Answered5 months ago

Can I study Thai for 2-3 years in Thailand on an ED visa, or is it limited to 12-15 months?

Thai language courses ED visa Visa extension Immigration laws Studying in Thailand Bangkok

Henry *******

asked Jun 7, 2026

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Is it still possible to study Thai for 2–3+ years in Thailand on language courses, or are the current ED visa options mostly limited to around 12–15 months?

Looking at Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Interested in genuinely learning Thai, not just the visa. Any recent experiences?

EDIT: I'm trying to plan my stay for next a few years and I want to know if I can study Thai language with ED visa for 3 years basically and if so, which schools (BKK or CM).

Answer summary

The possibilites for studying Thai in Thailand on an ED visa has become more restrictive. Currently, informal language courses typically allow for 90-day extensions, capping total ED visa time at around one year, while university programs may offer longer durations (up to three years) but require regular renewal and proof of study. Experiences suggest that frequent checks by immigration authorities on students' attendance and language competency are common, making long-term stays challenging under informal education visas.

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Tom ******

Think they are becoming stricter with education visas as they are with everything visa wise.

5 months ago

Jim *******

You stand no chance. Forget it. Go with proper Universities.

5 months ago

Christopher ***********************

11 months but they only give for 3mos so you renew every so. Then you have to leave and come back again to renew another 11 months. Im into my 2nd year studying thai now

5 months ago

Brandon ************

For informal education like language school or Muay Thai, they only qualify for 90 day extensions and the maximum is one year.

You might be able to get a second ED after leaving Thailand to cover an additional year (90 days at a time), but that's the most you'll get for informal education.

Visas from a university can be extended for 1-year at a time until the end of the program.

5 months ago