I did it in end of June, after facing multiple rejections. The branch that worked for me and my friend was KrungThai in Central Rama 9.

My visa exemption came to an end in February and the school told me I needed at least 45 days on my stamp to start the process for my ED Visa.

I went to Vietnam for a few days then came back.

Of course the immigration officer asked questions, and I explained I was getting an ED Visa, and showed my communication with the school.

He let me through no problem.

Go to KrungThai in Central Rama9.

Have your letter from school that says your length of studying (minimum one year) and no end date on the letter.

Bring with you:

- passport

- TM30

- rental contract

- school documents

- phone service bill that proves you are the owner of the phone number

Visit your phone service shop and ask for the paper, they will need your rent contract in order to do it, and a small top up fee (50 bahts for AIS).

Go to the KrungThai branch before 5pm.

Also, your ED stamp needs to have at least 30 days left on it for opening your account. If less than 30 days, you’ll have to wait for your next extension at immigration.

@Jesper ******

yes it’s ALA near Nana. I have absolutely no regrets choosing this school.

@Innes *****

indeed they can ask you a couple questions. But nothing to really worry about if you’re actually learning the language.

I’m studying at a language school on an ED Visa. They don’t do DTV for learning Thai (at least not my school).

My school has several programs with different lengths. I took the complete 14 months program because I want to speak, write and read Thai.

They are pretty strict on attendance, but with a reentry permit you can do weekend abroad in neighboring countries for example.

@Angela ******

my friends have a soft power DTV with Muay Thai classes. They can choose when they want to do their class. That could probably work around your working hours.

I study at ALA. I came in on a 60-day exemption, went straight to the school to apply and then I waited about 50-55 days then went to immigration for my ED Visa.

I’ve started classes at the end of April, 2h per day, 3 times a week. I also study by myself after class.

About six weeks in and I can get by ordering food and having basic conversations, get situated in time… whereas before starting I could only say "hello and thank you".

The beginner level at my school is 3.5 months, but I’m already using Thai in everyday life. It’s not perfect but I get a few words here and there when watching videos and listening to people talk.

It really depends on how much time you invest in learning and how much you practice.

@Tiphany *********

en anglais ça se dit plutôt "middle name". Et de façon générale, même si on ne l’utilise pas souvent, dans les demandes officielles, c’est toujours plus prudent de mettre tous tes noms comme sur ton passeport. Mieux vaut trop que pas assez :)