Is it still possible to obtain a volunteer visa in Thailand during the current visa situation?

Volunteer visa Visa processes COVID-19 impact on visas Thailand visa regulations Immigration issues

Dec 13, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anybody pulled an Volunteer visa lately?

I concern I am getting the run-around from my visa agent, and they are probably getting it from someone else.

I need to make some decisions and travel plans in the very near future.  I am trying to determine the likelihood that my agent will be able to pull the volunteer visa.

So... 

Has anybody pulled volunteer visa lately? Is it still feasible given the current Covid/Visa/Tourist visa situation.

Thank you in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry focuses on the feasibility of obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand amid current visa and COVID-19 concerns. Community responses suggest that while bogus volunteer visas are no longer being issued due to recent immigration changes, legitimate volunteer visas are still obtainable through recognized foundations. Experiences of users indicate mixed results, with some successfully receiving visas, while others express skepticism regarding the reliability of agents.

Erik *******

Beware !!! Check this out:

3 years ago

Aye ***********

following

3 years ago

Garrett ***********

I know atleast 3 people who've gotten 1 year Ed visas off a vollenteer visa in the past 3 weeks.

3 years ago

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

How does the ED landscape look. I was under the impression:

A) A person had to actually student. A time commitment so many hours a week, take tests, etc.

B ) there is no coming back from ED visa. Once a person has had one of those being a habitual tourist becomes more difficult.

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Terary *********

even though an ED visa is for one year, technically you have to extend it every 90 days with documentation from the school. Technically you have to contract with the school for at least 160 hours of instruction for the year for the visa.

3 years ago

Garrett ***********

@Ko**

There are 1 year ED visas. All university based education programs issue 1 year ED visas. As a rule,, language and muy Thai schools only issue 90 day ED visas,, but all 3 people I've seen have 1 year ED visas.

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Garrett **********

the visa itself is one year, but has to be extended every 90 days, at least when I had my legal one. As you say, universities are on a different schedule.

3 years ago

Garrett ***********

@Ko**

No, there are 90 day ED visas that require you to go every 90 days and apply for an extension (like the STV) and there are 1 year ED visas that require you to do 90 day reports.

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Garrett **********

then it's all changed recently.

3 years ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Garrett ***********

@Ter***

It's the same as a volunteer visa. You can legitimately go to school, or you can find an agent that sells ED visas.

B) Only language programs, and only if you're doing them legitimately. Plenty of people come to Thailand and study 2-4 years at universities, or find agents and just buy ED visas.

3 years ago

Reply to

Garrett ***********

Bobby ********

Bogus volunteer visas have been stopped as the senior management at immigration offices have had a reshuffle, and until agents know who they can "deal with" there's nothing coming across. Legitimate volunteer visas are still available through a volunteer foundation

3 years ago

Alex *******

@Bobby *******

I second this. Very accurate report. There is also a problem coming back into Thailand w volunteer visas w no work permit at the moment.

3 years ago

Reply to

Alex *******

Benjamin ******

>and they are probably getting it from someone else.

99% chance you're correct

>Has anybody pulled volunteer visa lately?

I do not think any agents are issuing the under the table volunteer visa at this time.

3 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

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What is the process for obtaining a volunteer or working visa for Thailand?

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