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What Are the Hour Requirements for Volunteer and Education Visas in Thailand?

Visa Rules Education Visa Volunteer Visa

Jan 16, 2020

6 years ago

Wylie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'll ask my previous question a little differently since my last one got closed out right away because I included a question on opportunities.  I'll keep this one strictly to visa application and requirements.  I've googled it and can't seem to find a single answer.

Is there an hour requirement per week or month for either the volunteer or education visas?  Is there an actual requirement or is it up to the discretion of whoever processes it like a lot of other things seem to be regarding the Thai visa process?  It seems any language courses that claim to help with the education visa are about 8 hours per week.  But similar volunteering sites are closer to 40 hours per week.  What are the actual requirements?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the ambiguity surrounding the hour requirements for volunteer and education visas in Thailand. The original poster is seeking clarification on whether specific weekly or monthly hour commitments are necessary for these visas. Comments suggest contacting related ministries and organizations for accurate information. Additional insights reveal varying hour requirements among schools and volunteering organizations, emphasizing the importance of studying and adhering to visa regulations to avoid complications.

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Robert *******

The question is very hard to answer or very easy to answer. We all know there are schools without classrooms and teachers and very good in helping you to get the appropriate paperwork for a smal donation to stay inside Thailand. There are volunteer organizations who let you walk the dog 1 hour a week and provide the paper work for you.

The real question is: Are you in Thailand to study, then go to school and study

Are you in Thailand to volunteer, then sign up and volunteer

Are you in Thailand to abuse the visa system, no problem but there is a chance that a visa get denied, an entry get denied or you get busted on the spot and end up in jail, court and a deportation center.

Stay legal and in any doubt, visit the Immigration Office for details.

That is all we can advice.

6 years ago

James ********

Now that I have the added info from you Wylie ...

Get a METV ...multiple entry tourist visa before you come in March. With planning that gets you 6 up to 9 months in Thailand...plus if you follow with 2 land border runs plus 2 - 30 day extensions, you will have up to 13 months to sort out your life plans ...Married or Not..

BTW..

You can study Thai on the METV.

Good Luck

6 years ago

Wylie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thanks. It seems one of the requirements for the METV is proof of employment, student, or self employed. I am retired so do not have any of those. I can show everything else. Do you know if I could get one without having that?

6 years ago

Reply to

Wylie *******

Dana **********

James has good starting suggestions.

My school supplied the ED visa packet for me. It is *huge*. There are detailed pages indicating the number of hours and days, teachers, coporate officers, crazy detailed info about the school, and more. [As an aside, it seems like 90% of it could be sent once by the school to immigration, then a single code could reference all of that, but hey, redundant paperwork is what all the cool kids are into]

I'm surprised you saw mostly 8 hour a week schools. Mine is 15, and most I saw in Bangkok when I was searching were 9-15. Some go by month, so 60 hours per month for mine but I did see some 45. Other cities may differ, and some are known for minimal effort. You are also not required to attend full time (you can take a month off), though your school can have their own requirements so always check.

When I got my visa, the consulate had no questions about my school, but mostly seemed to want to verify that I was actually going to be learning and that I had enough money to live without a work permit (or begging, stealing, etc.). Too many bar flys trying to pretend to be students. No guarantee they won't question you about it, but this is a good reason to have a proper school.

6 years ago

Wylie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dana *********

thanks. Yeah, I did read that they are starting to crack down and make sure you are actually learning what you say you are. That won't be a problem for me if that's the route I go. The 8-10 hours per week were on the particular school sites offering the courses. None of them state that as a requirement for the Visa though, simply that it's the course schedule.

6 years ago

Reply to

Wylie *******

James ********

As its 2:30am now in Thailand, you may see replies in the morning.

6 years ago

James ********

Wylie...you are an American citizen ?

What visa, if any, do you now have in Thailand?

How long have you been in Thailand?

6 years ago

Wylie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

I'm currently in the US and do not have a visa. I plan on going there around March.

6 years ago

Reply to

Wylie *******

James ********

Again Google is your friend.

Contact Ministry of Education for licensed Ed Visa schools...

contact the schools for their requirements.

Likewise contact NGO - Non Government Organization - sponsors of Volunteering in Thailand.

Find out their requirements and those of the Thai Consulate or Embassy outside of Thailand for the Non O Volunteer Visa requirements.

Same with finding out school requirements for the issued Ed Visa and Thai Embassy/Consulate requirements for the Non B Ed Visa.

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6 years ago

Wylie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

James Miller I understand but have googled for hours and have yet to find a single answer. Pretty much 100% of the questions asked on this site can be found by googling or contacting the appropriate office and asking directly. The beauty of this site is it seems there are very knowledgeable people that can answer and save a lot of time and hassle of searching and finding contradicting info. I will continue to search, but hope someone can help.

6 years ago

Reply to

Wylie *******

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