This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can an ED visa be multi-entry in Thailand and what are other visa options for expats?
Thai VisaED VisaTourist VisaMultiple Entry VisaLong Term StayVisa RegulationsExpat in ThailandVisa Options for ExpatsTourist Visa ExtensionThailand Elite Visa
Dec 22, 2022
3 years ago
Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm looking for some visa options. Can ED visa be multi entry? What other options are there for visas? I'm in my 30s. I have my own business and don't qualify for LTR (that I know of). Thank you :)
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Education (ED) visa in Thailand does not allow for multiple entries. To leave the country and return on an ED visa, one must obtain a re-entry permit, which can be costly due to the frequent extensions required every 60 days. Other options for expats in their 30s looking for long-stay visas include shorter tourist visas (60 days plus a possible 30-day extension) and the Thailand Elite Visa, which offers different packages for long-term residency. However, recent issues with ED visas being on hold and increased scrutiny on applicants have made obtaining and maintaining these visas more challenging.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Greg ******
For the price of an elite visa you can pay a good chunk of your rent in the Philippines, a country which is roughly the same except has better English, way better beaches, a “naughty” scene if you’re into that (as that may be a driver for some here), and if you stick to the big cities equally good food options.
Oh and they let you stay for 3 years without leaving on a tourist visa which you can extend for roughly $30 a month without an agent, without ever worrying about an immigration officers mood, and without worrying you might not be allowed in because you stayed a while.
Being in the same situation as many here having to figure out and stress over visas, if I’d be allowed back in during the future etc, I decided to just book a flight to the Philippines in February when my current visa is up.
I have lived there for 10 years on and off before arriving to Thailand and it baffles me why anyone would wanna stick to Thailand when there’s a stress-free visa option available a short flight from here in a country that’s “same same but different”
My theory is that people who are ready to cut off an arm for a visa to stay here just never been to the Philippines or only went to a few shitty places and didn’t have a good time. But I’d encourage all to give it a proper look. Especially BGC in Manila.
Oh and they let you stay for 3 years without leaving on a tourist visa which you can extend for roughly $30 a month without an agent, without ever worrying about an immigration officers mood, and without worrying you might not be allowed in because you stayed a while.
Being in the same situation as many here having to figure out and stress over visas, if I’d be allowed back in during the future etc, I decided to just book a flight to the Philippines in February when my current visa is up.
I have lived there for 10 years on and off before arriving to Thailand and it baffles me why anyone would wanna stick to Thailand when there’s a stress-free visa option available a short flight from here in a country that’s “same same but different”
My theory is that people who are ready to cut off an arm for a visa to stay here just never been to the Philippines or only went to a few shitty places and didn’t have a good time. But I’d encourage all to give it a proper look. Especially BGC in Manila.
Natalie ********
@Greg *****
very good point ! 🤔Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *****
I actually do want to check out the Phillippines. Maybe I'll have to lookReply to
Zachariah ********
Reply
Shane ********
You get an ED visa but apply for multiple entry permit
Frank **********
Every country has some type if restrictions on how you can stay in the country. Thailand may have a difficult path for long stays but it is doable with the right paperwork, and of course you have to be able to support yourself.
To ****
The multiple entry visa under the Tourist visa, you can apply for the Thailand Elite Visa start 5yrs 600,000THB , 10yrs 1MB, and 20yrs 1MB-2.14MB
For more information pls contact me as below;
Thailand Elite Card full vdo clip
For more information pls contact me as below;
@https://www.facebook.**********************
*******************************
Thailand Elite Card full vdo clip
****************************
Kool *******
Basically if you don't have enough money to stay here long term with the different options Thailand offers, then Thailand doesn't want you.
During covid there were some high up immigration officials issuing one year ED visas, but after an investigation, with 37 arrests, those immigration officials from three different provinces no longer have a job, and issuing any new ED visas have been put on hold until the strict rules from the past are put back in place. Even though it is technically a one year visa, it has to be extended, with paperwork from the school proving you are attending class, and passing, every 60, or 90 days. If you miss any of these extensions then the visa becomes invalid and you are on overstay, and refused re-entry on that visa, even if you have a re-entry permit. If you don't go to classes at least 160 hours in the year then you don't make it past the first required extension. Duke language school, working with immigration and the ministry of education, extend their ED visas every 60 days. You miss an extension, and your visa expires and you are on overstay.
During covid there were some high up immigration officials issuing one year ED visas, but after an investigation, with 37 arrests, those immigration officials from three different provinces no longer have a job, and issuing any new ED visas have been put on hold until the strict rules from the past are put back in place. Even though it is technically a one year visa, it has to be extended, with paperwork from the school proving you are attending class, and passing, every 60, or 90 days. If you miss any of these extensions then the visa becomes invalid and you are on overstay, and refused re-entry on that visa, even if you have a re-entry permit. If you don't go to classes at least 160 hours in the year then you don't make it past the first required extension. Duke language school, working with immigration and the ministry of education, extend their ED visas every 60 days. You miss an extension, and your visa expires and you are on overstay.
Terary **********
I was in the same situation before covid. I did visa runs for a few years. You maybe able to get a Multi-entry tourist visa from your home country. I am an American and I was getting METV's from Australia.
Jawahar *********
I have one place for make ED visa multiple. Now temporary closed two weeks I think after new year maybe can do
James ***************
@Jawahar ********
- a multiple re entry permit expires same date as visa extension expires which is every 90 days in the case of an ED visa. So i assume that why only single re entry permits are normal.James ***************
All ED visa extension expire after 90 days - you can leave the country during any of the 90 day extension periods but will need a re entry permit each time. You can extend an ED visa by 90 days for up to 1 yr - then you need to start the whole process again. If you are going to leave thailand during the 90 days it is also best to get an official letter from school basically saying that you are a bonafide student and the school have given permission for time off classes. I know this from experience of friends.
Jawahar *********
@James **************
maybe your ED visa that you have can't do reentryJames ***************
@Jawahar ********
i do not have an ED visa. My cambodiabwife has had 2 yrs on ED visa around 5 years ago.Reply to
James ***************
Reply
Parry ***********
Thai Visa Centre will help you
Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Parry **********
Thank you! I'll check with them 🙂Parry ***********
@Zachariah *******
wonderful professional outfit. Highly recommendedReply to
Parry ***********
Reply
Paul ********
seems to me the government don't want working age folk with money to reside in their country.
Frank **********
@Paul *******
too many people playing the system.Paul ********
I said "working age folk with money" dude 🕶
Charles ********
@Paul *******
if you have money...then use the elite or ltr visas... If you need to work, use the work visa. So yes, there are plenty of visa options for working age people or people with money (or obviously both).What they don't have visa for is unskilled westerners without money.. And they don't want them.
Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charles *******
And many people work online or freelance and so don't have the option for LTR. Having a masters is also something that most don't have.Charles ********
@Zachariah *******
you can own a foreign business and use both elite and ltr visa. Every single elite member my age is a business owner including myself.Ltr visa you can legally work for foreign company under certain categories, and elite will say you can as well.. Technically you can't, but even the government said they won't track you down unless they have specific reasons.
The only "missing category" is for people who do not meet Thailand requirements of "have money". I do agree some of the ltr requirements were unneedingly difficult that exclude people unnecessarly, but it's there and might get better.
This what the government wants. They don't believe it's a missing opportunity.
Sam *********
Charles Meyersevery single elite visa holder is a business holder? Maybe, but they would only be owners of a foreign non Thai based business with income generated outside the kingdom…in this case, labor and immigration turns a blind eye, but The elite visa is basically a long term glorified tourist visa. If you want to actually work in the country and pay taxes on an income earned in Thailand, your only actual legal option is a Non B.
Charles ********
@Sam ********
foreign business was already mentioned... If you had a Thai business, get the visa from it.. Not hard 🤦♂️If you want to work, you need a work visa, which is not hard to get either... As already mentioned.. 🤷♂️ No missing categories of visa here.. Which is the discussion.Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charles *******
There's a big missing category for people with the own business though. Which a lot of digital nomads are.Bonnie *********
@Zachariah *******
And? Their country, their choice.Reply to
Bonnie *********
Reply
Charles ********
@Paul *******
your statement is untrue. if you working, you need a work visa... If you "have money" then that the exact purpose of Thai elite.Paul ********
Michael *******
@Paul *******
they want us to visit and spend money but not live here Very unwelcoming attitudeBonnie *********
@Michael ******
You’re from the US, and have the balls to make this comment?Ulrik *********
@Michael ******
Compared to most countries Thailand has a very relaxed visa regulation. There are few if any countries at all, where you can stay as long as you like without having any specific purpose for staying there.Sam *********
exactly
Reply to
Sam *********
Reply
Sam *********
I think what they are trying to do is avoid having people "Live'' here indefinitely by doing border runs or staying on tourist visas. If you get a job or get married/have a child/are retired, or invest in an Elite visa it's really no issue staying long term. Coupled with the abuse and misuse of the system over the years, also with many people who get Ed Visas and don't actually study, they kind of are cleaning 'house'. I don't necessarily agree with it, but t at the end of the day it's a privilege and not a right to stay in this country as a non Thai citizen. For years many people got away with living here long term on methods that weren't actually designed for such a thing. I mean, look at all the people who stayed for two plus years on Covid extensions...Think about your home country, most likely you have to either be married, be sponsored by family or have a job lined up in order to immigrate in the first place. Many western countries don't even have a retirement visa option, and forget trying to live in Europe/USA/Canada/Aus etc on a tourist visa....why should the Thai laws be any different?
Fran *****
@Sam ********
well saidReply to
Fran *****
Reply
Jamie *************
I'm in the exact same boat as you. Not old enough for retirement visa, don't qualify for the new ltr visa. Our only options are shorter tourist visa (60 days plus 30 day extension), ED visa, but no multiple entry be cause they say why are you taking so many holidays if you're here to "study", you can get one re-entry approval though. Or the Thai elite visa. Unless you plan to marry or open a business here, that's all they have for long term options. I've spent 10 months here since October 2021, and the last two times I've come back in by air, I have been given warnings by the immigration guy to get a visa or I won't be allowed in next time. So I'll be getting either the elite visa, or a tourist visa
Steve *******
@Jamie ************
how many times did you do the visa run before they started giving you a hard time?Marine *********
@Steve ******
for me second timeSteve *******
@Marine ********
what did they say on the second time? And what did you say?Marine *********
Reply to
Marine *********
Reply
Jamie *************
@Steve ******
I had a bunch of extensions from COVID still, then had two more visa exempt stamps before they started hassling me. I've been here 10 of the last 13 months without an actual visa thoReply to
Jamie *************
Reply
Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie ************
Thank you for this. Yes I'm looking at how all of this can be done. I got the warning a few years ago. Just trying to find more options. 👍🙂Jamie *************
@Zachariah *******
I just got my 30 day extension yesterday, and the visa lady told me they always just say that, and never deny anyone. But I know a guy who has been denied due to too many entry stamps. But clock restarts every year January 1st too. Ultimately, it is up to the immigration officer no matter what, unless you have a visa.Frank **********
Not true... many people have been denied entry for too many visa exempt entries or tourist visas in a short amount of time, and it is up to the IO to make this determination. Don't leave it to chance. The experience of being denied entry is unpleasant. Get a visa that is correct for your needs, and don't set yourself up for a bad time.
Ulrik *********
@Jamie ************
You won't have any issues extending 30 days at your local immigration, but if the IO told you that no one is getting denied entry at the borders she is greatly mistaken. It is a daily occurrence, and sooner or later you will be denied entry. Trying to live here on TVs and exemptions is not a possibility.Jamie *************
@Ulrik ********
I know I don't have any issues on extension. I also am aware that people do get denied. That's what I was saying, she said nobody gets denied, but someone I know personally has been denied entry due to too many entry stamps. Just a matter of who you deal with at the immigration line I suppose. Flying in to DMK airport, I have never had a single issue, but BKK I've been questioned a few times now. Still not worth the risk, so I'll be getting the 60 day tourist visa until I bite the bullet and get the elite visa.Ulrik *********
@Jamie ************
If you meet the wrong IO it will not make a difference if you try to enter on TV or exemption. Get the EV ASAP, and there will be no more headache.Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie ************
oh really? They always say that? I hadn't heard that. That's interesting. It wasn't fun being told that before.Reply to
Zachariah ********
Reply
Brandon ************
No, there is no multi-entry education visa. If you want to leave and re-enter on an ED visa or extension, you would need to purchase a re-entry permit. The cost would add up quickly since informal ED visas must be extended every 60 days and you'd need to buy a re-entry permit for each extension.
But even that won't work since to have an ED visa you need to be taking classes physically in a classroom a minimum number of hours per week, which you can't be doing if you're leaving the country. Eventually they'll start asking about what you're doing when you go to exit or re-enter the country.
Also there are rumors that all ED visas are on hold right now pending an investigation and that the requirements are about to become much more difficult.
But even that won't work since to have an ED visa you need to be taking classes physically in a classroom a minimum number of hours per week, which you can't be doing if you're leaving the country. Eventually they'll start asking about what you're doing when you go to exit or re-enter the country.
Also there are rumors that all ED visas are on hold right now pending an investigation and that the requirements are about to become much more difficult.
Craig ********
@Brandon ***********
I got an ED visa extension on dec 22...Istvan *********
@Brandon ***********
you have to renew every 90 days and not 60 ;) and yes ED visa on hold at the moment... Just like mine 🤣🤣James ***************
@Brandon ***********
- when my girlfriend had ED visa (jomtien) it was extended every 90 days - is it now 60 days ?Brandon ************
@James **************
I might be remembering incorrectly as it's been a couple years since I had my ED.James ***************
@Brandon ***********
- i just double checked and its 90 days.Reply to
James ***************
Reply
Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
interesting. Thank you very much for this answer. I appreciate it 🙂Reply to
Zachariah ********
Reply
11 comments
2 years ago
17 comments
2 years ago
10 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
3 years ago
30 comments
3 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand after multiple visa exemptions?
46 comments
3 years ago
10 comments
3 years ago
23 comments
4 years ago
9 comments
4 years ago
146 comments
4 years ago
14 comments
4 years ago
2 comments
4 years ago
1 comments
4 years ago
21 comments
5 years ago
3 comments
6 years ago
3 comments
6 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
24 comments
7 years ago
14 comments
8 years ago
61 comments
8 years ago
3 comments
8 years ago
14 comments
8 years ago
36 comments
9 years ago
35 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.