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What should I expect when re-entering Thailand on an education visa regarding Thai language proficiency tests at immigration?

Feb 6, 2025
a year ago
Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is anyone on an education visa and has left the country and come back in ?

I'm curious to what the thai test is that that they do at immigration.

I have been paying a private tutor to help me learn thai for the last 5 mo ths because I wasn't learning in class, but I do struggle to learn ap I'm not good and I'm abit worried 😅
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the experiences of individuals holding an education (ED) visa in Thailand, particularly concerning the immigration process upon re-entering the country. Users share that immigration officers often conduct a Thai language test, asking various questions about the individual's studies and progress. Some express concern about strict enforcement, especially at Bangkok airports, while others share their experiences with obtaining a re-entry permit. The discussion highlights the importance of being prepared to answer questions in Thai and the potential challenges if the ED visa was obtained through questionable means.
Jonathan *********
If you have any real visa you have to get a reentry visa at immigration or the airport, and I am pretty sure there is no test to get it. Remember, some people get Ed visas to study Muy Thai, which does not involve much if the language.
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonathan ********
yes I have a multiple re entry permit . I heard if you study the language then they speak to you and ask question in thai to make sure you're going to class.
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Jonathan *********
@Aaron **************
*****
… never heard that one before
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonathan ********
I asked the visa woman and she confirmed that they do but she doesn't know what they ask haha
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Aaron ***************
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Taketo *********
My friend assign thai language class in bkk (1 year).

Suvarnabhumi airport entry, officer ask her all of question in thai language

1. who is your name

2. where you stay

3. how's your class, what knowledge that you learn so far

4. where location you study

5. what reason you study thai language

take almost 15 minutes, Lucky my friend can answer every single question that officer ask
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Taketo ********
thankyou . I'd only understand 2 of those questions 🤣🤣
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Aaron ***************
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James ********
Good Luck, as you may need it if you obtained the Ed Visa under the table.

Strongly suggest you stay in Thailand and not run risk to be DENIED entry.
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Tod *********
It's far more WHERE you got the ED visa issued than anything else. Immigrations will look what province you had the visa/extension issued from and they are well aware of those "sign up, don't study" programs that give you a year ED visa 😮

Even with a re-entry permit they seem to really question people, mostly because they look at it as; if you're on an ED visa you should be in class, not traveling 😛 The two bangkok airports are by far the worst for ED visa holders.

I mean you only know what you know, you shouldn't have much issue but you can. I know people who had letters from the school saying they knew the student was traveling for xxx dates and it was okay, get pulled aside and almost denied entry. So just do the best you can
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
my classes are all online they ain't in an actualy school. So I can travel and still attend class.

I got it in chiang mai and will be travelling from here and arriving back here.
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James ********
@Aaron **************
AND that is another reason to not leave Thailand.
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
? What's another reason ?
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James ********
@Aaron **************
do whatever you want. Good Luck 🍀 but be prepared for questions from the Thai Immigration officers on arrival about the Ed Visa you have AND possible denied entry
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
the thing is. I do have online class but I'm not good at learning so I pay a private tutor aswell which I do a 2 hour class 2 times a week in person or via laptop if I'm travelling .

So I do know thai but I'm not really good at it . I'm quite bad. I only know basic conversation, I can count and I know the colours .
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James ********
@Aaron **************
its the online study, which If Thai Immigration officers question you, may be problems. Raising their suspicions about the Ed Visa you have in your passport.
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Cara **********
@Aaron **************
better than most farang tbf. As long as you can answer some basic questions, you should be fine :)
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
whats wrong with online study ?
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John **********
@Aaron **************
the thing about online study is you can do it from anywhere. Therefore there's no need to even enter Thailand to study, never mind getting a visa
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John **********
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Tod *********
@Aaron **************
That is one of the easiest airports to get in to IF you have a valid visa/extension

Make sure you have or buy a re-entry permit or you will cancel your stamp when you exit..

You should be fine, safe travels
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thankyou. I've got my re entry stamp today. I can speak thai a little but I'm terrible at it and I'm just worried that I won't know enough to pass the rest entry test they give 😅🤣
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Tod *********
@Aaron **************
there is no real "test"

if you're enrolled in a thai language course and they see it's been months and months, they talk to you a bit, because they expect you to know something..

do the best you can, you'll be fine
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Aaron ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you 😊
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Aaron ***************
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