1 year stay on Ed Visa

[bapak]

I have spent considerable time reading the new Immigration Department rules mentioning /defining "Language Schools". Closest I can come to is "a school established to provide additional knowledge parallel to the general education curriculum".

However there is no doubt that entering into Thailand on a Ed Visa, you may only remain in Thailand for 12 months from the date of entry. And I see no bar to immediately rushing to the nearest Thai Consulate and apply for a new Ed Visa.

As I get further clarification, I will advise.

[oakdale160]

But the days of paying the fee and showing up for class once a week may be over. If you want to enroll and learn Thai OK, but if its just a way to stay in Thai, then watch your ass. And frankly who could complain about that.

[bapak]

But the days of paying the fee and showing up for class once a week may be over. If you want to enroll and learn Thai OK, but if its just a way to stay in Thai, then watch your ass. And frankly who could complain about that.

Absolutely correct. And we will not accept such a student. We have an obligation to report and student that does not attend 80% of classes.

[theprice01]

I recieved an intresting memo yesterday from my school, saying that asides from the re-entry stamp, students will also need to show a 'Student status certificate' on arrival back into Thailand.
It also says students 'may' be questioned by immigration staff about there course.

As i said, this was yesterday, so the rule has probably changed by now

[kendo]

What Bapak is saying is not unreasonable, I thought you can get an Ed visa for up to three years if the system requires you to be questioned in Thai you should be able to demonstrate skilling up in the language and deliver.

I guess for some that are to young and don't have sufficient funds it's a way of knocking the arse out of the system to stay in Thailand thats is now on the radar. For everyone to come under scrutiny.

Kendo.

[Jose]

the best way to get a student visa is to do a part time degree from a cheap university, 1-2 evenings per weeks, get to meet lots of nice non-bargirls, get a visa, once you finish degree it is much easier to get a proper work permit job.

[Big Boy]

What type of degree/university would you suggest?

[bapak]

There are a number of universities offering Thai as part of a degree course. Do a search. They will not be cheap and I am not sure about part time.

[Big Boy]

I wasn't thinking of the learning Thai element - don't worry, I'm happy with what you're providing

I was just wondering if there might be something suitable for my son to do - sort of Open University style. Obviously he doesn't need an ed visa, but a part time degree wasn't something we had considered previously. It would be interesting to know what courses/universities Jose was referring to (either with or without an ed visa),

[dtaai-maai]

<gasp> But that would be off topic!

[Pleng]

I was just wondering if there might be something suitable for my son to do - sort of Open University style. Obviously he doesn't need an ed visa, but a part time degree wasn't something we had considered previously. It would be interesting to know what courses/universities Jose was referring to (either with or without an ed visa),

If he doesn't need an ed visa then why not use the Open University. I was investigating it a few years ago and it's not massively expensive. I guess a degree obtained at the OU would be at least as respected internationally, if not more, than one earned in a Thai university. Obviously you loose the social aspect, though.

[Big Boy]

<gasp> But that would be off topic!

Assuming that is aimed at me taking the thread off topic, please explain. Jose has said that there is more than one way of getting an ed visa, and I am asking for more detail - I'm sorry, but I don't understand your reasoning.

[Jose]

<gasp> But that would be off topic!

Assuming that is aimed at me taking the thread off topic, please explain. Jose has said that there is more than one way of getting an ed visa, and I am asking for more detail - I'm sorry, but I don't understand your reasoning.

ok, find a University that has a international program (taught in English),

http://iis.ru.ac.th/English_Program/English_Program.htm

I am starting one soon, 2 evenings per week max.

I already have a work permit through my job but if anything happens I can get a student visa.

I will be doing a BA in English, how hard can it be ?.

[Big Boy]

Thank you

[PeteC]

I'm confused now. Are we saying here that a "student visa" is one thing, and an "Ed visa" is another? The former being for studies not associated with learning the Thai language, and the latter being Thai language classes?

I wasn't even aware a visa was possible for a foreigner to come here to Thailand and enroll in a degree program taught in English. Pete