Answered8 years ago

What visa do I need to study Thai language in Thailand, and what about my family members' visas?

ED Visa Thai Language School Family Visas Thai Citizenship Immigration Rules Visa Requirements

Selena ********

asked May 1, 2018

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My plan is to study Thai language next year. For this, I would need an ED visa, yes? But I will be living in Thailand with my husband and 6-year son. Do they require visas? If so which visa type? 

And just to make things complicated; my mum is a Thai-British citizen (but no Thai ID card and no family in Thailand so finding it hard to apply for the card). If she gained dual nationality and had her ID card, would I still need a visa after my language course finishes?

Answer summary

The user plans to study Thai language next year and questions whether an ED visa is necessary, as well as the visa requirements for their husband and child. The discussion also touches upon the user's mother's Thai-British citizenship and the implications of her obtaining a Thai ID card on their visa status after the language course.

14 repliesnewest first

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Alan *******

You do not need an ED visa to study. You can study on any visa.

8 years ago

Selena ********

Thank you, I did not know that so handy to know :)

8 years ago

Selena ********

I think Khon Kaen, Isaan - although her British passport actually says Bangkok lol This would literally save me so much hassle if I could get her that ID card which we'd spoken about in the past as she wants to retire in Thailand anyway.

8 years ago

Biff *******

You're very welcome :) I hope it all works out for you.

8 years ago

Selena ********

@Biff ******

Thank you - you've been a great help and things are really getting interesting! Yes, next port of call is a lawyer. Will keep you all updated :)

8 years ago

Biff *******

No, sorry. Never heard of any family tree thing. I reckon you should still talk to a Thai lawyer. Tell them the whole story (maybe substitute the phrase 'false name' with 'different name'?)

I'll bet it's not the first time they will have heard of such things and the main thing is to establish your mother's Thai citizenship, not whether or not she used the right name or not.

8 years ago

Selena ********

OK - things just got a bit more complicated lol Just got off the phone to mum. She obtained her ID card under a false name (long story) and reapplying for it under that name is a no go. It's a hassle that will definitely be worth it though, as you say, because it would really open up the doors for so many more opportunities for myself and family. I don't understand the concept of the family tree thing that she speaks of. Don't suppose you know of the process?

8 years ago

Biff *******

It might be worth sending these guys an email

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8 years ago

Biff *******

By the way, it won't save you hassle, it WILL BE HASSLE lol

But once it's done, you're all set for the future. Anyone who's mother is Thai is also Thai. That's the basic premise. Proving it, in cases like yours, is where the hassle is.

8 years ago

Selena ********

@Biff ******

I speak very little Thai so maybe mum can deal with verbal stuff. I'm terribly excited!

8 years ago

Biff *******

Ok, so the search would begin in the Amphur (district office) in Khon Kean. Thai bureaucracy is sometimes annoyingly difficult to deal with, although it's quite thorough, and they are inclined to require people to physically attend in order to get things like this done. You might need the services of a Thai lawyer if you wanted to get this done from the UK. You will need as much information as possible. Her full name, date of birth, the area of Khon Kaen where she was born, and then take it from there. How's your Thai language skills?

There's going to be a bit of detective work required, but in the long run it will be worth it.

8 years ago

Biff *******

If your mother is able to prove her Thai citizenship, then you will also automatically be recognised as a Thai citizen yourself. You also will have to prove that, but that should be straightforward enough (your mother is Thai, has proved it, you can prove that she is your mother) and then you can come and go to Thailand whenever you wish and not require visas, work permits etc.

8 years ago

Biff *******

The fact that she had an ID card means that there are records of her birth, and the fact that she is a Thai citizen. Tracking that all down is another story. Where was she born?

8 years ago

Selena ********

For real?! My god that would be amazing!! Mum has no family in Thailand (she left home at very young age) and lost her ID card many years ago. She said something about needed a family tree to complete the process of getting the ID card - does this sound familiar?

8 years ago