Is the plan of using a tourist visa and then transitioning to an educational visa the best option for long-term stay in Thailand?

Tourist Visa Educational Visa (ED)Visa Extension Thai Privilege Visa Expat Visa Options Immigration to Thailand Long-term Stay in Thailand Visa Requirements

May 22, 2024

6 months ago

Barry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, im (38yo) heading to Hua Hin in September on 60 day tourist visa with the plan of extending for another 30days, then after this going on to a ED visa to start learning Thai

is this the best route to go, plan on staying in Thailand for few years?

720

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user plans to enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa, extend it by 30 days, and then switch to an educational visa for learning Thai. The responses highlight various visa alternatives such as the retirement visa, the Thai Privilege Visa (Elite visa), and working as an English teacher to obtain a work visa. Additionally, they mention the importance of having a stable income to support longer stays, as well as the necessity of planning according to visa regulations rather than seeking loopholes.

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.

Shaughn ***********

If have a degree you can get a job as an english teacher and have work visa. Otherwise the only other thing not yet mentioned is METV for almost 9 months, then spend some time in nearby countries and home country (need to be in home country to apply for that visa) for about 6 months before returning again.

6 months ago

Henrik *****

Instead off looking for loopholes, start the other way around, see which visa terms you can fullfill, and adjust you plans according to that.

If trying to trick the Immigration, will end bad some day.

6 months ago

Jeffrey **********

Actually the plan does sound feasible. 60 + 30 into a education visa.

Hopefully you have savings or a source of income. $1500 ~ $2000 a month.

There are also other types of Educational Visas such as Yoga, fighting, and fitness

Be prepared for an occasional flight to a nearby country fora few days now and then

6 months ago

Barry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

can i dm you please Jeffrey?

6 months ago

Jeffrey **********

@Barry ******

yes

6 months ago

Reply to

Jeffrey **********

John **********

The only ED visa that will let you stay a few years is if you are studying at university. Otherwise best to look at the Thai Privilege visa, also known as the Elite visa

6 months ago

Robert *****

A retirement visa…?

6 months ago

Barry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

only 38 lol

6 months ago

Robert *****

@Barry ******

a couple years is going to be difficult Barry. Maybe 9 months being creative. Maybe marry a Thai girl and get a marriage Visa…?

6 months ago

Barry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

cant you get 1 year eductauion visa?

6 months ago

Jay ****

@Barry ******

some schools yes, but it's not as easy as it once was. The government has cracked down on people staying long term on tourist visas and border bounces. Ed visas can still be done but often you will be tested to make sure you are truly learning and you do have to go to the classes.have you chosen a school yet? They will help you with Ed visa.

6 months ago

Reply to

Jay ****

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What is the best visa option for long-term residency in Thailand?

41 comments