Answered2 months ago
What should I consider when re-entering Thailand after my ED visa expires?
Re-entering Thailand after an ED Visa — advice needed 🙏
Hello!
My partner and I have been in Thailand for almost a year — 3 months on visa exemption + 9 months on an ED Visa (expiring next month). We attended a genuine Thai school and studied throughout this time. Unfortunately, our school can’t extend the ED unless we switch to a cooking or massage course, which we don’t want to do.
We’re thinking of going abroad for a couple of weeks, then returning to Thailand on visa exemption/tourist visa and applying for a new ED Visa from Thailand (for next level of Thai)
We’ve heard we could face problems at immigration because we’ve already spent so long in Thailand, and some people suggested doing a border run with an agency instead. We’d much rather actually travel somewhere, though, if re-entry is reasonably safe.
Our immigration history is very clean — no visa runs, no previous issues, and no suspiciously long stays. We also genuinely studied Thai and can read, write and speak some Thai, so we’re not worried about being tested.
We are aware we need to cancel our ED visa at immigration.
Has anyone had a similar situation: left Thailand after an ED Visa, travelled abroad, then successfully re-entered and applied for a new ED Visa?
Would you recommend anything specific to minimise the risk of problems at re-entry or we shouldn't be very worried since we can actually prove our language skills and attendance (our school even post videos from every class on their social media, so our presence can be tracked there too)?
We were advised Fast Track, but so far only found an agency that do it via Krabi, which unfortunately doesn't have a direct flight to the destination we chose.
Thank you so much for any advice! 🙏🙏
Hello!
My partner and I have been in Thailand for almost a year — 3 months on visa exemption + 9 months on an ED Visa (expiring next month). We attended a genuine Thai school and studied throughout this time. Unfortunately, our school can’t extend the ED unless we switch to a cooking or massage course, which we don’t want to do.
We’re thinking of going abroad for a couple of weeks, then returning to Thailand on visa exemption/tourist visa and applying for a new ED Visa from Thailand (for next level of Thai)
We’ve heard we could face problems at immigration because we’ve already spent so long in Thailand, and some people suggested doing a border run with an agency instead. We’d much rather actually travel somewhere, though, if re-entry is reasonably safe.
Our immigration history is very clean — no visa runs, no previous issues, and no suspiciously long stays. We also genuinely studied Thai and can read, write and speak some Thai, so we’re not worried about being tested.
We are aware we need to cancel our ED visa at immigration.
Has anyone had a similar situation: left Thailand after an ED Visa, travelled abroad, then successfully re-entered and applied for a new ED Visa?
Would you recommend anything specific to minimise the risk of problems at re-entry or we shouldn't be very worried since we can actually prove our language skills and attendance (our school even post videos from every class on their social media, so our presence can be tracked there too)?
We were advised Fast Track, but so far only found an agency that do it via Krabi, which unfortunately doesn't have a direct flight to the destination we chose.
Thank you so much for any advice! 🙏🙏
Answer summary
A user seeks advice on re-entering Thailand after completing an Education Visa (ED Visa) for Thai language studies. They plan to travel abroad before returning on a tourist visa and reapply for a new ED Visa but are concerned about potential immigration issues due to their lengthy stay in Thailand. Other community members share their insights, suggesting that applying for a new Education Visa from a Thai embassy before returning may minimize re-entry problems and warning about possible scrutiny at immigration given their recent visa history. They discuss alternative options like border runs, fast track services, and necessary documentation to support their case upon re-entry.
40 repliesnewest first
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JazzyChe*********
Fast tracking is available again at the Bkk airport just at a hire price through an agency. When there is a will there is a way. I’ve been getting away with visa runs for the past 3 years after my ED visa 😅
Angelo ***********
Don't grasp what your question is.
JazzyChe*********
There are agencies that can help you with fast tracking when you’re entering Thailand but it’s not cheap. You can also fly to Laos from whatever country you are planning to go to then the agency will help you to cross the border
chupach********
OPJazzyChestnut5863 thank you so much!
JazzyChe*********
chupachups
*****
when there is a will there is a way!
John*****
JazzyChestnut5863 fast track (safe entry) not currently available
Htet *******
Since you genuinely studied and have a clean immigration history, your chances are much better. However, entering back on a Visa Exemption or Tourist Visa right after a 9-month ED Visa can still trigger extra checks at Thai Immigration.
To minimize risks when re-entering:
Ensure you officially Cancel your current ED Visa at Immigration and get the cancellation stamp/paper.
Prepare full entry proof: Proof of funds (min 2**** THB cash/person), Outbound Flight Ticket within your visa period, and Hotel Bookings.
Bring School Attendance Certificates / Recommendation Letter from your current language school as proof of genuine study.
You can check this
To minimize risks when re-entering:
Ensure you officially Cancel your current ED Visa at Immigration and get the cancellation stamp/paper.
Prepare full entry proof: Proof of funds (min 2**** THB cash/person), Outbound Flight Ticket within your visa period, and Hotel Bookings.
Bring School Attendance Certificates / Recommendation Letter from your current language school as proof of genuine study.
You can check this
@Shwe *****
page for more detailed information and other available services.Christopher ********
I think that an immigration officer might wonder if your purpose for re-entering Thailand is touristic. Hopefully, they'll ask you and listen to your story.
JazzyChe*********
Christopher Leslie so many people do this
Christopher ********
I think it's hard for foreigners to imagine the job of an immigration officer.
Donald **********
So you currently live on a small island in Thailand which has a school which teaches Thai, only to a beginner level. It appears you want to return to this island, which you refer to as home. If that is the case, learning further Thai courses to a higher level is not possible. If you want to further your Thai studies you need to find options off the island. Or you can try the Muay Thai option, if it is available, on the ‘island’. What you wish for and what is possible are completely different things and the Thai government is currently clamping down on abused tourist or what is perceived as tourist entry to Thailand.
chupach********
OPDonald Campbell no I didn't say that. They teach all levels. It was 9 months beginner+ intermediate. They do teach advance, but new visa is required. I don't have a problem with obtaining another ED visa, finding a school or proving my language skills. My question was about possibility of going outside - since this is also not easily done while ON ED visa and attendance is important. I understand however how it is perceived by the immigration and it's quite frustrating knowing no matter how correct I tried to be, I'm being put in the same bag with 90% of people that abused it, chose not to show up or show effort.
Chris *********
chupachups
*****
It doesn't matter that you are being lumped in with the others who have abused the ED visa, shoot many of us are being lumped in with the aholes who abused plenty of things here in Thailand. But it doesn't change the fact that we need to deal with the new reality until this all calms down.Donald **********
chupachups
*****
What island?
James **********
Good luck your going to need it ,,,
Sujy *********
Your chance of being allowed back in by air is close to 0%.
You either need an airport which still work with agent for fast track, or border run with agent. But there no universe in which someone who just ended an ED VISA will be allowed back in by air on their own. It doesn't mattter if you truly studied Thai and went to school, officer assume nobody does by default.
You either need an airport which still work with agent for fast track, or border run with agent. But there no universe in which someone who just ended an ED VISA will be allowed back in by air on their own. It doesn't mattter if you truly studied Thai and went to school, officer assume nobody does by default.
chupach********
OPSujy Sujaree thank you for your input 🙏
Paddy *****
Your school can’t extend your ED visa for a reason. They are only offer beginner Thai thus can’t let you do a second year. For further Thai study you need to enroll in two year Thai language program in University. I know Chulalongkorn in Bangkok offers one. And I know friends attended two years there. When they finished they can read and write Thai.
chupach********
OPPaddy Kan they can offer advanced too. Just on the next visa
Mark *********
Go via land through an agency — guaranteed back in.
chupach********
OPMark Staples yeah, I'm aware visa run is an option. Just really wanted to go outside the country for couple of weeks, but seems like visa we chose makes us lool like criminals 🤡 😂
Yo***
chupachups
*****
Entry denied does not mean criminal. Just entry denied. That is all.Christopher ********
chupachups
*****
The visa doesn't make you seem like criminals, but the question is, are you really a tourist after you've been here a year already?chupach********
OPChristopher Leslie I understand your point
Mark *********
chupachups
There’s only something like a 0.1% denial rate despite what people say. No one posts when everything goes smoothly, which is probably 99.9% of the time.
*****
That’s what I mean — Vientiane, Laos → taxi to the Friendship Bridge → cross by land into Nong Khai. Otherwise, just fly in.There’s only something like a 0.1% denial rate despite what people say. No one posts when everything goes smoothly, which is probably 99.9% of the time.
Brandon ************
chupachups12234
****************************
*****
https://thaivisaservice.com/chupach********
OPMark Staples oh, I didn't consider that option. Did you do it before? Is there any agency you could recommend?
John **********
I certainly wouldn't recommend trying to enter visa exempt. You've just spent 12 months in Thailand, even an actual tourist visa can be risky, and that's without knowing anything about your history in Thailand prior to your current 12 month stay.
Angelo ***********
@John *********
Stupid comment. You can spend time in Thailand as long as you want on visa exempt. It is up to the IO if you get in or not.chupach********
OP@John *********
thank you for your answer. I didn't visit Thailand for 10 months before moving here, before that maximum stay at one time was around a month, maximum 4 months over 2 years prior. Nothing suspicious, no visa runs or overstay.
Peter ******
What is your reason for wanting to go to Thailand ?
chupach********
OPPeter West putting aside the the fact that I'm here already - in order to continue my Thai language course after finishing beginner and intermediate program.
James *******
chupachups
*****
Naw, don't believe that's the real reason. You've admittedly spent 6 hours a week taking classes for the past many months. I'd venture to say, and bet on, that it's closer to the truth that it's what you've been enjoying during the other 162 hours of each week that makes you desire to LIVE in Thailand. No ill will intended, just sayin' 🫣. That being said, I can understand your desire, and I wish you complete success in achieving your goal. 👍🙏chupach********
OPJames Dewey well obviously, isn't that why we are all here? Does one exclude the other? I do care about learning Thai, and everyone who does too can admit that the whole experience with being here upgrades to a new level - same here like in any other country in the world.
Brandon ************
Why are you planning on leaving and returning as a tourist for another education visa? Why not get the education visa from a Thai embassy before returning? That's the way it is meant to be done, and should provide the least potential for problems.
There was just a post 2 days ago from someone who was on an ED visa for 8 months, left Thailand and returned as a tourist as was denied entry. Just having an education visa in your passport all but guarantees you will be scrutinized on entry for 3-5 years afterwards. ED visa is the most abused of all the visa types, and immigration knows it. They are wary of anyone they see trying to enter that has one in their passport. I would not take any chances when it comes to trying to enter after having one.
As you stated, Fast Track is not currently available, so the best option to you is to get a proper visa BEFORE trying to enter Thailand, and not trying to enter as a "tourist" after just living in Thailand for a year. If I was an immigration officer, I wouldn't consider you a legitimate tourist after that.
There was just a post 2 days ago from someone who was on an ED visa for 8 months, left Thailand and returned as a tourist as was denied entry. Just having an education visa in your passport all but guarantees you will be scrutinized on entry for 3-5 years afterwards. ED visa is the most abused of all the visa types, and immigration knows it. They are wary of anyone they see trying to enter that has one in their passport. I would not take any chances when it comes to trying to enter after having one.
As you stated, Fast Track is not currently available, so the best option to you is to get a proper visa BEFORE trying to enter Thailand, and not trying to enter as a "tourist" after just living in Thailand for a year. If I was an immigration officer, I wouldn't consider you a legitimate tourist after that.
chupach********
OP@Brandon ***********
I have read this post, but the history of this person was quite different from what I remember - he didn't study Thai for real, didn't have return ticket and enough cash.I have applied for my initial ED Visa from inside Thailand also. I want to continue my education either with next level of Thai language or Muay Thai. As you could imagine leaving your home of a year for 2 months to wait for the visa is not really the most suitable option. For muay Thai school I can't even apply from outside the country. I live on a small island and options here are very limited.
I understand this visa is abused by some, my school was always very strict with rules and attendance and I was truly not aware I will be treated like a criminal just for having one. Especially after spending 6h a week in a classroom and actually speaking the language.
You know, I'm only trying to follow the rules, I have never abused Thai immigration system, not recently and not over the past years. What strikes me is that the safest option is doing a visa run, which on its own is not the most genuine solution, yet seems like the only one for us at the moment.
Paid more money for a decent school with good teachers, just to be treated like someone who opted for an easier solution.
Anyway, thank you for your valuable input 🙏
Brandon ************
chupachups
*****
if you paid for a "good" school then they should be able to provide you the paperwork to apply for the visa at a Thai embassy. That's the way visas are supposed to be obtained. Whether you studied or not is irrelevant. You just lived in Thailand for a year, and now you want to leave and return as a "tourist" when you're clearly not a tourist.chupach********
OPChris DeGrego that's why I'm asking for an advice here, to see other people experience. I didnt have to contemplate it before. If I knew it will be so much hassle from the beginning, I would have opted for a different option at that time. I get your point though, I will probably chose a safer option.
Chris *********
chupachups
*****
You have been in Thailand and have not figured out that the rules are only a suggestion. There is a sea of grey and within that grey you reside. Now you could get lucky and not be hassled, but there is a high probability that you will. So what do you do if you get denied entry? You cool with that? If not, then why would you leave it up to chance and the demeanor of the agent at the time you arrive at their window.chupach********
OP@Brandon ***********
Well, I can agree I'm not a tourist (that's why I would apply for a visa straight away), but I can imagine that theoretically there are people that finished their education visa, were unable to travel the country due to class attendance and now want to explore.I know you are only stating the facts and the written rules, but just can't wrap my head around how I'm being perceived by the system, while spending so much effort doing actually what students on this visa are supposed to do. But I understand your point. Thank you for warning me, I was close to booking my flights today, but changed my mind 😅
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