Answered4 years ago

Can I apply for an ED visa in Thailand after my tourist visa, and is it possible to stay for 15 months in total?

Thai Visa Policy ED Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension Expat in Thailand Long-term Stay in Thailand

Kerttu *******

asked Jun 30, 2022

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Hi Everyone!

I will arrive to Thailand with a 60 days tourist visa. Then I would like to extend it for another 30 days and after that stay with an ED visa for a year.

· Is it ok to apply for the ED visa process at the school and request to start the courses after my 90 days of stay? When officially the visa is for 60 days and extension is not made yet?

· I can live in Thailand for a total of 15 months with the 60 days tourist visa + 30 days extension + school courses for 12 months ?

Much gratitude for all your help!

Answer summary

The user plans to arrive in Thailand with a 60-day tourist visa, extend it for another 30 days, and then apply for an ED visa for a year. They ask if they can start their ED visa process while still on a tourist visa and whether the total duration of their stay can reach 15 months, which includes the tourist visa and subsequent extension. Comments highlight that ED visas generally require enrollment in a legitimate educational program, can only be issued for 90-day increments that can be renewed, and may involve tests depending on the course.

9 repliesnewest first

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Reluctant *******

Don't worry, ED visas can be extended 13 times before you ever have to actually speak Thai.

4 years ago

Kerttu *******

Thank you for your kind replies! Yes I definitely intend to attend the courses and am happy to live nearby the school. There are also other options beside the language.

4 years ago

Ryan *****

ED language visas require speaking and reading/writing test.

1st test is easy, 2nd not very.

4 years ago

Brett **********

Just bear in mind ed visas are only 90 days at a time and need to be renewed every 90 days (at a cost). If you're learning Thai you may well be expected to converse in Thai as a test that you're taking a legitimate course

4 years ago

Brett **********

Do you actually wish to study? Less institutes are now able to give out the ed visa and you'll very much be stuck in your place of education (the area, not the school) if you wish to explore the country. If you're just after a long term stay you'll probably find the odd trip to neighbouring countries will be cheaper and easier now that borders are open

4 years ago

Martin ********

@Brett *********

Look at the attendance requirements that you need to uphold in order to comply with the terms of the visa. As I recall, they are pretty strict although some schools may not report noncompliance. Best might be to schedule during a period in which there are many national holidays.

4 years ago

Brett **********

@Martin *******

did you mean to reply to the OP?

4 years ago

Martin ********

@Brett *********

yeah but I figured he would read the thread. I know you are fully informed about this.

4 years ago

Brett **********

But if you do want to study, then yes, that should work, if you time it with the dates the course starts

4 years ago