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Should I apply for a Thai ED visa before traveling or can I do it after entering on a tourist visa?

ED Visa Student Visa Thailand Visa Rules UK Immigration Process Tourist Visa Language Schools

Mar 11, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi there, I am looking to get a ED visa (student visa) I am from the uk.. but I am struggling to understand if I go to Thailand on a tourist visa first and then apply for a student visa while being out there or do I have to get a student visa in the uk before coming? Thank you so so much.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is inquiring about the process of obtaining an ED (student) visa for Thailand, specifically whether they need to secure the visa in the UK before traveling or if they can apply for it after arriving on a tourist visa. Replies suggest that engaging with a school in Thailand is necessary for obtaining the ED visa, with some advice on the potential downsides of living in Koh Samui. Furthermore, it is mentioned that applying for the visa from the UK may help avoid additional fees that come with applying while in Thailand.

Nigel ********

Ed visa in what ?

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Jason ****

Pls check your inbox

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Ronny **********

Why don’t you call the Embassy? 🤔

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ronny *********

I was on hold for one hour and 7 minutes so I emailed them

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Jessie ******

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Wolfgang *******

If you apply for the ED-VISA in your home country you avoid to pay the Visa exchange fee, which is not insignificant.

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wolfgang ******

how do I go about applying in the uk? This is what I’m struggling with, I emailed the Thai embassy in London and they just told me in around about way to do a tourist visa .. thank you

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Wolfgang *******

Find a language school and get advice there.

I can recommend:

@Easy **********************

*******************

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Wolfgang *******

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Us *****

Are you sure you want to stay in Koh Samui for a year? It's pretty small and you might get bored after a while. Also, no such things as you got accepted. They all want your money. Why don't you get a tourist visa and check the place out for a month. If you don't like it then travel to another place to study.

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Todd *********

A year isn't even long enough to get to know the island really. If you get bored on Koh Samui, the problem is in the mirror

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М. ****

He is right, i explored completely Phuket in less then 2 months, and is much bigger then Samui. However Samui and Pagnan are much prettier beach and nature wise for me.

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Christopher ********

Phuket was boring. I couldn’t wait to leave

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М. ****

@Christopher *******

i was there during covid and was ok, but now with all the people over there not sure if i can do it again.

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Todd *********

Safe to say you did not come close to exploring Phuket 'completely' in 2 months.

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М. ****

bar/prostitutes wise for sure

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I don’t know why everyone has debates on these Facebook groups I asked a simple question. I’m very well traveled and have been to koh samui several times over the years and I am going to be there to buy a property because I think it’s the best place to do it. Thanks for all of your input.

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Jessie ******

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve been in koh samui for about two months last year I really love it there. Thank you though

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Jessie ******

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John **********

To get an ED visa you need to engage with a school and they will help you through the process

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thank you so so much! Appreciate all of you responding x

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Jessie ******

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Shayne **********

Where are you looking to live?

You need to look for a solution in that province.

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Shayne *********

koh samui and I have been accepted by a school!! I’m just not sure if I need to get a student visa first or get it while I’m out there😅

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Jamie ******

ask the school

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Jessie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

ok thank you

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Jessie ******

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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