Can I continue my Thai language education visa after completing level 1 in Chiang Mai?

Feb 20, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

My language school in Chiang Mai just informed me that I can no longer do the Thai level 2 education visa after I'm finished with level 1 because in October of last year the Thai government said foreigners can now only stay for one year on an education visa. Is that true? If so, can someone please link me to an article or video about this? Do they mean you can't do two of the same type of education visa (Thai language, for example)? Or two from the same school? Or two back-to-back? Or two ever, even if several months or years have passed since the last one? Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

There seems to be confusion regarding the new rules around education visas in Thailand, particularly for language courses. While your school claims you can no longer pursue a level 2 education visa in Chiang Mai after finishing level 1, community comments suggest that it is still possible to obtain a Single Entry Non-Immigrant Education Visa for further studies. Issues may arise from abuses of the system leading to stricter scrutiny, and while you cannot typically attend the same course repeatedly, exploring other schools or visa types could be viable solutions.

James ********

Muay Thai School in Chiang Mai...

Or...Bachelors or Masters Degree course of study at Chiang Mai University... Or Marry a Thai...

Good luck.

Commenting Closed.

5 years ago

Tod *********

The ED system ran crazy with abuse for a LONG time and now what we're seeing is the pendulum swing the other way and they're really tightening up.

While before it was no problem to "study" on an ED visa at a school for up to 3 or sometimes even 5 years :O now what we're seeing especially for thai is that you max out after about 15-16 months and to get that you need to get TWO separate 90 day ed visas. (OR at least that's how it works in Bangkok).

All you can do is try other language schools OR look for another visa type to further your stay here.

Just so you are clear you CAN continue to study thai even if you're not on an ED visa so you can still study their advanced material, you just have to find your own way to stay.

5 years ago

Tristan *********

I’m picking up my second ED visa after a 9 month one next month. All paid for. My school says it’s no problem and they’ve done it with many students. School is in Bangkok though, but I suggest you just try a different school in CM

5 years ago

James ********

Reality is abuses of Ed Visas has brought increased scrutiny of students and schools.

If your current school says no second course offered or available for you...look elsewhere.

5 years ago

Robert *******

And you can not do the same course over and over again.

5 years ago

Robert *******

No it is not true. People do get an Single Entry Non Immigrant Visa, 90 days of stay on entry into Thailand and then visit the Immigration Office for Extension of Stay based on following the course ..... at ..... school or university.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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Can I extend my stay on a non-ED visa in Thailand by applying for a tourist visa or a second non-ED visa?

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