@Frnc *******

I am on elite.. So neither. Can you screen shot the requirements? This question comes up latelt.. It would be good to know the exact what they are requesting.

@Brandon ***********

I have true wallet, it accepts foreigners.. But if I recall you are required to use passport plus any issued Thai ID.. In my case a Thai drivers license.

You need a Thai issued ID.. If you have Thai drivers license or other form of Thai issued ID you can. Doesn't matter visa.

Duke is considered one of the best schools. I attended ALA. The school will help you get the visa, processes vary through. If you go to a good school and have never used an ED or any problems with immigration in the past, I am sure you will be approved for the visa with no worries.

@Maz *******

the non-immigration elements of living here, any non-imm visa is better than elite. Elite is still classified as tourists visa in the small print of the law, and that can be a bit annoying. Elite simplifies the immigration process though a lot. A non-o need yearly extension and requirements... So if it's easy for you and guaranteed you can keep it for as long as you need, the non-o is probably better.

Not enough detail...

Elite won't allow you to work or get permanent residency/citizenship. If you require working, or wanting to get PR then it would not be needed.

Now you can have elite and still get a different visa to use. So if you have elite, but then take a job you can get a work visa and switch to it, you can switch back to elite later.

If you want to stay longer, I definitely encourage going to a Thai language school, which can get you a Ed visa for about a year. You get to learn Thai and a great deal of culture understanding.. This can only help your relationship with her and her family, give you a visa, and learn a new language. A true win, win, win.

Rosetta stones doesn't have Thai. There are a few apps that can teach Thai that are alright, I think Ling is the most recommended.. But it seems in my personal experience these apps all fall short. Going to a class, even online is probably much better, and there not too expensive.

Preply. My friend is an awesome teacher. Can recommend.

All covid requirements were pretty much dropped. However, 99% of residents still wear masks (Bangkok) . Only foreign tourists do not. Some establishments still require a mask.