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Answered3 years ago

How can I ensure my ED visa does not hinder future Elite Visa applications in Thailand?

Harry **********
asked Jan 13, 2024
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Question: How do you know if your ED visa is one that won’t run you into future problems with obtaining an Elite Visa?

For example is there an online registry for the schools that they accept & are legit

2 days ago I got denied entry at suvarnabhumi, had to spend the night in a detention centre, and deported 😂 (Australian passport)

So I don’t want to run into future problems, I have my eyes on potentially staying here long long term

Cheers
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around concerns of an individual who faced deportation from Thailand due to issues with their Educational (ED) visa. They seek advice on how to ascertain the legitimacy of their ED visa in relation to applying for an Elite Visa in the future. Comments highlight the challenges of obtaining an Elite Visa after a history of visa misuse and stress the importance of attending a legitimate school. Furthermore, it is noted that previous deportations complicate future entries and visa applications. Participants also mention alternative visa options and potential issues with immigration processes at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
106 repliesnewest first
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Kim ****
Kim ****
They will ask you for some documents:

Applicants with records of Education Visa (Non-ED)

The acceptance of applicants with records of education visa (Non-ED) is subject to the submission of additional supporting documents which are as follows:

1. School Establishment License from Ministry of Education (สช.2) or the Office of Basic Educational Commission (OBEC) or the Office of Private Educational Commission (OPEC)

2. School registration (ร.2)

3. Student Certification from school

4. Academic Record, grade reports and attendance record

5. Class Activities photos (If available)

An officer will have a look at it and decide if you can have the elite visa. They will check if you were a genuine student. But in the future they might also become more strict.
Bob **********
Bob **********
Why were you denied? Did you study or just get the visa to hang out in Thailand?? There’s got to be more too this many exempt stamps then the ED that would be my guess
Naima ****
Naima ****
since you already had pb, maybe use an agent to have another visa. Do it in you country first. Then use an agent again here.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Naima ***
what’s pb?
Naima ****
Naima ****
Means "problem", sorry 😜
Andy *********
Andy *********
Good riddance to bad rubbish
Doug *********
Doug *********
From your FB profile, it seems that your ED visa is just a cover for your internet business.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Doug ********
easy to say for someone over age 50 lol
Doug *********
Doug *********
@Harry *********
...and a teacher.
Andrew *******
Andrew *******
get the visa through an embassy and you should have no problems next time. They may have noted your name in the computer as a person to ask a question or two but you'll be fine as long as you have a valid visa.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Andrew ******
good point thank you
Joseph *********
Joseph *********
Get a proper visa. Problem solved.
Alastair ********************
Alastair ********************
Being deported for any reason negates access to the "Thailand Privilege" visa (formerly known as Thai Elite).

If the applicant is on or has had an ED visa then the education facility will be required to provide documentation verifying course work/results etc.

I think both of these requirements are out of your reach/control based on the description of your situation.
Bill *********
Bill *********
Basically you are trying to scam the system and you got caught.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
Bill Collins “scam the system” says the guy over 50 years of age lol
Andy ********
Andy ********
I thought you could not apply for an Elite Visa once you have been on an Educational Visa.
Kool *******
Kool *******
If the school was legit you received a document package from them to take to get your visa, then every 90 days you got another document package from the school to extend the visa. Without these 90 day extensions you were not legitimate, and technically on overstay after you missed the first 90 day extension. They told you why you were not being allowed to enter. You can not get an Elite visa, which is now called the Privilege visa. I would think, because of your history, that you are now banned from Thailand for at least a full year. Accept the fact Thailand does not want you. Just from your social media postings you were also working illegally here. Thailand is very tech savvy, and you got caught trying to scam the system. They told you why they won't let you in.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Kool ******
I was working illegally here? Okay so from your perspective all digital nomads are committing illegal activities?
Kool *******
Kool *******
@Harry *********
the brand new DTV visa ended that, if they qualify. Before July 15th they technically were illegal, staying here mostly as a tourist, or on an ED visa, yet working, and using either simply to stay here long term, as technically any work requires the correct visa, and tourist entries, or an ED visa do not allow working of any kind technically.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Kool ******
and that is why the visa system was flawed for hundreds of thousands of people. not everyone can maintain their career while attending school 3 days a week for thai classes
Nicolas ********
Nicolas ********
By this guys profile pic I can understand why he was detained and deported.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Nicolas *******
explain 🙏
Aaron ******
Aaron ******
Curious about why you got denied?
Rene ******
Rene ******
Did they flag you bc the posts here 🤣
John **********
John **********
From your previous posts it rather looks like you've been milking the ED visa system for some time and also that you've not been attending classes in person as it interfered with your work. While you may get back into the country using a fast track service they may well just not accept you given your history and the chances of you getting an elite visa are around zero. Looks to me like your time in Thailand is up.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@John *********
and this is why they introduced the DTV. No viable visa choices for people under 50
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@John *********
which visa would you recommend?
John **********
John **********
@Harry *********
I couldn't recommend any visa in your situation. I really don't see you being allowed to spend any length of time here going forward. I guess you could try a land border with a tourist visa but even assuming you are allowed to enter you'd have to leave again after 90 days
John **********
John **********
@Harry *********
at this time that's all you have
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@John *********
appreciate the advice mate. i’m hoping for the best
John **********
John **********
@Harry *********
you might get one but whether they will let you enter the country with it or not is anyone's guess. My guess is they won't given your extensive history. I really do think you are at the end of the road.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@John *********
how about METV?
HarryHappy *********
HarryHappy *********
I have known six people on ED visas. Norwegian, American, 3 British. None were studying. Add the young men from Sierra Leone , Gambia, Nigeria with three phones, who are "students".
HarryHappy *********
HarryHappy *********
Ferm Erace On what evidence are you accusing me of bring a Sexpat?
James *******
James *******
HarryHappy *********
HarryHappy *********
@James ******
Same as in UK Student visa is a scam!
James *******
James *******
@HarryHappy ********
in what way is the student visa scam in the UK nowadays? 10 years ago yes.
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
Rookie mistake! NEVER enter from Suvarnabhumi Airport if you have a history of using Ed or Volunteer visa, even if done without using agent. The chance of getting denied entry is very high. But, you can use an agent to get VIP line at airport for 6-8k baht which will ensure that you get in (it's common bribery at Suvarnabhumi airport and one of the reason why they denied entry to many people (they want you to use an agent). You cannot get elite visa with your history, but you can come back into Thailand anytime you want if you use agent at Suvarnabhumi or if you enter by land.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Maxim **********
hey Maxim, do you think there is any long term visa I could do?

P.S my contact said I am flagged at the airport
Rich ****
Rich ****
@Maxim **********
How about other airports? Is there the same scrutiny?
Jordi ********
Jordi ********
@Maxim **********
You wont be denied if you dont misuse the visa...Very simple?
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
That's not how it work. Visa obtained via bribery have the same stamp as the one without the use of agent. Officers at Suvarnabhumi have no way to know if you did it under the table or not. So by default they will be tough on everyone with history of Ed or/and Volunteer visa at that specific airport. For a multitude of reason one of which their connection with visa agent (bribery, 6-8k bribe to use VIP line).
Josh ******
Josh ******
@Javier *******
where can get order it?
Javier ********
Javier ********
@Maxim **********
VIP lane is only 2k baht.
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Maxim **********
Or more importantly, they didn't get a slice of the pie so they don't care if you paid under the table or not. It's now "their table".
Darren ****
Darren ****
@Maxim **********
Why would a previous ED Visa holder find it hard to enter the kingdom?
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
@Darren ***
I never said that. I said harder to enter from Suvarnabhumi. There was a crackdown on such visa so people with such history are scrutinize there.
Zdenek *********
Zdenek *********
@Maxim **********
i just type email . thanks
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
@Zdenek ********
Yes at first, obv, msg them on LINE.
Zdenek *********
Zdenek *********
@Maxim **********
robots, messenger also line, but lets see, thank you
Zdenek *********
Zdenek *********
@Maxim **********
pls where i can find agent, i am so stressed about that, have ED for 4 months and going back to Thailand from Europe after 17 dys.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
Rob ********
Rob ********
Maxim Thibodeau how to find these agents that offer this service to get you from the airport?
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Maxim **********
Do you have a name of an agent?
James *******
James *******
@Maxim **********
don't talk shit.
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
@Darren ***
Suvarnabhumi is notorious to work hand in hand with agent. There is a 6-8k baht bribe there to get into VIP line for people with suspicious passport (history of ed visa, volunteer, or simply a lot of stamps). So officers there will be tough to indirectly encourage people to use agent. Also, this is Thailand, they do not need a plausible reason to deny you entry. It's up to them if they allow you in or not without a bribe.
Darren ****
Darren ****
@Maxim **********
I can't think of a plausible reason for them to do so at Suvarnabhumi, if the ex-ED Visa holder has not been flagged or found to be wanting
Jae *******
Jae *******
It's unfair but they have a problem with volunteer and ed visas if you apply for an elite visa. That said, I do recall some info they sent me (I have an elite visa) that mentioned something along the lines of discussing your situation with them, so may not necessarily be a problem. I assume it largely depends on your history.
Robert ********
Robert ********
@Jae ******
thank you for the clarification that helps everyone
Robert ********
Robert ********
@Jae ******
what part specifically is unfair?
Robert ********
Robert ********
The posters specify that not me
Maxim ***********
Maxim ***********
@Robert *******
That there is no distinction if your ed or volunteer visa was done properly or not. Which mean whether or not you went to school, or actually volunteered, change nothing, you wont get the elite visa even if you are now fluent in Thai due to the ed visa.
Tore *********
Tore *********
Your denied entry pretty much ensured you wont get a Elite, regardless if the ED was legit or not at this point. It may have changed, but used to be the school had to have a letter from OBEC. Which most private schools don’t have. you
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Tore *****************
sadly i think you’re right
Frank **********
Frank **********
Sounds like you won't be coming back to Thailand for a while.
Reidar **********
Reidar **********
Come to Vietnam, here we treat people, tourists and retirees with dignity. 90 days with a same day turnaround at the nearest border. Cost $25.
Dave *********
Dave *********
@Reidar *********
I wasn't aware Vietnam offers long term/annual visas except to Americans?
Jae *******
Jae *******
Reidar **********
Reidar **********
@Jae ******
People that enjoy this country .. hard to understand ??
Jordon *********
Jordon *********
@Reidar *********
tell me more
Reidar **********
Reidar **********
@Jordon ********
Firstly, I am a Canadian that has lived in SE Asia over 26 years, owned businesses, including Thailand and after covid, living safe and sound in Cam Chao, Hoi An. Online visa, government site allows a 90 day visa, for people from most countries, that necessitates an exit/ entry, same day if one wishes and renewed for another 3 months. Cost is $25 from government to $55 via an agent
Reidar **********
Reidar **********
@Richard *****
Actually, everything is cheaper in Vietnam, compared to Thailand. That includes dentistry, healthcare and general cost of living. I am renting a fully furnished house, 3 bedrooms, one office, large second floor patio, very modern and close to all amenities, central Vietnam. Cost is 11 million dong/ $449/month. For $1000/ month, one can live very comfortable.
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Reidar *********
I feel many are growing tired of Thailand's strict visa regulations now and Vietnam sounds like it is welcoming foreigners. Are rents cheap there in comparison to Thailand?
Reidar **********
Reidar **********
@Richard *****
Have renewed the visa 6 times without any issues. The process takes an average of 5 days. Current news musings are that a 6 month visa may be forthcoming, but nothing confirmed.
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Reidar *********
and you can just keep renewing this visa with no issues from Immigration?
David *******
David *******
Are you using an ED visa as a cover to stay in country , whilst 'digital nomading/online life coaching/growth potential developer' or whatever the hell its called these days.
Stéfan ********
Stéfan ********
@David ******
with a METV, you'll be able to do your own "what ever it's called", just like the ones on ED visas.
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Steve *******
interesting
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@David ******
ultimately yes. my work is online
David *******
David *******
@Steve *******
good shout!
Steve ********
Steve ********
@David ******
Get a METV and you can stay up to nine months. That'll cover it, and you won't be crucified for having had an ED visa
David *******
David *******
It is annoying because I have looked at an ED visa but somewhat put off because of issues like this, I genuinely want to learn Thai through immersion with Thai people/speaking for a few months....but fear I will be looked at the same as someone abusing the system :-(
Darren ****
Darren ****
@David ******
Or perhaps his class attendance was not up to par? And they suspect he was using the ED Visa for other reasons?
Steve ********
Steve ********
@David ******
I thought everybody these days was a "content creator"?
Robert ********
Robert ********
@David ******
spot on it's such a BS
Oliver ********
Oliver ********
Being denied entry and deported will be a much bigger barrier to future entry / stay in Thailand than the reputation of the school where you previously studied under an ED visa.
Ken *************
Ken *************
@Oliver *******
I'd also think that would be the final nail in the coffin of ever obtaining an Elite Visa.
Us *****
Us *****
Did you go to one that got closed down for giving away fake visas?
Richard ******
Richard ******
When they deported you, did you pay for the flight?
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
but you should all AVOID this situation because now I have a tag on my name at the airport
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
Richard ******
Richard ******
Did they make you take the first available flight or could you choose? Did they offer the option of flying to another country? How was the detention center?
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Richard *****
had to fly with the same airline i flew here on. which was china airlines lol. detention centre was not too bad.
Terary **********
Terary **********
@Richard *****
Did they require you to go back to your own country? I have heard they will give you an option... "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here"
Harry **********
Harry **********
OP
@Terary *********
so basically i flew from australia to bkk

but had a layover in china

i flew with south china airlines

when they denied me entry i had to fly out of the county ONLY on that airline

im not sure if i could go to different countries. they suggested back to sydney and i said no,

so i decided to go to china (then went to a different country)
Terary **********
Terary **********
@Harry *********
That's very good to know thank you.
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Terary *********
That's my point. I think it would be greatly beneficial if he shared his experiences of what happened and why. The options he was given, example did he have to take the first available flight? Could he stay in detention while a cheaper one became available etc
Dianne *****
Dianne *****
@Richard *****
They expect you to ask family friends, start a gofundme to raise the money for your flight home,))0 if you don't have the money. Your bill for your stay in the detention centre is added daily to the costs of your flight
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Dianne ****
Yes, I think that it could be very helpful. For example, the instances which you mention of them preventing a detainee booking a cheap flight, I wonder if you could just say I have x amount of budget and that is it, what could/would they do? They say you have to have 20k baht for your holiday, could people not turn around and say, I only have 20k baht?
Dianne *****
Dianne *****
@Richard *****
Usually the staff in the detention centre book the most expensive, full cost airline ticket for the detainee. Lots of stories of staff deliberately preventing a detainee from catching a cheap flight that the detainee had already booked. But like you I would be interested to know the details in this instance
Terary **********
Terary **********
@Richard *****
I don't know about this guy but I have read of few stories where someone gets denied entry, ends up in the clink, pretends to be innocent, only discover they guy had some history that was a factor.
Ulrik *********
Ulrik *********
@Richard *****
Yes he surely did.
Richard ******
Richard ******
@Ulrik ********
It would be interesting to know more about the process.
Roberto *********
Roberto *********
Why were you denied entry?

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