What Should We Consider When Applying for Guardian Visas and Choosing an International School in Thailand?

May 29, 2020
5 years ago
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone,

My wife, two children and I normally live in China, but have been in Thailand as tourists since February as we are currently not allowed to return to China (foreigners are banned). As it seems increasingly unlikely that we'll be able to return anytime soon, we are looking into putting our kids in an international school here and getting ourselves guardian visas. We plan to start contacting schools next week. The visa process looks fairly straightforward from what we've read (it seems it can all be done from within the country...but I could be wrong). However, I was wondering if there's anything we should be asking the school we choose about the visa process (e.g. any potential pitfalls I might not be aware of). The only issue I can really think of right now is about the timing. As you know, we can currently stay here until July 31st. However, the school term for the international schools doesn't start until the beginning of September. Will the authorities approve our visas starting from July 31st? Anything else I should be asking or be aware of? We are UK/US passport holders if that matters at all. Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A family currently in Thailand as tourists, looking to apply for guardian visas and enroll their children in an international school, is seeking advice on potential pitfalls and questions to ask schools regarding the visa process, especially considering their current expiration date and the start of the school term.
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok. Thanks for the advice. I'll contact them asap.
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
So it's probably not possible then (unless we are able to leave the country first)?
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok. I see.
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do you mean without having to leave the country? Or is this an additional requirement?
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are still employed in China. But we do our jobs remotely.
Robert *******
So you work while inside Thailand which means you need the work permit and a visa that allows you to work in combination with the work permit. I did not make these rules so please, I just inform you. For more information Ministry of Labor or the Royal Thai Police Immigration bureau in your area.
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We don't work here.
Robert *******
Not sure what you like to do inside Thailand but a pitfall could be that the Non Immigrant O visa based on having children going to school inside Thailand is working prohibited.
Lee *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes.
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