Are there Bangkok language schools offering long-term visas with minimal class hours?

Jan 10, 2022
3 years ago
Hugh ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are there any Bangkok based Thai language schools that offer long term visas? Also I'm looking for no more than 4 hours of work a week.

FYI: I will extend my tourist visa end of week for one more month.

I live near On Nut

I heard some schools might allow swapping daily classes for 1x week private sessions?

I'm new to this group and appreciate your time and ideas.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking recommendations for Bangkok-based Thai language schools that offer long-term visas while requiring no more than four hours of classwork per week. It is noted that most schools require a minimum of 100 hours of class every 90 days for visa purposes, with warnings about the legality of certain schools categorized as 'visa mills.' Specific schools mentioned include Duke Language School and Sandee Language School, the latter being described as effective yet of low teaching quality. Overall, the conversation highlights challenges in obtaining a legal visa under these conditions.
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Jonathan *******
Sandee language school in RCA is your best bet. Its where I got my Ed Visa from a few years ago. I wanted to learn the language but it is a Visa mill, I stopped going after 3 classes as it was useless and got private lessons instead. Still got an extension. They dont care.
Ryan ********
@Jonathan ******
they do care now because of how many people abused it.
Jonathan *******
@Ryan ****
Oh thats good then. They were awful though. The quality of lessons and the teaching was the worst
Garrett ***********
There are a few schools that will do 1 year Non-Os, without having to go to class. Looking at about 50k baht.
Rawiwan ***********
@Garrett **********
can I get a name, please?
Ryan ********
Hugh for ED Visas in bangkok you will ne tested by ministry of education..if you fail your visas done. Your better to try luck elsewhere.
Hugh ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I actually would like to learn Thai. Just not Duke's 15 hours a week + homework.
Ryan ********
@Hugh *******
i had no interest in learning to read it but I had to
Marc *******
@Ryan ****
2nd test is quiet hard. Must be very good in reading.
Ryan ********
Ryan ********
@Hugh *******
the tests I did would require that amount bro. 1st test was ok but 2nd one had to read and write.
Garrett ***********
@Ry**
What? The "ministry of Education" has nothing to do with visas or immigration. Don't make things up.
Brandon ************
@Garrett **********
you actually do have to pass a ministry of education exam on Thai language after your first ED extension.

Normally it's at the ministry, but because of Covid they've been letting the schools administer the test instead, so it's kind of pointless at the moment. But if they go back to the ministry tests, the visa mill schools will be pretty useless for more than those wanting to stay more than 6 months without putting in any effort.

Every ED visa extension requires paperwork that the school gets from the Ministry of education as part of the packet you take to immigration with you.
Ryan ********
@Brandon ***********
no they don't. I am making it up 🙄
Ryan ********
Ryan ********
Ryan ********
Ryan ********
@Garrett **********
Ok mate my visa for the last year is all been made up and 2 tests I had to do 🤣
Garrett ***********
@Ry**
I have no idea what that means, I can write you a stupid email telling you I'm meeting with the PM tomorrow...
Ryan ********
@Garrett **********
these emails are from duke. The most reviewed and respected school....I don't know why you are being a dick when I am trying to advise someone 🤣
Darren *******
Duke Language School.

Not sure if you can work on a non-ED visa mind.
Jonathan *******
@Darren ******
You cannot work on a Non-Ed unfortunately
Hugh ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Darren, I reached out to Duke and its a bit much for me at 3 hours a day plus homework and quizzes.
Charles ********
I don't have a school like that to recommend, but that is visa mill type school and not really going to learn Thai. 4 hours per week does not meet the requirements for a visa. The minimum requirement is 100 hours per 90 days. Be aware of schools offering that is not actually legal.
Hugh ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *******
Good to know. Seems the min is 1.5 hours a day which I could swing. I do actually want to learn the language but have other things going on. The fallback is a muay thai visa mill :/
Charles ********
@Hugh *******
I attend ALA, it's Sukhumvit Soi 13. It's 2 hours Monday to Friday, offering classes online or in person if you want to check them out.
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