Answereda year ago

Should I choose a DTV or an Education Visa for enrolling my children in an international school in Thailand?

DTV Visa Education Visa International Schools in Thailand Visa Requirements for Children Non-O Visa Thai Immigration

Julia *********

asked Jul 2, 2025

1.3k

views

replies

likes

I have a 6 year old that I plan on enrolling in an international school and a 2 year old. I'm stuck on the pros and cons of a DTV or an Education Visa. Does anyone have any insight?

Answer summary

When considering enrolling your children in an international school in Thailand, you have the option of applying for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) or an Education Visa (ED). Key considerations include confirming with the school regarding their visa requirements for students, as some schools may mandate an ED visa for enrollment. The DTV requires leaving the country every six months for a stamp renewal, while the ED allows for longer stays through extensions without the need for exit. Additionally, if your child is on an ED visa, you could be eligible for a Non-O visa as a parent with specific bank account requirements. Note that children under 15 may go on overstay without incurring fines, but it's advisable to clarify with individual schools about their specific visa policies.

11 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Shaira ***********

I have my niece and nephew who study here in Thailand they didn't have a visa yet. If the child turns 14 or before the age of 14 then that's the time they will need a visa.

a year ago

Michael ********

@Shaira **********

some schools will insist child has a visa usually the good schools

a year ago

Jo **********

DM sent

a year ago

Henry *********

Get them Ed visas/extensions through the school. Then you can get a Parent/Guardian extension.

a year ago

Jeremy ********

International schools will set you back around ฿300,000 a year preschool will is somewhat less

Julia *********

yes thank you

Jim *******

Bangkok Pattana International school is more like 20,000 US$ a year.

My neighbour in Bangkok, an American, with 2 daughters (9 and 11) does "home schooling". He found some package, from America. It is online, no need for him to stand above their shoulders all day long.

Still, he pays about 3,000 US$ a year for both of them to go to Bangkok Pattana International school for events, sports, arts, drama and other non-teaching activities. He works from home.

a year ago

Brandon ************

The first thing you need to do is contact the school and find out if they require your child to be on an ED visa or if they only care that they are on any visa.

That will determine the next step.

As far as DTV vs ED. DTV you're going to be leaving at least every 6 months to get a fresh stamp, whereas with an ED you never have to leave as long as you get extensions.

Your child would get an ED and you would get a non-O based on a foreign child attending school. This would require you to have 500k baht in a Thai bank account in your name only. Your other child would go on overstay as they wouldn't be eligible for a visa. But there's no fine for a child under 15 on overstay and can't be banned if under 18.

a year ago

Julia *********

@Brandon ***********

this has been very helpful. With the ED could we leave however much we wanted to?

a year ago