Answered8 years ago

What should I consider when applying for an ED visa in Thailand and planning to leave for Christmas?

ED Visa Thailand Visa Rules Re-Entry Permit 90 Day Reports Language School Holidays in Thailand

asked Mar 24, 2019

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Hello everyone!

When I return to Thailand this summer, I plan to study Thai and apply for an ED visa (but I will arrive on a SETV and sort out school papers etc first). 

I know that the ED visa is initially for 3 month, which you then can extend another 9 month so it becomes a year. 

However, I have promised my parents to come home for Christmas this year, so I want to take about 3 weeks holiday for Christmas in my home country (mid December to 1 week in January).

The extension will be taken care of well in time before I plan to leave Thailand. 

Can anyone tell me if there’s any specific rules I have to keep in mind here after getting the extension, or is it enough that I just get a re-entry permit before leaving? When it comes to the 90 day reports, It shouldn’t be in conflict with the time I’m away, timeline wise.

Answer summary

The user plans to apply for an ED visa in Thailand after arriving on a SETV but will take a holiday for Christmas. They seek to know if there are any specific rules regarding their visa status while away and mention the importance of a re-entry permit and keeping their extension valid. Comments suggest ensuring school enrollment approval and consulting with the school regarding the timeline.

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Tod *********

Seeing as a LOT of language schools (especially ones geared towards foreign students) close from before Christmas until after New Year, you shouldn't have any problem leaving for 3 weeks.

I would get a letter from your school stating you're still enrolled and have approval to miss class, AND make sure your extension is valid at least thru the time you will return to thailand for (so it doesn't cancel while you're gone :O) AND make sure you buy a single re-entry permit just before you leave at the immigration office for 1000baht.

8 years ago

Charlotte ********

Tod Daniels I was thinking something in that direction as well. Will talk with the school. Thank you both! Robert Lagas

8 years ago

Robert *******

You are correct that you will get the Single Entry Non Immigrant ED visa and get 90 days of stay on entry. Before these 90 days are finished you apply for the Extension of Stay and depending on where you stay and school this could be 60 or 90 days at one time. If you wish to take a holiday during the course best is discuss this with the school when you apply for the course and documents for the visa.

8 years ago

Robert *******

As I said,discus that with your school. For the Extension of Stay you need to be a minimum amount of hours in the class room. There is even a post on this page that this must be confirmed by other class mates. It all depends on where you go to school, what the school program is and how this school program is registered at the Ministry of Education. I can not give you a specific advice as there are thousands of schools in Thailand.

8 years ago

Charlotte ********

@Robert ******

thank you, of course I have to talk with them about the courses and all that, I was just thinking more regarding the visa it self, I don’t want to risk it becoming invalid over a short holiday and is hoping that a re-entry permit is what I need. Or if I need more documentation stating that I’m allowed to leave from the school to bring to immigration or something like that.

8 years ago