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Why are visa requirements in Thailand perceived as challenging compared to neighboring countries?

Thai visa typesEducation visaDTV visaLong-term stayUniversity courses for foreignersThai language coursesVisa regulationsExpat experiences
May 16, 2025
a month ago
Frank **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Interesting.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation reflects on the challenges of obtaining visas, particularly for education purposes in Thailand. Participants discuss the ease of obtaining a DTV visa compared to the frustrations of lengthy and often unreasonable visa requirements for educational programs, especially those tied to universities. There's a sentiment that many foreign students seek visas more than genuine learning, which complicates the situation for those who are genuinely interested in studying the Thai language and culture.
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Dwayne ********
Should just block university courses for foreigners. Rather pointless as they only want visas. “Loser foreigners” should study in their own country before traveling.
a month ago
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John *********
@Dwayne *******
 it is annoying when I was wanting a visa to go to Chula uni on their courses for learning Thai language. As it happens now im going to do as originally planned and go on an O visa then extend based on marriage. Ghen enrol on the course once settled in Thailand.

For me, i prefer to attend classes. I will study online with them before I go though.

But I agree, its really annoying when im passionate about learning thai as well as the history and geography, and I bumped into a guy in a bar and he said he enrolled on a course at some establishment. Said he only wanted the visa and he has no interest in studying.

People milk the system and genuine folk get penalised.
a month ago
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John *********
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Dany ********
this doesnt seem to be about the usual 12month private language school ED… its some university stuff. not sure if really relevant to many
a month ago
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Why****
Yet another reason I'm now not bothered to stay long term in Thailand. Neighbouring countries are far more reasonable on visa requirements 🥱
a month ago
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Lynnette *******
@Why****
 enjoy Philippines, or wherever you go.
a month ago
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Why****
Its funny how you think I need your approval Lynn... How naive & childish your comment is, from someone of your advanced years too. A little about myself :- I've lived in Thailand 38 yrs & raised my Thai born family here. My extended family has built x1 hospital, x3 temples, x2 schools, x2 orphanages, x8 refuge centres... and donated I don't know how many $Mil. And here you are Lynn... an All Star Contributor, how proud you must be. Do not assume you know somebodies circumstances by one sentence on a social media site and proceed to insult them because of your own insecurities on one hand and an self beleif of entitlement & better than mentality on the other. You have attempted to bring nothing to the table except drama. You're living proof that being loud doesn't make you right. You're not as relevant as you think you are. It must be exhausting always seeking validation for yourself... Go Fix Yourself.
a month ago
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Why****
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Lynnette *******
@Why****
 you don't want to stay in Thailand because they prefer real students to fake students trying to live here?
a month ago
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Lynnette *******
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Michael ********
Yet DTV is fairly easy to get
a month ago
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Frank **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 I'm sure that will be next. It is really ridiculous giving a 5 year visa to someone with one dental appointment or a week cooking course.
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Frank *********
 yes i thought of getting it as so easy, but need non immigrant for insurance and licenses
a month ago
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Nine ******
@Michael *******
 insurance you do with your Thai bank

There are a lot option just search
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Nine *****
 No i get a great deal on insurance through my wifes company but only available with non immigrant visa been here a long time i know how it works and i wasnt asking any questions
a month ago
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Nine ******
@Michael *******
 it's social media

Are you over 55 years to think this way

I wasn't asking any question

It's not move any of my ba LLS
a month ago
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Nine ******
@Michael *******
 driving license many agency can do for you with arrival visa

I do my motorbike license since 8 years on arrival visa

I got arrested many time l show them my license only on app license

I use agent in Pattaya it's take 2 days or 3 days if you want faster she take you department of land and transportation rayong

Take less than 4 hour renew my license for 2 yo
a month ago
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Nine ******
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Nine ******
@Frank *********
 lm agree with you

Specially old farang married young women
a month ago
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Nine ******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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