What should I know before traveling abroad with a Thai Education Visa (ED visa)?

Thai Education Visa Traveling on Education Visa Re-Entry Permit Immigration Concerns Thai Language Study Emergency Travel Visa Regulations

Sep 26, 2024

3 months ago

Jason ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

# Update in 2024 on Education Visa and Traveling abroad: Has anyone with the ED visa while living in Thailand travelled abroad recently? Any problems when coming back into Thailand? If so, how do I ensure it is smooth when I come back?

Background

1. I might have to travel abroad to USA for a Funeral of my Uncle - maybe 1 week. Then maybe to China as we have family there too, 1 week. So perhaps 2-3 weeks away before returning back. I am about 3 months out of 1 year into my ED Thai Language Study Visa. 

2. My University delivers its coursework online. My agent and the school assured me that this is fine and stated that I could travel abroad if I decide to do so - I confirmed this prior to applying for the ED Visa.  They can write me a letter stating I'm a current student. I have my student ID and coursework on my phone in PDF format as well

3. I believe that my Thai is better than 90% of students who have studied the same time I have (3 months). This is because I do daily immersion lessons on my own (outside of class).  I can explain exactly why I had to leave the country in Thai.  I need to learn a few vocabulary words though.

4. I'm aware I need a Re Entry Permit prior to travel

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses a user’s concerns about traveling abroad for a funeral while on an ED visa in Thailand. They seek advice on potential re-entry issues. Comments highlight that while it may be possible to travel with proper documentation (like a re-entry permit and a letter from their school), re-entry into Thailand is ultimately at the discretion of immigration officers, who may scrutinize the ED visa status, especially if it’s from a language school. General consensus suggests caution when leaving the country during this visa type.

Andy **********

The general advice seems to be, don't leave the country for the duration of an ED visa, you seem to be in quite a strong position, by attending a university and actually having a good understanding of the Thai language, and having all the paperwork as proof, I would say compared to some people, you have a lot lower risk of being denied upon arrival back to Thailand after a short break. But nobody can give you a 100% answer to your question, only a risk assessment based on circumstances.

3 months ago

Carsten ************

Only your IO can answer this. Ask them when applying for the re-entry permit. If they grant it, you're fine.

3 months ago

Brandon ************

@Carsten ***********

not true at all. The only one who knows if they get back in is the immigration officer they are standing in front of at the airport when they return. Lots of stories of people being denied entry after leaving and retuning while on a language school education visa. The visa is issued so you can attend school in Thailand, which you're not doing if you leave the country. Someone was denied entry despite the immigration officer calling and talking to the school administrator and having proof of the reason they needed to leave. There are no guarantees, ever.

3 months ago

Sally *******

@Brandon ***********

don't these schools have holidays? My daughter is learning Thai and looking to get an Ed visa, but if it means she can't visit us for Christmas or Easter that's a no go!!

3 months ago

Brandon ************

@Sally ******

the longest break a language school will have is the songkran holiday which is Thai new years. Usually get 2-3 days plus weekend, so 4-5 days in a row. Otherwise no. The purpose of the education visa for language school is because you said you MUST be in Thailand because you MUST attend class in person. If you're leaving Thailand you're not in Thailand attending your class.

Because the education is the most abused visa, it's looked at very harshly by immigration. Just having one in your passport will get you extra scrutiny for years when you enter Thailand.

3 months ago

Sally *******

@Brandon ***********

so for 12 solid months she can't leave the country? That's ridiculous.

3 months ago

Brandon ************

@Sally ******

she can leave the country whenever she wants. No one is forcing her to go to a foreign country.

Whether she can get back in different topic.

3 months ago

Sally *******

@Brandon ***********

but she wants to learn Thai, pretty difficult to learn in another country.

3 months ago

Sally *******

@Brandon ***********

but no school in any country runs for 12 months without a break. No 'real' school that is!

3 months ago

Reply to

Sally *******

Carsten ************

@Brandon ***********

shouldn't the re-entry permit being denied in those cases?

3 months ago

Brandon ************

@Carsten ***********

why would it be denied? The only thing it does is keep the stamp alive. EVERY entry to Thailand is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the moment. That has nothing to do with getting a re-entry permit

3 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

It's very risky. Make sure you have proof of why you left, a letter from your school stating it's okay for you to leave, and contact information for your school as well.

3 months ago

Us *****

I think you are fine with an ed visa from a university. It is the ones with an ed visa from a language school in Pattaya that would be questions. Come on, it is an open secret that the language schools in Pattaya are scam schools. Just make sure you have a re-entry permit with a letter from the school.

3 months ago

Stuart *********

Not sure anyone can advise with any accuracy. When you hand your passport to the immigration officer they may question you why you left when you are on a visa to study in Thailand.

They may not bat an eyelid.

If you can converse with them in Thai then you probably have a better chance than most to convince them of your reasons, but it’s up to them to grant you entry.

3 months ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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How long can I leave Thailand with a re-entry permit on an education visa during a family emergency?

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