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Can multiple exits and re-entries lead to denial of ED Visa entry into Thailand?
ED VisaThailand immigrationVisa re-entry rulesTravel plans on visaVisa extension risksLanguage school regulationsVisa category scrutiny
Aug 5, 2019
7 years ago
Jason *****
ORIGINAL POSTERDear all, another question to ask regarding ED Visa. Has anyone ever been denied re-entry into Thailand because of multiple exits and re-entry during the duration of the ED Visa?
I'm asking because I have to make a few trips home during the ED Visa period, and have a few travel plans in mind during the ED Visa period as well. I'm concerned that the immigration officers would take issue with this and deny my ED Visa entry at the airport.
I'm asking because I have to make a few trips home during the ED Visa period, and have a few travel plans in mind during the ED Visa period as well. I'm concerned that the immigration officers would take issue with this and deny my ED Visa entry at the airport.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post raises concerns about the potential risks of being denied re-entry into Thailand while holding an ED (education) Visa, especially after multiple exits and re-entries. Various commenters express their apprehensions regarding the scrutiny of immigration officers, particularly focusing on the abuse of the ED visa system and the implications of travel plans. They noted that consistent exits might be seen as misuse of the visa, while advocating for legitimate study intentions. Insights are provided regarding the necessity of adhering to attendance requirements, and the impact of visa regulations on genuine students.
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Tod *********
I think people are hassled about their exit/re-entry history on ED visas (especially ones for private language schools where you get extensions 60-90 days at a time) because the immigration officers know you have to hit a minimum of hours attended per extension AND they know there is no approved online way to study to accrue the hours. SO they do hassle people.
I called two schools in Bangkok and the only thing I could get from them was that people get hassled, AND the MOE wouldn't issue extension paperwork because the students were not in country for 80% of the scheduled classes.
I called two schools in Bangkok and the only thing I could get from them was that people get hassled, AND the MOE wouldn't issue extension paperwork because the students were not in country for 80% of the scheduled classes.
Jason *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
thanks Tod! Appreciate your adviceReply to
Jason *****
Reply
Marty *********
It’s no wonder Thai officials are denying entry if ED visas are just being used to stay here long term. It’s an example of abuse of the visa system leading to a reaction in policy. And it harms the people who legitimately want to study here.
MU ******
I think it’s not that difficult if the government really want to crack down ED Visa abusers. Make it stricter to open language schools!
They should hassle language schools instead of hassling foreigners. Some of us genuinely want to study Thai.
They should hassle language schools instead of hassling foreigners. Some of us genuinely want to study Thai.
Marty *********
@James *******
I am not assuming he is abusing the ED visa. I don’t know his intentions or travel history but he may be the victim of others ED visa abuse. No one can say whether his travel plans during an ED visa will earn him a denial of entry. Obviously that is up to the IO. Tod’s answer gives some good insight on what Immigration has to deal with.James ********
@Jason ****
I think he is close to correct.Jason *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marty ********
what an assumptionReply to
Jason *****
Reply
Danny **********
I looked into the ED visa and it sounds like the easy ticket to stay in Thailand, when you read up about the visa you will find that you have to do the hours in the classroom , there are tests too make sure you are reaching the expected level of thai language conversation etc, they were also going to ask you to have the other students sign paperwork to say you were a classmate etc.....so im going the non immigrant OA route its legit and trouble free, if you dont want to go the nin non immigrant OA route then a METV is the next best route...dont get caught messing around with the wrong visa you will get caught, people trying to play the system make it bad for everyone. Just my 2penceworth
MU ******
@Danny *********
that’s the thing, my school is stressing on listening and comprehension. We’re not supposed to speak until we have enough input and able to speak without thinking. Everytime I did visa extension, the officers would talk in English. They never asked me if I could speak Thai. So when people say that they will be tested when we study Thai, I’m always curious if it really happened to some people. Or was it only rumor that someone heard from a friend from another friend?Danny **********
@MU *****
i'm certain that when i looked in to doing an ED visa part of the list of things that you have to do is to be tested on your competence to speak Thai to a certain level, but it's good and helpful to get your feedback, i agree that they should be given for longer maybe its because 8 months is a school year? But its it's nice to hear from someone who is actually using the visa for its desired purpose.MU ******
@Danny *********
in my experience, I’ve never been tested when I used an ED visa from a language school for a year. I wanted to be tested to know my improvements lol The question shoud be, why do they only give a year visa for language learning? Thai is a difficult language, one year isn’t enough to master the language. They should give more visa if we can prove that we’re really studying Thai.
James ********
@Danny *********
good advice 😉Reply to
James ********
Reply
Ian *******
I am considering an ED visa in the future. I wonder if this visa will be the next "crack down" ?
Benjamin ******
@Ian ******
Unless you'll be here to actually study and want to learn (i.e. be in a classroom for 4 hours or whatever a day), I wouldn't recommend an ED visa.Ian *******
@Benjamin *****
, its an idea at this stage. Not planning to be back in Thailand for at least 6 months.Ian *******
@Glen ********
, thanks good intelBenjamin ******
@Ian ******
I think this visa is already in the process of being "cracked down". If you want to stay here for 8 months, I think a METV would be your best option.Glen *********
Ian Black it started getting more and more difficult 12+ months ago...
They do random visits to schools, so even if schools fudge your attendance you can still get caught out...
If you are not going to attend your required hours a day/week then you run the risk of getting caught...
They do random visits to schools, so even if schools fudge your attendance you can still get caught out...
If you are not going to attend your required hours a day/week then you run the risk of getting caught...
Ian *******
Hmmm up until now an ED visa is an easy way to hang about in Thailand for 8 months. I think I would be ok to get one as I have only ever done 1 visa run and 1 visa extension.
Glen *********
@Ian ******
people have already been refused entry with ED visas, due to their history of staying in Thailand on tourist visas - it is a very real possibility these days.Reply to
Glen *********
Reply
James ********
Yep...be aware. You are at risk of being denied. Thai Immigration can easily see ALL your history. Times are changing. Be prepared for denial. Clearly you are playing Russian Roulette with your visas, extensions and living in Thailand. Get the CORRECT visa.
Jason *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
thanks for your tips and comments. Appreciate your help to all of us here. 😊 I got the correct visa, thanks for reminding.Reply to
Jason *****
Reply
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