Another ED visa question... I'm aware of the last news, but Amornrat Mattioli said in another post that Vientiane is now open again to the EDs... so asking: where to go, according to the last experiences?
Currently I'm on (last extension on) a ED for Thai language in a (reputed) private school. I got it from Vientiane on Nov 1st 2018.
My school sent already the paperwork to the Ministry, I applied for the Police record, etc. I'm planning to get a new ED visa on mid October to beginning of November.
In my passport I have a SETV January 2018 (extended), a visa extemp May 2018 (extended, in between I stayed in Vietnam). Then, a new visa exempt on September 2018 (NOT extended, in between I was back to my country and after I traveled to Vietnam) and then my current ED Visa.
I've no problem if they want to test my thai. I'm having a hard time by listening, the same as with English, but I can maintain a small chat, as well as read and write.
My school recommended to go to HCMC or Penang. I don't like HCMC, too noisy for me :P so I was thinking in going to Penang and stay for 2 or 3 weeks in Malaysia before coming back.
But then I saw the post from Amornrat Mattioli about Vientiane is again more open to the EDs... I'd prefer to go to Vientiane because I'd like to do a motorbike tour in Laos, so it would be great to leave Thailand by bike, tour in Laos for 2 or 3 weeks until November 2nd when I could do a second ED in Vientiane.
If Vientiane is not a good option, really I don't care where to go, I just want to take a break of 2 or 3 weeks in the country I'll go for the visa.
What would you recommend, given the latests news regarding Vientiane, HCMC, Penang... ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses options for renewing an Education (ED) visa, including insights on travel locations such as Vientiane, HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City), and Penang. The author is currently on an ED visa for Thai language study and is seeking the best destination for renewal, expressing a preference for Vientiane to combine the visa trip with a motorbike tour in Laos. The author is weighing the latest information regarding the visa process in these locations.