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Answered4 years ago

What should I expect when returning to Thailand on an ED visa after traveling?

Vili *********
asked Jan 27, 2023
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Hi everyone,

just want to share my experience before 2 days.

I am on ED visa for 6 months, and i travel for 4 days to vietnam and come back through Suvarnabhumi airport i have my re entry permit already.

So immigration officer checking my passport and see I am on ed visa, then ask me what am I doing in thailand, I say study thai as soon I say that she switch conversation on thai, then I explain on thai that i cannot speak much and I just start it to learn, then she ask how long I study thai, what is the name of school and why you want to learn thai. Next thing she ask booking confirmation where I stay which of course I dont have because my thai gf book condo under her name. Then I call gf to come to the counter at immigration and they talk with each other.

That immigration officer was friendly and at the end she say and I will quote her "I hope you understand me why I need to ask these question, because many people overstay"

So long story short if you leave Thailand while you on ed visa there is pretty big chances that you will be questioned by immigration upon your arrival back.

I dont know if I see in this or another group that another people also get questioned, so just want to tell my story so you can be prepared.
Answer summary
A user shared their experience of returning to Thailand on an ED visa after a short trip to Vietnam. Upon arrival, they faced questions from the immigration officer regarding their language studies, accommodation, and the necessity of questioning due to concerns over overstays. The officer was friendly and explained the reasons for the inquiries. Several commenters noted similar experiences regarding increased scrutiny for visa holders, especially with the recent crackdowns on visa abuses.
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Adrian ******
Adrian ******
Playing truant on classes after less than 2 weeks would make me think not genuine as well
Vili *********
Vili *********
OP
@Adrian *****
not really care what you think i am just sharing experience.
Russell *******
Russell *******
So nice that she gave you an explanation of why she asked you the questions 🙏
Vili *********
Vili *********
OP
@Russell ******
yes i was also suprised about that.
Toby *********
Toby *********
They are questing everyone. I had a visa from the embassy in the USA and still got questioned. They said what I’m doing and I told them I’m retired in USA and they said okay cool. Was in Thailand for about 8 months last year.
Duncanc **********
Duncanc **********
How are your Thai lessons coming along?
Vili *********
Vili *********
OP
@Duncanc *********
well its my 3rd language so need time to proccess all new vocab we learn, dont have problem with tones much because learn before, but i have problem with creating a sentence which need to be in particular order, so its just issue on my own.
Duncanc **********
Duncanc **********
@Vili ********
if it’s a good school then I’m sure some here would appreciate the deets
Dylan *********
Dylan *********
Overstay? She can see your visa expiration date tho
Duncanc **********
Duncanc **********
@Dylan ********
false visa application is also illegal
Gordon ********
Gordon ********
Seems fair, when I studied in China the IO would do the same when I entered the country.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
You've been on ED for 6 months already but couldn't carry on a conversation in Thai? Seems a little sketchy. My school had us speaking basic Thai at the end of 1 month.

But in general any ED visa in a passport is going to draw extra scrutiny right now after the huge investigation and cancelling of many visas.

Thank you for your report.
Mike ******
Mike ******
@Brandon ***********
wow what / where is that amazing school where you learned basic Thai in one month. 😄 they will put all competition out of business.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Mike *****
Duke Language School. 3 hours per day 5 days per week.
Duncanc **********
Duncanc **********
@Mike *****
exactly
Vili *********
Vili *********
OP
@Brandon ***********
ed visa is for 6 month, just start learning before 2 weeks.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Vili ********
ah okay. Be careful about leaving in the future. If you leave too often they are going to ask how you are attending class if you're traveling all the time.

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