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What visa is needed to bring my Thai stepson, who doesn't speak English, to my country for education?

Visa optionsEducation visaBringing children to another countryExpats in ThailandThai stepsonImmigration adviceLanguage barriers in education
Aug 16, 2025
8 days ago
JP ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a question hoping someone can help....

I have a Thai stepson in Thailand, he's 13 years old and at school.

I want to bring him to my country where my Thai Wife lives with me.

Has anyone else done the same?

I'm wondering what visa to get, as he doesn't speak English, at all.

So a normal school won't be a consideration.

Although he needs an Education visa, apparently..

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated.

🙏👍
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks assistance regarding the visa process for bringing their 13-year-old Thai stepson, who does not speak English, to their country where their Thai wife resides. The discussion includes experiences from others who have navigated similar situations, highlighting concerns about school enrollment due to language barriers, the importance of legal adoption, and referencing embassy assistance. Suggestions vary based on the user's country of residence, emphasizing that specific policies and experiences can vary widely.
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Steve **********
My wife brought her 11 year old Thai daughter that speaks zero English to America. She enrolled her in the local school. Six months later she speaks an INSANE amount of English. Don’t worry about that part.
8 days ago
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Max *************
@Steve *********
 The younger they are, easier to learn.
8 days ago
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Max *************
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Dca *****
Well, what country are we talking about here? because every country his different laws, regulations, and policies for different family members and immigration status of that country

also, for nearly all countries, the age of the child is an important criteria to consider
8 days ago
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Max *************
Why not talk to your embassy in Thailand? This is something you eventually must do.
8 days ago
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Terry ***********
We brought my stepson from China to Australia years ago, same scenario he didn’t speak any English. Schools didn’t want him and to make things worse, he didn’t want to be here and it was all a total nightmare from start to finish. He resented me and his mother and made our lives beyond difficult. Long story short, he went to live with my wife’s sister in another suburb where he continued his sullen rebellion to a point of self harming.
8 days ago
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Young ********
@Terry **********
 So sorry to hear this but it's not easy for our kids to move somewhere and not speak the language, especially once they are teens. I hope he is thriving now🙏🏿
8 days ago
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Terry ***********
@Young *******
 I wouldn’t know, my wife died of cancer four years ago and I haven’t heard from her family since she passed away
8 days ago
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Terry ***********
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Steve *******
I brought my step daughter to Australia from Thailand and it was not a major drama, I did not need to legally adopt her. I married my wife in Australia before I brought our daughter to Australia.
8 days ago
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JP ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
 Not very helpful, I'm not even explaining to you. I suggest keeping judgemental opinions elsewhere.
7 days ago
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Max *************
@Mark *******
 Maybe the kid is staying with his father and that's what he wanted when his mother left. You don't know anything about the circumstances.
8 days ago
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David *****
@Mark *******
 can’t imagine a good woman leaving her child behind in favor of a man. But I don’t know the circumstances surrounding this.
8 days ago
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Bob **********
@David ****
 $$$
7 days ago
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Bob **********
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Mark ********
any women who left there son daughter to be with a bloke is not worth having , and probably better off with his nan
8 days ago
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Mark ********
@Pete *********
 Thankyou for your comment , I have been going to Thailand Cambodia &

Vietnam for the last 12 years , Thailand 20 times , my cousin is married to a Thai woman & brought her 2 children up as his own , which both are grown women now
7 days ago
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Mark ********
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JP ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 Same as .e, so what about visa and school?
8 days ago
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JP ********
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Bradford ******
Have you legally adopted him?
8 days ago
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JP ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bradford *****
 no
8 days ago
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JP ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it suggested I do? Would it make it easier?
8 days ago
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Bradford ******
@JP *******
 Yes it would make it much easier. There may be issues with the child's father not allowing him to be taken out of Thailand (depending on any custody agreements). But adoption is the best route.
8 days ago
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Young ********
@JP *******
 Absolutely - when it comes to residency and his schooling
8 days ago
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Young ********
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