What is the best country to apply for an ED Visa for studying Thai language?

Nov 13, 2019
5 years ago
Sasipa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Need advice for ED-Visa as my boyfriend and I will go apply ED-Visa (thai language) next week. The school suggests us to go to Hanoi, Vietnam but our friend had a very tough experience overthere with a lot of interviews and barely got approved for his ED-Visa (the school prepares all documents for students). So anyone have any suggestions about which country should we go? I heard it is easier at Savannaket, Lao. Ps. School said avoid Vientiane, Lao due to New Head immigrantion officer there.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user seeks advice on applying for an ED Visa to study Thai language and is considering whether to go to Hanoi, Vietnam, or another location like Savannaket, Laos. Various commenters share their experiences, highlighting challenges in Hanoi, including a crackdown on ED Visa approvals, while recommending alternatives such as Kota Baru in Malaysia and HCMC. They emphasize the importance of having proper documentation and the influence of entry history on visa applications.
James ********
Good Luck to the OP and bf. Commenting closed.
Tod *********
The REAL question is;

What is your entry history BEFORE you decided to jump on the "let's study something and get an ED visa" bandwagon :O

If you've lived here for more than 6 months on back-2-back tourist visas, visa exempt entries, and 30 day extensions, you're gonna find that most consulates in the area are gonna look at your application with a very critical eye.. :/

I would say follow your school's advice, have the documents in order, meet the requirements and hope for the best.

Also keep in mind lF you have an extensive entry history, even if you get the ED visa, you could get questioned when you try to stamp back in on it.
Christine ********
I’ve had two ED visas from Hanoi and always found that if you have all the correct paperwork and are genuinely studying at a language school they are very efficient and professional.
Ivan ************
@Christine *******
it changed after that. There was no problem in April. They started their new policy around August or so. Interesting they even commented on the past Ed visas.
Ivan ************
When did you get the last one? There was an abrupt change there just a few months ago
Ivan ************
There are reports of Hanoi having a particular crack down on Ed visas and refusing virtually all of them. I do not think it would be a good idea. HCMC might be better. I know several people who were rejected in Hanoi recently for an Ed. This is a relatively recent (a few months) new policy specific to Hanoi.
Ruslan *********
In HCMC puting VOID stamps on ED visas. They don't refound fee like in Hanoi. Got a terrible experince in Septemper 2019. I think the ED visa not a good idia now. We had all the documents but was rejected.
Tucker *********
Don’t go to Hanoi!!! Very unfriendly.
Ivan ************
Hanoi started a specific crackdown on Ed visas a few months ago. To the extent they have a special preprinted rejection letter for them. It's not a good option for this, even if you meet the requirements.
Ron *******
This one made me laugh. Of all the injustices in the world, the Thai consulates now expect you to learn Thai on an ED visa if your studying in Thailand.

So unfair you cannot study French 😂

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98-restrictions-on-ed-visas-and-ed-visas-for-non-thai-languages/
Robert *******
Why do you say they are unfriendly?
Babo *********
i could recommend Kota Baru in Malaysia. Did it a few weeks ago. Laid back athmosphere. Not many people
Ivan ************
I'd ask them if they have had students approved at Hanoi within the last few months, specifically. Hanoi was absolutely fine for Ed visas until a few months ago when they abruptly started a new policy where they started rejecting almost all of them. If your school hasn't sent anyone there recently they might not have experienced this change. Alternately if they have, maybe it has since normalised.
Ron *******
Bare in mind they are now looking at how many previous visas in your passport before you decided to apply for the ED visa.
Robert *******
part of the documents are addressed to the Consul of xxxx place, if you like to go to your preferred Consulate make sure your school use the correct address.
Robert *******
The interviews are done if it is your second ED visa, if you did study it should be no problem.
Robert *******
School advice you a short holiday and sight seeing while the visa is in progress. I would say go for it, when you come back into Thailand it will be daily sitting in a class room, no more time for sight seeing.
Sasipa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
also it is my first ED-Visa
Sasipa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
thanks so I should have no problem with Hanoi? The school said i should at least stay there 5 days ..thats a little long for ED-Visa to approved?
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