What are the best Thai language schools in Bangkok that support visa applications for serious learners?

Jan 21, 2021
4 years ago
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey all, can anyone recommend good schools in Bangkok to seriously learn Thai ? At least 25 hours per week for a year. Of course will need to support with visa application. Looking for a school that others have had good experience with the visa and also learning. Thanks guys
1,572
views
3
likes
45
all likes
19
replies
0
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around recommendations for Thai language schools in Bangkok that offer intensive courses and the necessary support for visa applications. Notable suggestions include Duke Language School (DLS) and Rak Thai Language School (RTL), both praised for their effective teaching methods and support with Educational (ED) visa applications. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of attending 25 hours per week, as many schools typically offer less intensive schedules. The schools' modular systems, requiring enrollment in multiple modules for visa purposes, are also highlighted.
Nigel ********
I think many will be online only until restrictions are lifted.
Tod *********
The way that both Duke and Rak Thai Language school work is they are "module based"; a module is 3 hours a day 5 days a week for 4 weeks. you need to enroll in so many modules for them to issue you the paperwork to get the in country 90 day ED visa and to continue to get in country extensions. I think for a year ED visa/extension plan you need to enroll in 7 modules, BUT look on the websites and see what it says.
Michael ********
Will second Duke if you are serious
Kool *******
There are very good schools, but the 25 hours a week might be difficult. Most are geared towards three to four days a week, at 2-3 hours a session, totalling up to 160 hours for the year at the price you pay for the package to also get the ED visa. More hours than that, I would expect, would increase the price. I went to Language Express, at the Plonchit BTS station. It is okay, but Tod's recommendation is better.
John *******
@Kool ******
can I ask what you paid please for the school , and did it include the visa cost ?
Kool *******
@John ******
I paid bt28,000 for 160 hours, and I had to pay the bt2000 originally for the visa, then bt1900 every 90 days to extend it. The school supplied all the paperwork.
John *******
@Kool ******
tks mate
Tod *********
@John ******
the prices
@Kool ******
quoted are the "real" prices charged by immigrations 2000 is for the 90 day NonED visa and 1900 baht is the price of every extension no matter how long they're issued for.
Jonas *************
Google Maps says the language express is permanent closed.

Is not pay any school too far in advance as many has folded. A ch8nesev friend paid for a year and one month into covid they closed down completely.

Duke is popular and had in-class-room teaching till recently. Now it's online of course. Recommended.
Tod *********
@Jonas ************
all the students from language express got transferred over to the new school Phoenix and no one lost their money OR their hours.
Tod *********
Hands down the best thai language school in Bangkok (and probably in all of thailand) to learn thai at is DLS (Duke Language School, 3rd floor Trendy Building, Sukhumvit Soi 13).
@https://www.facebook********************
Another good school would be RTL (Rak Thai Language School, 10th floor Mahatun Plaza Ploenchit BTS)
@https://www.faceb*****************
Ryan ********
@Tod ********
do you know anything about Sandee school?
Bee *****
@Tod ********
thank you
Tod *********
Believe me when I say, I know a thing or two about thai language schools in Bangkok. Before I was a thai visa/extension guru I am now, I used to be a legend in my own mind in the "foreigner learning thai" arena :P
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
can you speak Thai now ?:)
Tod *********
@James ****
I'd say contact those schools take a sample lesson (they are doing online teaching now) and see what one you like and go from there.
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
have one arranged now. Great idea thanks
Tod *********
I can
@Ja***
. I can speak, understand, read write and type this one trick pony language.
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
congratulations, did you study at duke ?
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members ยท 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.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else