Answered4 years ago

What are the best options for obtaining a new education visa for Thailand after a year on an education visa?

Visa Exemption Education Visa Visa Run Thai Immigration Visa Application Process Non-O Visa

Jennifer *********

asked May 6, 2022

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We are about to do our first visa run, and I’m a little nervous about it. We’ve been on an education visa at a private language school for one year and would like to get another education visa to keep attending the same school. Based on my limited understanding, our options are 1)leave Thailand, come back on visa exempt, switch to an education visa at our local immigration office (which told us that they could do that) or 2) leave Thailand, re-enter with an education visa which we would hopefully get from a Thai embassy in Cambodia/Malaysia. I’m wondering if anyone has thoughts or advice regarding which option to pursue. Thanks!

Answer summary

The original poster is seeking advice on the best approach for renewing their education visa after one year at a private language school in Thailand. They are considering two options: 1) Leaving Thailand, re-entering on a visa exemption, and switching to an education visa at a local immigration office, or 2) Leaving Thailand, applying for an education visa at a Thai embassy in Cambodia or Malaysia before re-entering. Community responses suggest both options are viable, with some recommending option two for better assurance if proper documentation from the school is obtained.

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Tara ******

Just came back from Malaysia doing the first- you’re good to enter on a visa exemption twice in a calendar year 🙂 double check for your passport (I’m Canadian) but you should be good 🙂

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@Tara *****

No limit for visa-exempt entry if you fly in. That 'twice' is applied only when you enter by land.

4 years ago

Tara ******

@Ellie ******

ou! that’s good to know, thank you!

4 years ago

Tara ******

depending how long it takes to get your education visa sorted, you may have to extend your visa exemption while it’s all being processed - but as long as you’ve got your reason and your papers, shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

4 years ago

James ********

@Tara *****

that rule is not in fact a guaranteed entry.

4 years ago

Tara ******

@James *******

always true!

4 years ago

Marc *******

I had TRV and extension and 1 year ED BUT no booked hotel when came back from PP on TRV. Got fucked by immi at swampy. So make sure you have

*****

bht, a ticket back HOME and booked hotel when you come on TRV or 30 day exemption. To be more safe get the ED Visa outside of Thailand.

4 years ago

Souheil *******

Option 2 seems safer than option 1 with the immigration

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Souheil ******

Actually I think with option one (after they've been here a year on an ED visa extension) the issue might be getting back into the country on a 30 day visa exempt entry rather than dealing with the immigration office to get the new 90 day ED visa after they get back in

4 years ago

Tod *********

Option one seems to be what the school is telling you to do.

Option two could work IF you have all the documentation from the school and the Ministry of Education to give to the thai consulate when you apply for the 90 day single entry ED visa.

I'd say IF you can get the documentation (check the website of the thai consulate you're going to use to make sure you have what they need) just get the 90 day ED visa at the consulate before you come back

4 years ago