Ask question

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.

3,139

views

6

likes

78

all likes

30

replies

0

images

16

users

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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!

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Roman ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

John **********

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Darren *******

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Russell *******

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

Like

Reply

Rob ******

Enrole in a school as as a student .

Like

Reply

Wilhelmina ********

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Wilhelmina ********

Reply

Bruce *****

Your dad could get you a job as a teacher

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Wilhelmina ********

And his age, too, is not qualified.

Like

Reply

Bobby ********

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

Like

Reply

Bruce *****

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

Like

Reply

Darren *******

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Darren *******

Reply

Bruce *****

you don’t need one

Like

Reply

Bobby ********

To be a teacher in Thailand you most certainly do

Like

Reply

Kool *******

to get a work permit you do

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kool *******

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ennio ********

Reply

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

Like

Reply

John **********

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

Like

Reply

Roman ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Roman ****

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

should be married by then

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Chris **********

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Chris **********

Reply

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.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the best visa options for staying long-term in Thailand while working and potentially marrying a Thai partner?

89 comments

4 months ago

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

41 comments

4 months ago

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand with my girlfriend until March next year?

47 comments

4 months ago

What are the best options for a 20-year-old seeking a one-year visa in Thailand?

28 comments

5 months ago

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

11 comments

5 months ago

What visa options are available for someone under 50 looking to stay in Thailand for a year?

35 comments

6 months ago

What visa options are available for expats in Bangkok looking for a long-term stay before applying for a retirement visa?

4 comments

6 months ago

What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I'm under 50 and not looking to retire?

10 comments

8 months ago

What are the best visa options for a 19-year-old Canadian expat wanting to live in Thailand?

164 comments

a year ago

What visa type is the best fit for a 44-year-old planning a long-term stay in Thailand?

21 comments

a year ago

What is the best long-term visa option for a 29-year-old UK national looking to live in Thailand?

29 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for a 24-year-old looking to move to Thailand for 6 months to a year?

13 comments

a year ago

What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?

10 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options for my Australian son to stay in Thailand for 6 months while studying online?

18 comments

2 years ago

What are the options for a long-term stay in Thailand considering the current visa rules?

4 comments

3 years ago

What visa options do I have for long-term stay in Thailand, and can my mother-in-law help with a work permit?

18 comments

3 years ago

What visa options are available for long-term stay in Thailand if I don't have a degree?

26 comments

3 years ago

What are the options for staying in Thailand long term if not fitting traditional visa categories?

124 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for a 48-year-old US citizen moving to Pattaya?

8 comments

5 years ago

What legal options do I have for a long-term stay in Thailand without a work permit or marriage?

0 comments

5 years ago

What long-term visa options are available for expats in Thailand who want to stay with their partner?

18 comments

6 years ago

What is the best option for a one-year stay in Bangkok: an Education Visa or something else?

37 comments

6 years ago

What visa options are available for job seekers in Thailand after a student visa?

19 comments

6 years ago

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand for 2 years as an ESL teacher?

19 comments

7 years ago

What are the best long-term visa options for returning to Thailand, including working visas and education visas related to Muay Thai?

24 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.