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Can I take Thai language classes on an education visa and later switch to Chulalongkorn University?

Aug 29, 2025
8 months ago
Andre ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello my name is andre, i have been planning on moving to thailand for the past couple years and I think it's finally time to take the leap. Would I be able to take six months to a year of thai language classes out in town underneath the education visa and then leave the school once i'm completed with the program to then attend school at chulalong? Im a veteran and would like to use my gi bill. In my head, i would be underneath a student visa, but they would just have to change the details underneath my file.When it came for immigration. Or would they look at it like i'm applying for a second student visa... And start putting up a fuss and start scrutinizing and asking questions, regardless, they'll ask questions. Does anybody here know anyone or anything about the possibilities of approval for this visa strategy.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, Andre, is considering moving to Thailand and wants to know if he can initially use an education visa to take Thai language classes for 6 to 12 months, and then transition to Chulalongkorn University. He is also interested in using his GI Bill benefits. Comments suggest that while it's possible to apply for a student visa (ED visa), there may be complications when transitioning to a second visa, especially due to stricter regulations. Some comments advise considering retirement visas instead, especially for those over 50.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Max *************
Why not stay as a retiree as long as you meet the financial requirements?
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Paul *******
Because of serious obuse of he ED Visa, they are becoming more difficult.
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Jeremy ********
Start with the Ed plus visa utilizing the GI Bill this will get you a 4 year visa plus one year after to explore working in Thailand, plus you can open a bank acct with the Ed plus visa
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Nongnuch ********
The statement that Thailand's immigration regulations allow individuals aged 18 to 49 to apply for a student visa (ED Visa) is accurate. However, comments indicate that individuals over 50 are generally encouraged to apply for a retirement visa instead of an ED visa, as immigration offices may prefer this option for those qualifying based on age.
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Nongnuch ********
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