand
Choose a Certified Muay Thai School
Select an accredited Muay Thai training camp that can sponsor your muay thai visa application. The gym must be registered with the Thai Ministry of Education to offer the ED Visa Muay Thai in Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket. Some of the top gyms providing visa support include:
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Bangkok – FA Group, Attachai Muay Thai, Khongsittha Muay Thai
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Pattaya – Fairtex Training Center, Sityodtong
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Phuket – Tiger Muay Thai, Phuket Fight Club, AKA Thailand
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Chiang Mai – Santai Muay Thai, Hongthong Muay Thai
Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents listed here.
Submit Your Application
Apply for the Muay Thai student visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, ensuring all paperwork is complete. Take the required documents from step 2 to the nearest Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
Enter Thailand and Register with Immigration
Upon arrival, register with the local immigration office to activate your Muay Thai visa and obtain the required stay permits.
Report to Immigration
Report to Thai immigration every 90 days to maintain your Muay Thai student visa status. The initial ED Visa is valid for 90 days. It can be extended every 90 days at Thai Immigration up to one year.
Renew Your Muay Thai ED Visa
Ensure you renew your Muay Thai ED visa annually by submitting updated training records and proof of continued enrollment. Proof of training attendance is required for visa extensions.
Muay Thai ED Visa Costs & Training Fees
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Muay Thai ED Visa | 2,000 THB (~$55) | 90 days |
| Visa Extension (90 Days) | 1,900 THB (~$52) | 90 days |
| One-Year Visa Extension | 7,600 THB (~$210) | 1 year |
💰 Additional Costs:
Muay Thai camp tuition: 30,000–80,000 THB per year (~$850–$2,250 USD)
Health insurance: 10,000 THB ($275 USD) per year
Best Muay Thai Visa Gyms in Thailand
To qualify for the Muay Thai ED Visa, students must enroll in an approved Muay Thai training program at a licensed gym that meets the Thai Ministry of Education’s requirements.
Top Gyms Offering ED Visa Sponsorship
Bangkok: Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy, Chakrit Muay Thai School
Pattaya: Fairtex Training Center
Phuket: Rattachai Muay Thai, Tiger Muay Thai
Chiang Mai: Dang Muay Thai, Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym
Bangkok: Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy, Chakrit Muay Thai School
Pattaya: Fairtex Training Center
Phuket: Rattachai Muay Thai, Tiger Muay Thai
Chiang Mai: Dang Muay Thai, Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym
These gyms provide structured training programs, certifications, and visa sponsorship for long-term foreign students. These authorized gyms act as sponsors, assisting students with the visa application process and ensuring compliance with visa regulations.
Real Experiences: Training at ED Visa Approved Gyms
A Muay Thai enthusiast shared their journey of living and training in Chiang Mai under an Education (ED) Visa. They trained at Sit Thailand Muay Thai Gym and highlighted the depth of technical instruction:
“The best and most authentic Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai. The trainers are patient but push you hard, and the visa process was pretty straightforward with their help.”
His experience shows that the right gym can make the visa application process much smoother while also offering high-level training.
Thailand Muay Thai Visa vs. Tourist Visa: Which is Better?
| Criteria | Muay Thai ED Visa | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months – 1 year 6 months – 1 year Stay | 30-60 days 30-60 days Stay |
| Visa Extensions | Every 90 days Visa Extensions every 90 days | Requires visa runs Requires visa runs |
| Authorized Training Camps | Yes Authorized Training Camps Only |
No restrictions
|
| Work Permit Eligible? | ✖ No ✖ No Work Permit | ✖ No ✖ No Work Permit |
For serious fighters, the ED Visa is the best long-term option.
Alternatives to the Muay Thai Visa
If the Muay Thai visa doesn’t suit your needs, consider these alternatives:
Thailand Privilege Visa (Long-Term Stay with No Training Restrictions)
For those wanting long-term residency without visa extensions, the Thailand Privilege Visa offers 5 to 20-year stays with multiple entry benefits.
✔ No need for 90-day reporting
✔ Exclusive VIP immigration services
✔ Train at any Muay Thai gym without restrictions
Non-Immigrant B Visa (For Professional Fighters)
For professional Muay Thai fighters who compete, a Non-Immigrant B Visa with a work permit is required.
Tourist Visa (For Short-Term Training)
If you’re training for less than 2 months, a Tourist Visa may be the simplest option.
Should You Apply for a Muay Thai Visa?
If you’re looking to train Muay Thai long-term, the training Visa is the best way to legally stay and practice in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai. With affordable visa options and world-class training facilities, Thailand remains the ultimate destination for Muay Thai enthusiasts.
For those who prefer a long-term, hassle-free residency, the Thailand Privilege Visa offers an alternative route with more flexibility.
Whichever visa you choose, Thailand is ready to welcome you into the world of authentic Muay Thai training.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Muay Thai ED Visa is primarily for individuals training in Muay Thai. If you wish to bring family members, they may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a dependent visa or a tourist visa.
Although health insurance is not always a strict requirement for the visa, it is highly recommended. Some gyms and immigration offices may request proof of insurance that covers medical expenses and training injuries.
In some cases, you can switch from a Muay Thai ED Visa to another visa, such as a business visa or retirement visa. However, this process typically requires leaving Thailand and reapplying from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.
If you stop training and your gym notifies immigration, your visa may be canceled. You could be required to leave the country or switch to a different visa type to remain legally in Thailand.
While there is no strict age limit for the Muay Thai ED Visa, younger applicants may need parental consent, and older applicants may need to demonstrate they are physically capable of training.