What are the potential issues when re-entering Thailand on an ED visa after traveling abroad?

Aug 14, 2023
a year ago
Nicholas ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All - Has anyone with an ED visa for Thai language ever had problems re-entering Thailand? Or have any recommendations?

I have a 1-year ED visa that began in April. Next month I intend to travel outside of Thailand for 3 weeks. This is my first time traveling outside of Thailand with ED visa. (Will have re-entry permit + letter from language school)

Have heard different stories about Immigration sometimes not allowing some on language ED visa to return. Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around concerns and recommendations for re-entering Thailand on an ED visa for language studies after traveling abroad. It highlights the importance of carrying extensive documentation such as a re-entry permit and a letter from the institution. Participants noted that leaving Thailand on an ED visa could raise scrutiny at immigration, particularly about the educational requirements tied to the visa. Also, it's crucial to ensure that the visa is up-to-date with the necessary 90-day extensions completed to avoid denial of re-entry.
Bob **********
My girl was pulled aside and spoke to in Thai and they wanted her to answer in Thai also asked her to write something in Thai if your going to an accredited school and you can show your learning should be ok
Kool *******
With an ED visa, even though it is for 1 year, you still must extend it every 90 days. If you do not have an extension done in July, and now it's August, you could actually be denied entry. Lots used falsely issued ED visas during covid, and still, up to a few months back when it was all busted, with immigration officers from 3 different provinces fired and prosecuted. The people that had problems, and refused entry back into Thailand, were the ones that didn't have all the 90 day extensions they were supposed to have. The ones that had all the correct 90 day extensions had no problems re-entering.
Brandon ************
Very risky. The more documentation you can have with you regarding the reason you needed to leave Thailand the better.

Almost anyone with any ED in their passport even if it's from the past is facing extra scrutiny upon entering Thailand.

Leaving while on an ED can raise red flags as you have the visa/extension for the purpose of studying which you cannot do if you leave the country.

Expect to pulled out of line, asked questions about why you're in Thailand, why you left, and potentially asked questions in Thai and expected to respond in Thai.
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