I am thinking about trying apply for a student visa. Does anyone know of any language schools in Phuket. Also do you need a certain amount of money in the bank. Thanks

there is the patong language school just in front of andaman beach suites. turn down the soi from rat-u-thit road and its on the left opposite BYD Lofts.

not sure of your other question though, dan.

Hi Donna. I was asking if you need 400,000 or 800,000Bt as in other visas. I would like to learn the language, but I have don't have a choice about wanting a visa

I have thought about the student as well , As it good for a year, Is thie better than retirement visa if you want to learn more about the language , I ahve read it easier to get ?

Theres no money requirement for an ED visa.. I know BKK language schools can arrange 1 year ED's based on pre payment of the full years course.. But I also understand they have to be registered or accredited (or something of that ilk) places of learning.. Does Patong language school have that option ?? I have no clue.

Please post here if they do / do not. I know others who would be interested in this process.

I'm currently taking a month long learn to speak thai course at Patong Language School so I asked them about the education visa when I was there today. Basically they can provide a letter for the ED visa extension, if you already have a non-immigration visa you can get the three month extension in Patong but if you have a tourist visa you will need to go to an embassy outside of Thailand like Malaysia or Singapore to get the non-immigration visa and then the ED visa extension.

You will need to book 60 lessons, one each day from Monday to Friday and the course will take 3 months to complete. Lessons are 50 minutes long and you will be taught on a one to one basis. Cost for the full 90 day course is 19,500 baht (6,500 per month which is the amount I was charged for a months course) and they will require 50% deposit before they can provide the letter for the ED visa extension. As far as I know there are no moneytary requirements for the ED extension.

On a side note, I can recommend Patong Language School, I picked up abit of thai from books etc but the teacher will show you how to pronounce the words correctly which is all important. Lessons are taught using the LinguaPlus system, you have to buy the study books which each contain 10 lessons for 190 baht per book. Have completed 14 lessons so far and am now able to structure sentances and ask/answer questions. And don't worry if you have a hangover as they are fairly laid back and only give you homework if you want it.

If you need any more advice you can call them on 0 7634 0373.

Many other schools take payment for an entire year (sub 30k IIRC) where it was a few hours per week..

A 3 month visa doesn't seem worth the hassle (over a simple tourist visa), the 1 year ED however is worth pursuing..