Will I be tested on my Thai language skills when extending my Ed visa every 90 days?

Question

I am studying Thai  in a private school and have the Ed visa that needs to be extended every 90 days at immigration. Has anyone recently done the extension at immigration? Did the officer test you on your language skills? I am attending class and studying but worried as I am a slow learner.

Ask Thailand · Answer

If you're extending an Ed visa in Thailand, experiences can vary significantly depending on the immigration officer. While some individuals have reported being tested on their Thai language skills, others have not faced such scrutiny. Here are key takeaways: 
- Testing is not guaranteed; it often depends on the officer on duty.
- Demonstrating any level of Thai language proficiency at the outset can potentially reduce the likelihood of being tested.
- Immigration officers may ask questions related to your attendance at language school and personal interests.
- Preparing simple phrases and being proactive in speaking Thai can help you during the process.
- Overall, while some do encounter language testing, many find that their application can be processed without issue if they show genuine effort in their studies.

Russell ******** · Answer

They dont test your language skills. But they do spot test your attendance. And its difficult leaving the country and the entering on an Ed Visa

Jay ******** · Answer

Don’t over think it

Most immo will stamp you in and out in 5 minutes for a 90 day report

Culpepper ******* · Answer

Just speak to them in Thai right away. Introduce yourself, tell them where you’re from. Ask them how they’re doing. Compliment them. Describe the weather and your favorite food, etc.

if they see you’re making effort and actually speak & understand some basics you’ll be fine.

The ones that get busted are those that never go to class and actually try to learn at all.

Russell ******* · Answer

You should be fine, you've been taking Thai lessons.

Fred ******************** · Answer

never tested my local skills.

But..if you leave thailand and enter again with a ed visa, your skill will be tested

Mary ****** · Answer

I had the ED visa 10 years ago and was a lousy student. I remember once when getting tested by immigration and she asked me like 15 questions and I couldn’t answer a single one. My heart sunk cause I was sure that I wouldn’t get my visa extended but in the end she just smiled and told me to study harder.

David ********** · Answer

What a question? Funny how the language skill test is a Western concept that Thailand, quite rightly are copying. It is a simple way to curve abuse. If you are studying Thai by living the high life with Farangs, that is an abuse. I you are integrating to Thai Culture, then you should be able to show increasing natural Thai communication.

Oleksandra ********** · Answer

Yes, they might test you but they don’t do it often, and normally only if you have been studying at least 6 months or longer. By then you are expected at least to know the basics 😅

The school always drilled us to be ready to answer questions about our classes - dates, times, how many students, etc. But when I was actually interviewed (it happened only once in 2 years), I changed a topic to TV and started talking about my fav TV series 😅 (because that’s what I knew best lol).

David *********** · Answer

Yes they test you but if you’re even half obvious that you’ve made effort they’re forgiving and repeat slowly. If you “huh” your way through it you won’t go far. Try and speak slowly, clearly and politely and most of the questions are about YOU and where you study, what you like etc.

Duncan ******* · Answer

While I haven't had an ED visa for Thai in over a decade, I can give you a tip to try to avoid being tested: talk to the immigration officer in Thai. If you demonstrate upfront that you can hold at least a basic conversation in Thai, they're less likely to test you and I never got tested.

Maxwell ************* · Answer

So if I’m learning Muay Thai, do I get to choose who I party with?🙂

Will I be tested on my Thai language skills when extending my Ed visa every 90 days?

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