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

May 22, 2024
7 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?
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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.
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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.
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.
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
Barry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
can i dm you please Jeffrey?
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
Robert *****
A retirement visa…?
Barry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
only 38 lol
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…?
Barry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
cant you get 1 year eductauion visa?
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.
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