What are the implications of getting an Ed visa for Muay Thai training in Thailand?

Sep 13, 2023
a year ago
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone. I’ve read a lot of negative comments in this group about Ed visas. I understand that people have exploited them and now they have a bad reputation. They seem to have adopted the title ‘B/S visa’.

However, as someone who started this year off being treated for cancer, I am really keen to get my fitness and mental health back on track and would love to learn Muay Thai here in Thailand.

Can anyone please advise me on the future consequences of having an Ed visa and any legitimate places that I can do a Muay Thai course in Bangkok.

Many thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges of obtaining an Ed visa in Thailand, particularly for those interested in Muay Thai training. Many users express concerns about the negative implications associated with Ed visas, including increased scrutiny by immigration officials and possible hassles upon re-entering the country. Alternatives such as medical treatment visas and Non-O visas are suggested, with considerations based on age and personal health status. Recommendations for reputable Muay Thai training schools that may assist with Ed visas are provided, including Luktupfah and Master Toddy's. Overall, there is a consensus that one can train in Muay Thai without an Ed visa and that users should weigh the pros and cons of pursuing this visa type, especially in light of new regulations and past misuse.
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Kev *********
I have been receiving medical treatment for the past 3 years in a Thai government hospital. Is it likely I can get Non O visa on medical grounds? Up to now I've been staying on O-A retirement visa. Why change you may ask? It's become mandatory for O A visa holders to have 3 million TB health insurance on top of the obligatory 400k TB inpatient and 40k outpatient cover.
Tore *********
How long you plan to stay? A multiple entry tourist visa gets you 9 months with two border bounces. Personally I wouldn’t risk ED in the current “climate”
Tainui ********
My girlfriend works for the ED Muay thai visa office in Pattaya. Message me if you'd like more details.
Tinsley *******
@Tainui *******
hi could I ask you questions about this?
Brandon ************
@Tainui *******
what is the ED Muay Thai visa office?
Jennifer ******
My friend on ED visa says it's a pain. She's been called randomly to immigration for reporting. Sometimes it's 1 month, sometimes 2 months and every time its 1900B. And it's all the way to CW in person.
Brandon ************
@Jennifer *****
1900₿ is the price of an extension. There's nothing random about it. Informal education extensions are not for a year, they are for 90 days at a time, and you'll have to go the immigration office where your school is each time.
Steve *******
You dont need an ED visa to study/learn or train for Muay Thai. You can attend a gym and train on any visa/entry in Thailand.
Lee *************
************************


1-5 years Ed Visa for Muay Thai.

I’ve personally did 2 years ED Visa without problem.

You can contact them on social media or email them.

Good luck!
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ************
That’s really helpful, thank you. May I ask how long ago this was? So many rumours of issues with immigration, which are putting me off.
Lee *************
A few years ago now.

Master Toddy’s is legit when it comes to ED visas, he regularly as coaching courses at the gym with government agencies there to adjudicate.

He as a good relationship with immigration as well & his team are very helpful with immigration issues.
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ************
Ok, that’s good to know. I’ll message them. Thanks so much!
Lee *************
I used to train with one of his old students in the UK, many years ago. So I had to train with the man himself when I got the chance 🥊
Andy ********
@Lee ************
I used to go to Master Toddys in Manchester over 40 years ago..... 🥋
Bashir *******
I'll answer one part of your question.

The best Muay Thai places don't offer visas. They are focused on building fighters and their fight teams and don't have the capability for that kind of headache.

Of the schools that I know that do offer Ed visas. Luktupfah may be the best one.

If you have zero experience in martial arts, the first three months at these ED visa schools will be OK.

And yes, my opinion matters. I work at the highest level of the combat sports industry in the region.

I came to train Muay Thai the first time in 2005
Bashir *******
@Kerry ********
AKA Thailand in Phuket is also offering visas. The owner Mike Swick is a former UFC Contender and also a cancer survivor
Tainui ********
@Bashir ******
fairtex offers it.
Bashir *******
@Tainui *******
If Fairtex is offering it, then it is by far the best choice on the list I am aware of.
Chris ******
David *******
As they’ve been misused Ed visas will be a red flag to immigration and could lead to questions and hassle whenever you try to enter the country. I don’t know how long you hope to stay for? Remember you can stay for nearly 3 months on Tourist Visa.
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
I am currently on an exemption stamp and have extended. I was looking to come back for a bit longer and have a little more security with the visa situation. Still, it sounds like an Ed visa may not be secure. I’ll do a bit more digging.
Alistair **********
@Kerry ********
get a METV from your home country. You can get up to 9 months with it, doing border runs and extensions. Possibly push that up to a year with a few visa exempt entries.
Roberto *********
Get a non-o visa. Less restrictions on coming and going
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is a non o visa not for over 50s? I am under 50 and need no further medical treatment, so I am unable to get a medical visa.
Alistair ********
Get yourself a bong and stay at home. Avoid all the headaches.
Chris ******
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *******
Really good, helpful advice. Thanks so much!
Bonnie *******
If you have medical issues you might be able to get a medical treatment visa
Kerry *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ******
I don’t require any further medical treatment.
Brandon ************
For the foreseeable future and potentially for many years, you'll be pulled aside when you try enter Thailand and grilled for 45 minutes - 1 hour about why you were in Thailand, why you're back again, why you spend so much time in Thailand etc. You'll possibly also be asked to show proof of where you're staying, proof of your ticket out of Thailand, and proof of 20,000 baht in cash.

These are all experiences of people with any ED stamp in their passport, even from over a year ago.

If you're fine with that and don't expect to leave Thailand at all during the entire period of your training, then there's no reason for you not to pursue your plan.
Benjamin *********
@Brandon ***********
@Seanos *********
perhaps ED visa isn’t such a great idea after all 😬
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