What is the process to obtain an ED visa in Thailand and can it be done while already in the country?

ED visa Thailand immigration student visa visa extension language schools non-ED visa trip planning Thailand expat advice

Dec 12, 2021

3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey guys, could someone explain ED visa to me? Is it possible to get an ED visa when you're already in Thailand? Sometimes I walk by schools that seem to offer this. Or do you need to get the visa before arriving?

I'm coming to the end of my 60(+30) day TR visa. I'm heading home for Christmas, but I expect to come back to Thailand next year for a longer period. I'm taking lessons now with a private teacher, but she doesn't offer the ED visa, so I'm wondering if I should talk to some schools while I'm still here to help arrange a visa for when I come back.

Thanks for the help!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The ED (Education) visa allows individuals to study in Thailand and can be obtained both inside and outside of the country. For foreign students currently on a tourist visa, they need to consult with language schools while still in Thailand about acquiring the ED visa. If you wish to obtain the ED visa while in Thailand, you must have sufficient time left on your current entry stamp; it's generally required to have 15 to 21 days remaining depending on the location. If processing is initiated with a school, it's possible to apply for the ED visa after returning to your home country, allowing you to enter Thailand with a 90-day ED visa upon your return. Additionally, those seeking to study must pay tuition fees and complete necessary paperwork through the school.

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

What about re-entry? Is it a single entry visa for the whole (up to) 1 year? To leave and come back, could I get a reentry permit of some sort?

3 years ago

Daniel *****************************

@Andrew *********

a related question

@Benjamin *****

, can one obtain an ED visa inside the country even if they entered the country with a Non-B visa?

3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

One last question

@Benjamin *****

, to get a re-entry permit, do I need to know when I will re-enter? Or is it flexible, anytime within the remainder of the stamp?

3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

That's super helpful, thank you 🙂

3 years ago

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I would only pop out of the country for a weekend or two travelling in neighboring countries. Is it easy and simple enough to get another TR visa at embassies in, say, Malaysia/Cambodia/Vietnam? If so it might make more sense to just do 90 days at a time with TR visas + extensions. I'm not sure how viable of an option that would be

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Andrew *********

ASSUMING everything returns like it was Pre-COVID-19 (including the borders reopening, no Thai Pass, no health insurance, etc...).

1. A person can enter Thailand TWICE by land in a calendar year on a visa exempt. A person will be granted ONE 30 day extension of stay based on tourism, which can be extended ONCE by another 30 days.

2. A person can get "unlimited" tourist visas at neighboring Thai consulates (the Thai consulate in Vientiane, the Thai Consulate in KL, etc), until the Thai consulate says "no", and tells you to get the correct visa for your stay. When one consulate says "no", try another.

3. A person can get "unlimited" visa exempts by air. A person will be granted ONE 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. It is "unlimited" until passport control says you're abusing the system and rejects you on entry.

AS OF RIGHT NOW (During COVID-19), only Cambodia is open for air-based border bounces. I have not heard of any reports of how this is actually implemented, or anyone who successfully did such a bounce.

3 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I see, that makes sense. Thanks!

3 years ago

Ellie *******

re-entry permit would be valid same as your current stamp. If you have 1-year extension, re-entry permit as well.

3 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

Andrew **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great, thank you guys! I will start trying to find one here in CM and get started

3 years ago

Richard ***********

I just walked into one 2 days ago and started the process mate

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

There are two types of ED visas. All ED visas are valid for 90 days, and a person acquires an extension of stay to stay longer in Thailand. A visa is 2K THB (if purchased inside Thailand) or equivalent local currency. All extension of stays are 1,900 THB. Of course, there will be additional tuition fees required.

The first type is for formal students who are seeking a degree at a university in Thailand. This type of visa can be acquired outside of Thailand, and inside of Thailand. A person can acquire as many extension of stays as required for the length of the degree program. It does not sound like you're a formal student.

The second type is for informal students, such as those studying Thai language. This type of visa is commonly acquired inside Thailand, however may be issued outside of Thailand as well. A person can only study Thai language for one year.

To get an in-country visa, you will need a certain amount of time remaining on your "admitted to" stamp. Each immigration office has their own policy; it's 15 days for Bangkok and 21 days for Chiang Mai. If you have less then 15 days remaining for Bangkok immigration or 21 days remaining for Chiang Mai, you can not get the in-country visa.

You will need to talk to a language school about what their process is for acquiring an ED visa in-country. We do not allow language school suggestions in the group, and you should ask at a local Facebook group for their suggestions.

3 years ago

Tod *********

One of the best ways to do it is to talk to some schools NOW, see which one you want to enroll in, sign up, pay the tuition, have them start processing the paperwork from the Ministry of Education

Then you go home and if they can get the documentation in time, have them send them to you and you apply for the 90 day ED visa while you're in your country.

So when you fly in you''ll get stamped in for 90 days on that ED visa.

3 years ago

Tod *********

failing that, the alternate would still be to talk to the schools while you're here now, find out which ones CAN get an in country 90 day Non-ED visa issued at the immigration office in the area where the school is, enroll in the school get them going on the paperwork, go back home, then come in on a 30 day visa exempt entry or get a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here. Once they get the documentation go to the immigration office and apply for the in country 90 day Non-ED visa

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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Should I apply for a Thai ED visa before traveling or can I do it after entering on a tourist visa?

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