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Do I need to leave Thailand and apply for a new ED visa after 6 months of study?

Nov 10, 2025
2 months ago
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m getting really confused by the ED VISA I’ve been emailing a few schools for information etc .. and I was aware of that every 90days you have to go to immigration and extend your Ed visa to keep studying .

But one school wrote back to me and said that you have to leave Thailand after 6 months and apply again !!! This is the first time I’ve heard them say this …
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The confusion about the ED (Education) Visa primarily stems from differing school policies and immigration regulations. While traditionally, students on an ED Visa perform 90-day reporting, recent changes have led some institutions to require students to exit Thailand after 6 months and apply for a new ED Visa to continue their studies. This requirement seems to be more common in certain language schools than universities. Therefore, it is crucial for students to verify the specific conditions with their educational institution.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Service to get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
J **************
That’s why it’s called the Dumb Tourist Visa
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@J *************
what are you implying with this comment please?
Dustin **********
I was studying at Duke Language School when the policy changed. When I started, you could stay for a year. Around the end of 2024, the Ministry of Education changed the rules and required us to exit and apply for a second ED visa if we wanted to study after 6 months. This applied even to those of us started our ED visa before the policy changed. So, the school is being honest with you (unless something has changed again since I dealt with this).
Maksym ***********
Ed visa in university - you don't need to go outside. On Ed visa in language school - you should do a border bounce , around 8 months.
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maksym **********
well it was actually Chiang Mai university who said that I have to leave at the 6 months mark and it’s the private language schools saying that you only have to report in to immigration every 90 days
Todd ********
People go at great lengths to stay in Thailand….immigration isn’t that stupid
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd *******
ok well that’s a shame they do that … and ruin it for the rest of us that are serious and want to learn
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd *******
sorry not sure what your saying ? What do you mean about immigration not being stupid
Todd ********
@Heidi ******
many aren’t serious about studying…just the selfie in a class by day. Bar by night to live here
Adam *******
I’m on an ED at the minute and didn’t have to leave. Just had to do the 90 day reports.
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam ******
yeah that’s what I’ve read so far except this came from Chiang Mai university so I’m unsure if it’s different depending on where you study
Bob **********
ED visas are being highly scrutinized now good luck
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
well I’m actually serious about studying … I’m sure many others arnt
Bob **********
@Heidi ******
don’t have to convince me
John **********
It sounds like the course being applied for is only a 6 month course
Marianne ********
Not a school I would go with. Pretty sure this is not required normally.
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
it’s Chiang Mai university however.. maybe they know something the others do not ?🤷🏽‍♀️ I do not know
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