Is the Education Visa Your Answer to Staying in Thailand?

Thailand recently launced a visa crackdown, raising requirements and limiting obtainable options. This crackdown has also come at the worst time possible for many people, with global uncertainty and the advent of AI making it harder to find work.

These factors have left many expats on the brink of having to return to their own countries, despite having built lives in Thailand. Some may even be forced to leave their partner and children.

However, there is an option you might have overlooked: the education visa. Benefits of his visa include:

• Less strict financial requirements for qualification

• Lets you stay in Thailand legally for 1 year

• 3-month reporting – no need to leave the country for the duration of your visa

• Let's you learn Thai, or learn other Thai cultural skills like Muay Thai
  

Many people will naturally be eyeing the opportunity to stay in Thailand for another year. But remember that the authorities issue the visa with education in mind. You are expected to enrol in an accredited Thai language school and attend at least 80% of classes throughout the duration of your visa.

This should not be considered a chore – but an opportunity. Learning Thai and gaining a certificate will open numerous doorways for you, including:

• Go about your day more confidently, being able to speak the language well

• Make new friendships that were otherwise missed out on due to a language barrier

• Become qualified for more jobs

• Establish relationships with professional peers and seniors

• Network and establish relationships with people who may open doors for you

• Meet new people and make friends during your course
  

Our Process

You can also take comfort in our process.

We will begin with a simple telephone chat for the necessary details. This will help us determine whether we can help and which options are best for you.

Note: We DO NOT request so much as a single baht from you at this stage, and your passport will remain safe in your hands throughout the process.

If you qualify, the next stage is to come and visit us at our office in Ratchaburi. If you are getting an education visa, we will enrol you in a Thai Language School accredited for two decades.

We accompany you to the Ratchaburi Police Station, where you will get a Police Clearance Certificate, if necessary. This process should take up to 1 hour.

Next, we head directly to the Ratchaburi Immigration Office to process your application. We accompany you to guide you through the process and speak with the immigration offices.

In many cases, you will get your visa on one visit. However, please bear in mind that the Immigration office can get busy, which is beyond our control, and a return visit might be necessary.

Get in Touch

If you need a visa, get in touch with the team at Ratchaburi Visa. We speak English and Thai. Even if you think you don’t qualify, there may be options you were not aware of, so get in touch regardless. Our team will look forward to hearing from you.