Hi there,

I write to ask some questions re applying for a student visa.

Im 41 yrs old and would like to apply for a student visa to enable me to live in bkk for a yr or so. Questions

1. Should I apply for this in oz before I depart

2. If so, Im assuming I would need to enrol in a course and pay for it before hand?

3. If I arrive in bkk 1st dec on a 30 day tourist visa. Find a course to enrol in and pay for it. Then go to philippines for a month, can I apply for the student visa in Manila

4. Is applying for a visa in Manila easy and hastle free?

5. If I successfully obtain a study visa to study thai language (for example), are they strict on attendance? i.e. if I dont attend classes can I loose my visa or get in trouble with immigration as I would be in breach of the visa?

many thanks

1. You would need paperwork so money would be up front. As you do not seem to be concerned with teaching that might be acceptable. Believe more likely to obtain multi entry in home country if that is what you want (no reporting to immigration but exit every 90 days). But I do note LA consulate in USA specifically says they will not issue multi entry for education so that may be the trend.

2. I suspect you would.

3. That would not be a tourist visa if 30 days (visa exempt) and airline would likely not allow you to fly without outbound ticket within that time so be aware of that requirement. If have ticket to Manila it would not be an issue but application in Manila might be.

4. No. Worst reputation in Asia for any kind of visa issue.

5. Varies by school but attendance must be reported and at times testing has been conducted by Immigration as a reference check of learning (do not believe any refusals yet). Recent extension of stays have required a new document acknowledging you understand loss reason for entry means you are subject to Thai laws (but this is not specific to education).