Ask question

How many consecutive 1 year education visas can I obtain for studying Thai?

Thai Education Visa Visa Rules Immigration Thai Language Schools Visa Extensions Retirement Visa

Feb 24, 2018

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

How many consecutive 1 year education visas can I do for studying Thai?

*edit* I'm finishing my first Thai education visa this July and I will be 45 1/2 years old at the time. I want to see if it will be possible to get education visas and then tourist visas/border runs (if necessary) until I'm 50 and can do a retirement visa or if I'll just have to buy a 5 year elite instead.

1,706

views

3

likes

48

all likes

28

replies

1

images

12

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The length of time one can stay in Thailand on consecutive education visas (ED visas) is currently limited due to stricter immigration regulations. Typically, a student can obtain an ED visa for up to 1 year initially, followed by various extensions that can allow for around 15 months in total. After this period, it is necessary to leave the country to apply for a new ED visa to continue studying. There are varying reports on the maximum consecutive years on ED visas, with some suggesting it may be limited to 2 or 3 years depending on the school and immigration office policies. Additionally, the Ministry of Education's recent changes may further restrict students' ability to receive visa extensions.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Tod *********

The days of endlessly living here on ED visa extensions are comin' to a close. More and more immigration offices are cracking down on people and schools.

Before you could be on an ED visa and extensions for 3 years. Now you cannot be on an ED visa in Bangkok longer than one year from the date it's issued. Meaning after that you go back out of the country and get a new ED visa to start the process over.

Plus the MOE <- Ministry of Education came out with a new program for people studying thai which stops students from getting tested by them for their extension.

You get one ED visa and you can stay on that for a total of 8 to 9 months with extensions (this takes you thru the beginning and intermediate levels) then you go out of the country and get a new 90 day ED visa and you can stay on that a total of 6 to 7 more months.

Meaning you can get just over 15 months out of a thai program in bangkok before you need to study another subject.

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I actually used to really be into martial arts. Karate, kick boxing, mma etc. Never competed though. Way too many injuries to go back to it now.

Like

Reply

Peter ********

Switch to studying Muay Thai Scott - I can just picture you in the ring - you'd be a champ for sure.

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

This what I've heard too which made me start thinking about the elite visa, but then I hear stories about people staying for years on an education visa (leaving the country every year) or changing subjects to stay.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Scott *******

Reply

Alex ****

I don't mind doing the table summary and post it in this group if anyone provide such info...

Like

Reply

Alex ****

I noticed that some people had said it really depends on where and type of school is... So my follow up question would be: Any table of comparison with some major immigration offices across the country?

Like

Reply

Tod *********

none

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Michael ********

Only way to know for sure is to go to a school and ask. Also some schools have more connections than others...

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ***********

Yes, I'll be 45 years old later this year. I'm trying to figure out how to bridge the gap until I'm 50 and can do a retirement visa.

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ***********

I have lived in Pattaya for 12 years on various types of visas. My visa is through a language school here.

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

my school said 2 years for sure, maybe 3. I've heard of 2,3, and 5+

Like

Reply

Reply to

Scott *******

Reply

Laura *****

I also heard that they’ve changed the rules. 12 months has now become 9. And they’ve doubled the min requirements from 4 hours per week to 8.

Like

Reply

Daz ************************

It was 4hrs a day for 3 days a week at Walen Chiang Rai.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Daz ************************

Reply

Michael ********

Study Thai. Then switch to Muay Thai ;)

Like

Reply

Toby ********

I heard that for Thai language there is a limit to the amount of consecutive ED Visas that are allowed?

Like

Reply

Toby ********

@Robert ***********

it seems as though Jomtien immigration has one set of rules and the rest of Thailand have another. I also was intending to study 8hrs per week until I arrived and was told no it’s 4hrs and immigration are fine with that.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toby ********

Reply

Sergey *********

It depends on the school mostly. What kind of license it has.

Like

Reply

Martin *********

Study a different language each time , go for years. I reckon , still have to leave the country though

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Martin ********

I've heard rumors of that too but I don't know anyone who's actually done it.

Like

Reply

Martin *********

so I’m told , there are people here ( Pattaya ) that have been here years ‘ apparently ‘ changing languages and therefore keeping their ED alive .

But I’m retired so never been down this route .

Like

Reply

Scott *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does this work? I'd rather keep studying Thai but I'd learn a new language if it meant I could keep getting visas.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Scott *******

Reply

Edgar ***********

3

Like

Reply

Tino ************

Alright, might be an "official rule", here in Pattaya, i know at least 20 people, who been on ED over 3 years hehe. Even people on 5-7 years+

Like

Reply

Edgar ***********

Chiang Mai

Like

Reply

Tino ************

Which city?

Like

Reply

Edgar ***********

@Tino ***********

in the school that I go, that is what they told me!

Like

Reply

Tino ************

I know MANY people who been on ED visas way more than 3 years in a row...

Like

Reply

Edgar ***********

But ever after 1 year, u have to go out of the country and apply again, that can be done for 3 year!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Edgar ***********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Can I stay in Thailand on a University Non-Immigrant ED visa for over 5 years?

21 comments

9 months ago

Can I extend my education visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

7 comments

10 months ago

Can I obtain a Muay Thai ED Visa for my first year in Thailand, and can it be extended by switching schools?

2 comments

a year ago

What are the costs and entry conditions for an education visa for Thailand?

19 comments

a year ago

What happens if I leave Thailand for a month on a 1-year ED visa for studying Thai?

7 comments

2 years ago

Do I need to do a visa run after one year on my ED visa in Thailand?

4 comments

2 years ago

Can I convert a tourist visa to a one-year ED visa in Thailand?

4 comments

2 years ago

Can I get multiple Education visas in Thailand for studying different subjects?

1 comments

2 years ago

How many ED visas can one get for language school, and is it possible to switch to a Muay Thai school ED visa?

23 comments

2 years ago

Can you renew an education visa in Thailand for non-degree courses like language classes or dive school each year?

66 comments

2 years ago

Is there a limit on how many ED visas I can obtain in Thailand?

10 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for an ED visa in Thailand after my tourist visa, and is it possible to stay for 15 months in total?

9 comments

2 years ago

What are the rules and options for extending an education visa for studying Thai language in Thailand?

2 comments

3 years ago

How many times can a foreigner apply for a 1-year educational visa in Thailand?

1 comments

3 years ago

Can you apply for an Ed visa in Thailand multiple times after leaving and returning?

14 comments

3 years ago

What are the updated requirements for obtaining and extending an ED visa in Thailand?

0 comments

5 years ago

What is the age limit for obtaining a one-year education visa (ED visa) in Thailand?

45 comments

6 years ago

What are the current rules for applying for an Education (ED) Visa in Thailand?

10 comments

6 years ago

Are there restrictions on obtaining a third ED visa in Thailand after having two already?

9 comments

6 years ago

Can you obtain a 1-year education visa to learn Thai in Thailand?

40 comments

7 years ago

What are the current limitations on the duration of Student (ED) visas in Thailand?

38 comments

7 years ago

Can I get a 1-year student visa in Thailand when transitioning from a tourist visa?

1 comments

7 years ago

What options do I have for my Education visa after one year in Thailand?

19 comments

7 years ago

What are the options for obtaining a one-year multiple-entry education visa in Thailand?

36 comments

7 years ago

How can I study for 15 months on an ED visa in Thailand?

10 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.