What are the visa options for studying CELTA and extending stay in Chiang Mai?

Question

Hello, I have searched the group, so forgive me if this scenario has already been presented.  I am planning to go to Chiang Mai (from Myanmar where I currently live) to study for a CELTA (4-week course) and then plan to stay in Chiang Mai for about 3 months after the course has finished (I WILL NOT be working during this time- just a tourist).  I am a British national and plan to apply for the 6-month tourist visa in Yangon (to cover the length of my course +30 days) and then extend for 30 additional days (while in Thailand).    From my understanding, after 90 days of stay on this tourist visa, I will be able to do a border run and come back on a visa-free extension for my last 30 days. I plan on moving to a new country at the end of this time. I know it is often up to the immigration officers, but does anyone have experience with this/advice?  Thanks so much for your help.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A British national plans to study for a CELTA course in Chiang Mai for four weeks and then stay as a tourist for approximately three additional months. They intend to apply for a 6-month tourist visa in Yangon, extending their stay further while in Thailand. The user seeks advice on the process, especially regarding the validity and extensions of their intended tourist visa.

Emily *********** · Answer

Hi thanks so much for your helpful responses. I really appreciate it. I currently live and work in Myanmar legally and am a resident with a 1 year multi-entry visa, I am registered with Myanmar government as living here. I don’t think I am considered a permanent resident though, as I do not plan to settle here- not sure though.

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted] and [mention redacted] spotted and asked are you a legal resident of Myanmar? <- meaning do you work there legally with the correct visa and work permits? Just being a brit who happens to live in Burma isn't gonna be enough for you to get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa.

You could however get a single entry tourist visa. Understand the way that works is the visa is VALID for 3 months <- meaning you have 3 months to enter thailand when you'll get stamped in for 60 days like everyone on a tourist visa does, AND you could get a 30 day extension on that at the immigration office.

Robert ******* · Answer

The 6 months valid Tourist Visa is a multiply entry visa and on each entry during these 6 months you get 60 days of stay.

You can get, when good planned almost 270 days of stay out of this visa, no need for Visa Exempt Entries to cover a 4 month period.

Arrive get a 60 days period of stay

Border run get a new 60 day period

Border run get a new 60 day period.

What are the visa options for studying CELTA and extending stay in Chiang Mai?

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