Can I apply for an ED visa for online Thai language courses while being a single mother?

Aug 12, 2024
3 months ago
Sarah *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I would like to apply for an ED visa for 1 year and learn Thai. But since I am a single mother of a 2-year-old daughter, it would be important for me to be able to do the course online.

I have now found a language school in Phuket where this would be possible, they would help with the visa papers and the whole thing would cost 55,000 THB for 1 year.

They say I could then apply for the Non-O visa for my daughter.

Does anyone have experience with the Genius language school in Phuket?

Has anyone already received the ED visa in combination with online lessons?

Can you recommend any other language schools that offer online lessons?

Thanks for your help 🙏☺️
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking to apply for a one-year ED visa to learn Thai online because they are a single mother with a young daughter. They found a language school in Phuket, which offers online courses and assistance with visa applications for a fee. However, commenters express skepticism regarding the legality of obtaining an ED visa for online learning, stating that traditional requirements demand in-person attendance. Some suggest alternatives or caution against the school, citing potential scams.
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Jim ********
Speak with Patong Language School. They are really professional and have been around for over 40 years so offer good advice on things like this and also offer online classes
Andy **********
What visa are you on now If any?? If for instance you are on a tourist visa, they usually deduct 60 days, so it is actually only 10 months, make sure you ask the school, schools were allowed to do 100% online during covid, but I thought now the vast majority needs to be done in person.
Us *****
There are so small scam ed schools. Does it matter if it is online or in person as long as you get your visa. If you only want to learn online, your progress is going to be horrible. Just go with that school if you want the visa.
Sarah *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
the problem is I have a little daughter so it’s only possible for me to take online lessons. But it would be also live with a teacher
Stanley *******
I had an online Ed visa in Chiang Mai. New Stamford university. But also, why Phuket? There are safer places to live.
Jim ********
@Stanley ******
what’s wrong with Phuket?
Frank **********
I wouldn't trust the school, especially in Phuket, home to many shady operators.
Jeff ********
This is not possible for you. Don’t try it.
Sarah *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
the school told me it is not illegal. It is true that I have to go to immigration in Phuket every 3 months, but they have some students who already do and have done this online and there have never been any problems with immigration
Wayne *********
@Sarah ******
If I was selling something illegal I would not admit it either just like the school is not admitting it.
Kool *******
@Sarah ******
oh course the school told you it's legal. They are the ones selling it...lololol. Just understand that when scams like this are shut down by the police and immigration those students involved are deported.
Michael **********
@Sarah ******
as the other folks said, you MUST attend your class in person in order to get a ED visa. Then you know, this is thailand and money can buy a lot of things but then don't complain if things go wrong, you got warned
John **********
While some schools will offer online learning that option won't provide an ED visa. To obtain an ED visa you MUST attend class in person. Your attendance and learning is checked every 3 months when you visit immigration to extend your visa, you can only get a 12 month visa via a university these days
Pete *******
Suspicious as ED visas are not available via online study. Walk away and do more research.
Leong ***********
@Pete ******
, not correct. There are language schools that offer online lessons, and will assist with ED visas.
Brandon ************
@Leong **********
Just because the school offers online classes does not mean it's legal for ED visa purposes. The reason ED visa exists at all is because you are stating that you need a visa to be in Thailand to attend a class IN PERSON. If you are attending an online class you do not need to be in Thailand, and therefore you do not need a visa. The visa is not because you want to be in Thailand, it's because the ONLY WAY you can attend the class is to be there in person. Online classes do not qualify for an ED visa.
Pete *******
@Leong **********
And they are illegal. ED study requires attendance
Kurt *****
@Pete ******
You can attend classes online know? They take attendance where you have to fill in a Google form and remain present throughout the class.
Brandon ************
@Kurt ****
You can do that from your home country. The purpose of an ED visa is because you are stating you must be in Thailand to attend your class in person. Otherwise you can be back home and don't need a visa to attend the class.
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