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What are my long stay visa options in Thailand as a 19-year-old expat?

Long Stay Visa Options ED Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa Dependent Visa Education in Thailand Visa Requirements Immigration Expat Life in Thailand Thai Language Classes Working in Thailand Study Visa

Jun 26, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! My name is Roman James Mirov. I am nineteen years old. I have come from California on Thursday, June 24, 2022, to visit my father who works in Bangkok as an English teacher. I have decided to stay in Bangkok for two years to catch up on my help desk technician certifications. Will you please explain to me in points, if possible, what my long stay visa options are? My father told me that I may need to take Thai classes to show that I am receiving education here, but this information is not clear to me. I really appreciate everyone’s input and time answering my question.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Roman, a 19-year-old expat from California, is seeking long stay visa options for his two-year stay in Thailand to pursue certifications. Community members suggest various visa options including the Non-Immigrant ED Visa for education, a dependent visa if eligible, and highlight the importance of enrolling in a Thai language or degree program to extend his stay legally. There is also discussion on the challenges of working in Thailand without a degree, particularly in IT support, emphasizing the need for necessary qualifications.

Robert ******

Thai class is the best option because outside a class it is too difficult to learn Thai unlessyou are extremely lucky in finding friends with the right mindset for language.

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Oliver ********

Do a bachelors degree and you will get a student visa for the duration - several Thai universities offer international programs taught completely in English - check out Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, Thammasat, ABAC, and Bangkok Uni.

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Ennio ********

One option is to float around a little. Spend time in Thailand as a tourist, then head to Vietnam for a bit, then maybe bali etc. You can always rent a cheapish room in Thailand and keep it running, even if your away a few weeks in another country. Just try to stay on a strict budget and enjoy your travels I say!

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Roman ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you so much everyone! It's good to know that I have multiple options: either go to school here or work for a company in Thailand. I have a friend in consulting who might be able to help me get a job with my one year of customer service experience and a globally recognized IT support certification. My plan is to extend my visa to 60 days at Muangthong Thani, then find a job and get that long term work visa.

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Roman ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I need a degree to work in IT support in Thailand?

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Darren *******

as a foreigner you need a degree and a certain number of years work experience in your field in order to work in Thailand.

I'm not sure if IT support is a prohibited job for foreigners here either. There are jobs which are solely reserved for Thais.

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John **********

the problem is that most, if not all, IT support jobs will be reserved for Thais. The general rule is if a Thai can do the job then it must be given to a Thai.

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John **********

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Darren *******

you don't have a degree so you can't legally work here. You also don't have enough experience to meet the requirements with the exception of teaching English.

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Darren *******

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Mark *********

I'm so not getting this. Any individual ED visa is for a year. But you get visas to cover the full length of a course/courses. Imagine you did a 2 year MBA. You will cover the course through 2 X 1 year visa.

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Russell *******

One thing you might want to bare in mind ,is that nothing in Thailand seems straight forward.

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Rob ******

Enrole in a school as as a student .

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Wilhelmina ********

The best option. Get a 2-year degree from a uni.

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Wilhelmina ********

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Bruce *****

Your dad could get you a job as a teacher

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Bobby ********

You can strongly disagree as much as you like. I'm talking about LEGAL teaching. If you want to work in a shitbox school earning shit money it's all good. If you want to earn good money in a good school you have to meet the requirements

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Wilhelmina ********

And his age, too, is not qualified.

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Bobby ********

I'm guessing he doesn't have a university degree yet

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Bruce *****

strongly disagree we know a handful of Filipinos that have never taught getting jobs

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Darren *******

that's common but Bobby mentioned needing a degree and not teaching experience.

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Darren *******

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Bruce *****

you don’t need one

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Bobby ********

To be a teacher in Thailand you most certainly do

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Kool *******

to get a work permit you do

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Kool *******

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Kool *******

At just 19 enroll in college, and get a degree. That will keep you in Thailand for a few years, and you'll actually have something you can use. You have very few options, and those you do have involve work. Language school is at least three days a week. Legal volunteer work is everyday, and going to college is everyday. You can't teach because you don't have a college degree, and other jobs are pretty much nonexistent without lots of experience. Your best bet is to just go to college, as you should be doing at your age.

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Ennio ********

I think that'd be a big eye opener for a young lad and a positive move. They'll be plenty of young girls onto him as well! :D

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Ennio ********

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John **********

As you're only 19 it might be worth looking into whether you can get a dependent visa, but once you hit 20 that option is gone

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John **********

I believe it's Non-Immigrant O (Dependent) Visa

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Roman ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thank you very much! What is the name of the dependent visa?

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Roman ****

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Bobby ********

You'll be struggling to get two years, as basically you don't have any reason to be in Thailand. Possibly look at doing a Thai language course which will get you a year and then look at other options.

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Brett ***********

should be married by then

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Brett ***********

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Juls ******

Hi, thank you for respecting time ! Basically, at my memory, your options are :

-ED visa, 1y student visa, can 5 times.

-Volunteer visa, 1y

I guess in your case that's all, because other solutions are :

-Retired visa, more than 50y old.

-Guardian visa, need to adopt.

-Get a thai wife for Marriage visa.

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Chris **********

Look on Thailand's immigration page for requirements re: different visa options.

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Chris **********

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