Hi all, I want to share my experience to warn others considering the Certificate in Thai Language Course at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU, Ayutthaya) for an ED visa. TLDR: they sell it as “fully online” but the visa extension is impossible if you don’t live in Bangkok/Ayutthaya. THE SETUP: In March 2026, I contacted MCU’s program via LINE. I explained I live in Khon Kaen/Udon Thani and need a fully online course. Staff member Ju confirmed repeatedly: “Yes sir online,” “Saturday and Sunday online class,” only “one day to come for sign.” When the official timetable showed 60% on-site requirement and a mandatory 7-day meditation retreat, Ju said: “It is online only, sir. This is an unofficial timetable prepared for students to apply for a visa” and “Retreat also not necessary.” I paid 10,000 THB. THE PROBLEM: Three months later, time to extend. I’m told: extension ONLY at Ayutthaya Immigration, need a house rental contract in the area, and need to physically visit the university multiple times. I reminded them I live 500km away and was told the course is online. When I asked for an official letter confirming online delivery, a different staff member (J-gon) replied: “I have never confirmed that this program is conducted entirely online” and “I am unable to issue a document stating that students are not required to attend on-site activities.” So the university’s own staff officially admits the course is NOT online — directly contradicting what they told me to get my money. OTHER RED FLAGS: Payment went to staff’s personal bank account (university has no international payment method), no official receipt issued, told to use university dorm address as my residence on visa docs, official documents described as “unofficial timetables made for visa purposes.” THE RESULT: ED visa could not be extended. Had to leave Thailand. Out 10,000 THB course fee + 2,000 THB embassy fee + travel costs + need to pay for new course. Total damage: estimated 35,000–60,000 THB. Sent formal refund demand to MCU. Zero response. Complaints filed with OCPB, MHESI, Italian Embassy. BOTTOM LINE: If you’re considering MCU’s Thai language program for an ED visa and you DON’T live in the Ayutthaya/Bangkok area, don’t do it. They’ll tell you it’s online, take your money, and then you’ll find out the extension requires local residence. I have the complete LINE chat as proof of every claim above. Has anyone else had a similar experience with MCU or other ED visa schools pulling this kind of thing?
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