This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What should I know about studying Thai on an education visa while planning to live in Chiang Mai for a year?

Sep 5, 2025
a day ago
Heidi *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, just wondering if anyone here has any experience with studying Thai on an education visa ? —- would love to find out more and all about it ..

And also wondering if anyone would see any reason for it to be a problem for me if….

I’m booked to be in Chiang Mai in December for 4 weeks on a holiday visit … but then I’m really looking into wanting to come back in 2026 hoping/dreaming / looking into taking a gap year never took ( 38 now lol ) and living in Chiang Mai for a year as a bit of a adventure … was thinking of emersing myself in Thai culture and learning thai on a education visa hopefully 🤞🏼 that’s my idea so far but doing the research now … as I’d love to be out of melb Australia by next winter I’d love to be over there by June …. Would anyone foresee me running into any difficulties if I was there for 4 weeks in Dec 2025 and then hoping to go back more long term day end of may /June next year??? I don’t know if they will be like why are you back etc… haha I just love Chiang Mai I’d love to do this adventure and love abroad for a year … crazy scary but also life is short and I need a big shake up it feels . …

Also I’m no digital nomad so don’t see that I can go down that route ….
256
views
1
likes
4
all likes
3
replies
0
images
4
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking advice on obtaining an education visa for studying Thai while planning a long-term stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They have concerns about the timeline of their visits—first for a short holiday in December 2025, followed by a return in June 2026 for a gap year. Responses highlight that using a reputable school for the visa application is crucial, along with providing necessary documentation such as proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
Christer *****
Proof of acceptance at approved school. Proof of enough funds for the period. Apply from the country where you reside. And clean rap sheet.
Alek *********
So what's your problem? If you are such rich and don't have to care about surviving.....
Fyre ********
I am looking at doing the same. Heading to Chiang Mai in December, but for 2 months, then returning on and education visa for learning Thai and the culture. From my research, it doesn't seem that there will be any problems as long as you use a reputable school for your visa application
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else