Do I need to change to a Chinese course to get a second ED visa in Thailand?

Question

Yesterday, I was about to start paperwork with my school for a second ED visa.

They told me that if I want to go to Vientiane or HCMC, I need to switch course to Chinese language. (I have studied Thai with them for one year.)

This conveniently, for them, charges me an additional 5,000฿ to attend. (I have no interest in learning Chinese but would like to improve my Thai.)

They think or are unsure if my application will be approved by saying I will study a second year of Thai.

Are they right? Is this a money grab?

I again reached out for help and was told by an authority on these matters:

“Vientiane will only issue another ED visa (no matter the subject) IF you have a year from the date of issue from the previous visa.”

It’s will have been over a running year since my first ED visa was issued early September 2018 and I intend to apply for a new ED in November 2019.

I hope this is helpful to others.

If anyone has experience that confirms this or that is to the contrary, your comments are welcome. Thanks.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification about the requirement for changing their course to Chinese in order to apply for a second Education (ED) visa after studying Thai for a year. They mention that their school is suggesting this switch, which incurs additional fees, and they have concerns about whether this is necessary or just a money-making tactic by the institution. Community responses indicate that if applying from Vientiane, it's essential to wait at least a year since the previous ED visa and that applicants might be tested on their language skills. There are mixed experiences shared, with some users recounting difficulties with visa approvals based on language study choices.

Li **** · Answer

At my language school, two farang young guys were denied ed visa (got a void stamp in their passport) for 2nd year even though 2nd year is to learn Chinese. There are a lot of different things to look at that could be a reason for them to reject your visa. It doesn't mean if you learn Chinese the first time it's a guarantee to get the visa. But if you trust your school and their connections, and their experiences with handling visas, try to listen to them. 5,000b additional is not a lot to study Chinese. My school asks for 20,000b more to study Chinese. May I ask which school you go to? I prefer to study Chinese as that language is more universally used in the world than Thai.

Ivan ************ · Answer

Vientiane it needs to be a full 365 days after your previous visa. So for most people if they have 90x4 they need to wait another week before Vientiane will issue. If you got it early September last year you should be OK there though.

I heard one report from HCMC, for second year Thai, they did a small conversation test. Didn't seem extreme and didn't seem like they penalised people for small errors either, seemed more like they were testing if the person had learnt anything at all.

Steven *************** · Answer

From a previous post here, which I can't find atm, you will most likely be interviewed and your Thai language skills tested if you apply for a 2nd Ed visa to continue to learn thai here. If you're studying at a University  it seems to be a non issue.

Do I need to change to a Chinese course to get a second ED visa in Thailand?

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