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Why isn't the Thai Language visa more popular among expats?

Apr 7, 2025
5 days ago
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Possibly a foolishness question, but why does no one seem to use the Thai language visa?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thai Language Visa, or Education (ED) Visa, is less commonly utilized by expats for several reasons. Many expats are concerned about increased scrutiny from immigration due to the visa being historically abused. Furthermore, the ED Visa requires regular extensions and attendance at language classes, with the possibility of interviews and language tests, which can be stressful for those who may not be committed to learning. Alternatives like the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) or retirement visa are often preferred due to fewer requirements and longer validity periods. Despite these challenges, there are expats who successfully pursue the ED Visa while genuinely learning the language.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Robert ***********
If you do that you better make sure you learn it. You will find an immigration officer that will refuse you entry if you can't speak basic Thai after a period of time in country.
Mike ***********
What are some reputable schools that sponsor visa that have a decent curriculum?
Brian *******
Everyone in my Thai class used it.
Stephen ******
In my experience, the best way to learn Thai is to teach little kids English.
Vlad *******************
No idea. I had ED visa years ago, it was my very first proper real visa after Covid stamps. I went to study Thai and it has been life changing for me,

It kickstarted my love for Thai language, and years later I’m still studying, getting better and better. The best decision I’ve ever done.

But I guess those, who just want to abuse the system and have no interest in actually learning Thai, have problems when immigration sees ED visa and asks them in Thai some simple question, like what’s your favourite dish or if what’s your name. And rightfully, when they can’t way a single word, they get denied
Freek **********
I will actually
Linda ******
Since on ED visa topic, wonder if anyone has good Thai language centre to recommend ? I don’t need an ED visa but I want to learn Thai. However not sure which is reliable and looking for advice. I’m in Bangkok now. Thank you
Vlad *******************
@Linda *****
chula can provide all paperwork for ED visa but won’t assist you with getting one

Duke can and does ED visas
Linda ******
@Vlad ******************
I don’t need ED visa as mentioned just wanna study Thai n seek recommendations
Vlad *******************
@Linda *****
in Thai case

Chula - absolute number 1

Duke - haven’t tried myself, going to in a month, but according to everyone I talked to, it’s an absolute number 2

And Sumaa. They are the same quality as chula, and similar curriculum, since the school was founded by Chula teachers, but I perform better under academic stress than in a relaxed 1on1 classes. I think Sumaa also offers groups, but have not tried
Linda ******
Bob *********
I was on the Ed Visa. now I'm not. there were problems with it
Bob *********
many of the students in my Thai language school are now struggling to find other ways to stay in Thailand either to study the language or to live here. if you are able to learn Thai without issue then when you come back in to immigration and they test you on your knowledge, then you might not have an issue. but then again I know people that were refused reentry because of it.

because of the hearing loss that I have I will never speak Thai like I should. and so after 7 months of studying and not really learning a whole lot I decided it was time to switch visas. many others did the same.

like everything in life your mileage might vary but right now I am on the non o Visa and I Happy with it.
Jim *******
@Bob ********
For example?
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
what kind of problems?
Paul ********
Perhaps one wants to learn the language?
Thomas *********
That sounds like going to China to study arithmetic
Doug ********
Huh? The language schools are full of them!
Rochelle *********
Effort and European guys are lazy
Perry *******
It has "potential" TESTS - they have actually tested the language skills of those who used the language education visa
John *********
I know enough Thai already, no more!😅
Nikali *************
The schools don't deliver what they promise..
Vlad *******************
@Nikali ************
most don’t, but a number of reputable school provide ED visa too. No one forces students to study in a shite visa factory school
Patricia *******************
@Nikali ************
thats not true, you just gotta do your research.
David ***********
Cause they cant speak it
Jason *****
What’s the outside travel restrictions/rules whilst on ED visa?
John **********
@Jason ****
there are no restrictions as such but there is a requirement to attend school and study so leaving while you're meant to be at school is frowned upon and can result in you being questioned and potentially denied entry on your return
Jason *****
thanks John. What if classes are 100% online? I guess it will depend on luck based on the immigration officer?
Jason *****
@John *********
Thanks, so for example - its fine to travel once a month outside thailand on the ED visa?
John **********
@Jason ****
I have no idea what constitutes "fine" but if you are missing classes it would certainly be an issue
Ajané **********
@Jason ****
there aren’t really any travel restrictions, you just need to make sure you’re actually attending and learning the language because you never know how pressed an IO will be and I’ve heard (have not experienced) they may even quiz you on the spot. Other than that, you need to pay for the re-entry permit if you want to leave the country while on the visa.
Ajané **********
@Jason ****
I’m sure that could work but I don’t think many schools do remote anymore since Covid
Ajané **********
@Jason ****
I would just recommend being careful because technically, you’re supposed to be taking the classes. If you’re traveling that frequently, it could raise questions with immigration officers
Jason *****
@Ajané *********
Thanks! What if classes are 100% remote?
Jason *****
@Ajané *********
Thanks, so for example - its fine to travel once a month outside thailand on the ED visa?
Chris *********
I’m also on it trying to learn Thai not been a problem so far but I really want to switch over to a retirement visa ?
Chris *********
Because I live here now with my Thai “wife”(well very likely soon 🤔)?
Tony *********
@Chris ********
why switch over? Or do you mean after your first year?
John **********
If you have a remote job there are only two visas that allow you to legally do that, the DTV or the LTR Remote Work visa
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
I appreciate the law needs to be adhered to but assuming I attend classes I can get a bank account?
Brandon ************
@Aaron ********
that's up the bank manager for that branch. Many reports in the group over the last months of being turned away with an ED visa.
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
oh. Not good but thank you
Timothy ******
i know a few guys that have used it. tough classes
Pru *****************
Hey
@Aa***
, not a silly question at all, it’s actually something a lot of people wonder about! The Thai Language Visa sounds great at first, especially since you get to learn the language and stay in Thailand legally. But in practice, it has a few downsides:

👉 A lot of the schools offering these visas are more focused on being "visa providers" than actual language education, so it can lead to more immigration checks.

👉 You need to do regular visa extensions and sometimes even interviews with immigration.

👉 Also, there's the expectation that you’ll actually learn the language, sometimes even small language tests after a certain period.

For people who are serious about learning Thai, it can be awesome. But for others, a DTV or retirement visa is often less hassle. Hope that helps clear things up! 😊 Cheers from Thailand! 🇹🇭🌴
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pru ****************
thank you - that's very helpful
Ajané **********
My husband and I are both doing the ED visa for Thai Language (and yes, actually learning & attending the classes)
Patricia *******************
@Ajané *********
so are my partner and I, its actually really fun! Just started reading & writing 😅
Ajané **********
@Patricia ******************
we love it!! It’s like a whole different part of the country opens up once you’re able to communicate and understand more. We haven’t gotten to reading and writing just yet, but definitely looking forward to it!
George *******
@Ajané *********
What is 'the language visa'? Never heard of that visa 🤔
Ajané **********
@George ******
ED visa specifically for Thai Language
Michael ********
Nicole ********
@Ajané *********
May I ask are you both under 50yrs of age? And did you have to have proof of a certain $ amount in your bank account?
Ajané **********
@Nicole *******
we are both under 50 so don’t qualify for retirement visas yet. And no, our school did the paper work for us and it was sooooo simple. Condo contract, chanote, water/electric bill, landlord passport, copies of our passports, passport photo for both of us, and the funds for the visa/classs. We weren’t asked about proof of funds.
Chase ***********
@Ajané *********
did you have to show proof of $15k in a savings account?
Ajané **********
@Chase **********
I’ve answered this twice now. No
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ajané *********
can you share the name of the school please, it sounds like the type of place I'm looking for
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ajané *********
hi, what is the minimum amount in the bank account for am ED visa
Ajané **********
@Aaron ********
there is no minimum amount
John *********
@Aaron ********
, its not required for an ed visa.
Nicole ********
@Ajané *********
Did you apply to the school and for the visa before leaving your home country or were you already in Thailand as a tourist and then applied?
Ajané **********
@Nicole *******
I applied while already here in Thailand. Had to search around for the best school. A lot of them charge for the visa and then the classes on top (many choose this option and don’t even take the class). We ended up finding one where the price was all in one (visa + year long classes). The school told us what paperwork to bring and they handled the rest. We got our passports back about 30 days later with the visa stamps
Bill ********
@Ajané *********
what school did you choose please?
Nicole ********
@Ajané *********
Thank you very much for providing a thorough response 👍
Jo ******
I didn’t even know there was this type I will

Look into this as I want to learn Thai anyway ✌️❤️
Ilze *****************
Perhaps cos it’s costly and valid for a year. But I just got it and will start studying very soon.
David *******
@Ilze ****************
yes unreasonably and disproportionately more expensive than retirement visa. Makes it prohibitive for ASEAN citizens to study in Thailand. Clearly a deliberate policy. Thailand doesn't want students from neighbouring countries and has made sure they can't afford it.
Bob *********
@David ******
That's funny because more than half the people in my Thai class was from countries nearby. Myanmar, China, Vietnam, South Korea, very few people from the West.
David *******
@Bob ********
maybe they're from wealthy elite families because 50k baht per annum is a large chunk of a salary in most of SE Asia?
Bob *********
@David ******
maybe... I didn't ask if they were wealthy or not but none of them looked it. seriously I was one of the few white guys in the class of probably 30 people.
David *******
@Bob ********
yes but use a bit of logic. 50k is 6 months wages in parts of SE,Asia. Either they're all lottery winners or they are not from low income families. Thailand doesn't set it's fee for Ed Visa to all average ASEAN citizens to study in Thailand. In fact they're clearly unwelcome.
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ilze ****************
how much was one year if you don't mind sharing?
Ilze *****************
@Aaron ********
my case was around 41k
Bernard **************
@Ilze ****************
Thai Bhat or USD?
Ilze *****************
Melanie **********
I’m on it! Learning Thai. Bit hard but worth it as I want to work here one day.
Brandon ************
Many people do. But the ED visa is the most abused visa for many years, and just having one in your passport will cause you increased scrutiny every time you enter Thailand for years after you finish studying. And since the DTV was released, many people are either going with that or switching to it, since it's a 5 year visa and only requires a bounce every 180 days rather than the education visa requiring an extension every 90 days and only up to 1-year.
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
that makes sense. thanks. The reason I'm asking is I need a bank account and my understanding is that an ED visa allows that? Apologies for too many questions but am I correct?
Tai **********
@Aaron ********
only if you’re doing a master or bachelors degree not if you’re just doing some Thai language or Muay Thai classes
Aaron *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tai *********
thanks. very helpful
Brandon ************
@Aaron ********
I've seen many reports over the last few months of people with ED visa being turned away by banks
Jesper *******
@Aaron ********
ED visa doesn't makes opening a bank acct easier many have problems opening one with DTV as wel... even agents are saying NO due to the latest cramp down on misuse accts...
Brian *********
Many do. But the majority historically have been retirement related I believe.
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