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Can someone with a history of Education (ED) visa in the last 3 years apply for the Thailand Elite visa?

Thailand Elite VisaED VisaVisa ApplicationImmigration RulesNon-O VisaCOVID-19 Impact on Visas
Aug 30, 2023
a year ago
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone with a history of ED visa in the last 3 years been accepted for the Thailand Elite program?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the eligibility of applicants for the Thailand Elite program, particularly those with a history of Education (ED) visas. Comments indicate that such applicants may face increased scrutiny and potentially higher rates of rejection. Previous policies during the COVID-19 pandemic seem to have made it difficult for those with ED or Volunteer visas to be accepted. Recent comments also mention that if the educational institution is accredited, it may improve the chances of acceptance.
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Bob **********
If it was a non credited school you probably won’t get one
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 School has the relevant certification. Immigration confirmed with the owner of the school
a year ago
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Bob **********
@Ryan ***********
 all you can do is apply and see what happens
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 Just a waiting game now
a year ago
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Ryan ************
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Jim ********
The old Elite Visa won't entertain applications from those who held ED and Volunteer Visas during the covid days. Whether the new scheme will allow it is yet to be seen
a year ago
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Chris *******
One can only say there is a higher than normal failure rate with ED and volunteer visas in your history.

It ia also causing problems with return entries for "tourists" without visas.
a year ago
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John **********
From their website "Applicants with Non O (Volunteer), ED Visa and NON-Imm (Medical Treatment) visa must disclose their visas and may have to provide additional documents." So if nothing else you're going to get scrutinized more than others
a year ago
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Nick ****************
@John *********
 do they really scrutinise when big money is involved? We do checkd where I work but at the end of the day if they have a few million baht they pass!!
a year ago
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John **********
@Nick ***************
 obviously they do. Just look at the posts from
@Ryan ***********
 above
a year ago
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John **********
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 Yes, I've read that. Went to immigration last week 3 times and spoke to 5 different officers. No one was aware of any issues with ED to Elite program. Elite office can't give an answer either
a year ago
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John **********
@Ryan ***********
 I think the problem will only show it's face if you didn't attend classes as you were meant to or similar
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 I applied in April for elite. My school submitted my 100% attendance report along with my elite application. Every time I go to immigration I use the Thai that I learnt in school (admittedly might be the issue).
a year ago
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John **********
@Ryan ***********
 and you've not heard from them since?
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 the Elite office asked me to give them 3 weeks. That was 2 months ago. From what I understand there is a blanket ban if you held an ED visa in past 3 years. This is unofficial however.
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just want some clarification. Its taken 10 years to get everything in order to spend more time in Thailand. I would never have thought that studying the language would ruin these plans
a year ago
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John **********
@Ryan ***********
 have you not chased them up to see what the hold up is?
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 I'm back to them tomorrow but they will say the same... They are waiilting for immigration to authorize Elite program with history of ED
a year ago
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John **********
@Ryan ***********
 good luck
a year ago
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Paul *******
@Ryan ***********
 Well, a foreigner who lives in Thailand should ideally speak Thai with Thais in all circumstances and situations, unless their Thai isn't good enough.
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 Of course, that's why I chose to study the language first
a year ago
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Ryan ************
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Steve **********
Is there still an elite visa ?
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 ok
a year ago
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 I don't get what you are trying to say?

Yes the thailand elite package still exists and they have just announced the new packages for 1st October
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Ryan ***********
 just have seen so many evolutions of this or, these cards for past 20 odd years.
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 Accepting applications until 15th September before the new price packages start
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Ryan ***********
 so you're saying " ya, but !
a year ago
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Steve **********
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