I am currently here on the 30 day visa exempt entry for US passport holders. I've been considering getting the one year self defense visa in Chiang Mai and was wondering if anyone could clarify some things for me. Is it correct that after I enroll with the school, the visa must be activated outside of Thailand, in a neighboring country's Thai embassy? If so, does anyone know what the most efficient route would be? I've never done a border run/visa run, and this is actually my first time in Asia.

With 1 time a few days overstay, getting an ED visa is probably no problem?

What is the difference between a visa from a private language course that is supplying 8 month visa and a selfdefense visa of 1 year, except the length?

Both of them are will have the 3 month extending?

Any differences with the pro and cons?

You are able to do the same things with it? For example can you get a driving license (+make test) with both?

Has anyone here had experience with Chiang mai buddy visa services? I was going to do my self defence visa with them but I'm hearing mixed reviews... Time is an important factor for me and really can't be screwed over that.