What should I know about the ED visa for studying at North Chiang Mai University?

Question

North Chiang Mai University ED visa
My spouse and I are planning a long-term move to Chiang Mai and reviewing visa options. We are looking into Thai language certificate programs hosted through local private universities (specifically Payap University and North-Chiang Mai University) coordinated via local visa agencies.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone currently enrolled or who has recently completed these non-degree university language programs (2025–2026):

1. Attendance & Class Format: How strict is the actual attendance currently? Are classes strictly online via Zoom, or is in-person attendance being enforced by immigration/MHESI for 90-day extension checks?

2. Spending Time Away from Chiang Mai: How manageable is spending 2–3 months in another province (e.g., Hua Hin) during burning season while on this university ED visa? Does leaving Chiang Mai create problems with TM.30 address updates or extension renewals?

3. Extension Checks & Testing: How smooth are extension approvals through university visa liaisons at Chiang Mai Immigration? Do officers conduct language interviews or tests for university certificate students?

Any real-world feedback from recent or current students would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The inquiry discusses considerations for obtaining an ED visa to study Thai language courses at North Chiang Mai University. Key concerns include attendance policies, the feasibility of spending extended time outside Chiang Mai without affecting visa status, and the process of visa extension through the university's program. Responses indicate that attendance is strictly enforced, and leaving the province for extended periods could pose challenges for visa compliance and extensions. Experiences shared include issues with immigration during entry despite holding a valid ED visa.

Moisel ******** · Answer

Look for dtv visa it might be the best option for you

CuriousO******** · Answer

Do not go for it! Even though the visa is legit and valid, I was denied entry and deported back despite holding ED visa to study Thai language and culture at North Chiang Mai uni. The airport immigration knows it’s just for the sake of visa (not actual study course), one immigration officer at Suvarnabhumi demanded money saying to make him happy, I refused, and then taken to a room, asked me to sign a paper, and after 20 mins they tell me that I’m being deported! I had ED visa and re-entry permit. Was returning to Thailand

StunningA********** · Answer

Dude , ED visa in Chiangmai is super strict. I think you get 9 un attendance a year before visa is cancelled.

This is not the option for you if your planning on wanting freedom. (Did this for two years in CM, it got real boring being stuck. )

Duncan ******* · Answer

You asked the same question on r/ChiangMai earlier this morning - I'm not sure why you think the answer would be different here. You have to turn up to class in person, it is enforced and you can't disappear down south for 2-3 months while enrolled to study.

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John ********** · Answer

It doesn't sound like that option is suitable for you. If you don't intend to attend and study under an ED visa you should look for an alternative visa option. ED visas come under much more scrutiny now due to exactly what you are wanting to do

What should I know about the ED visa for studying at North Chiang Mai University?

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