Seeking Advice - Switching from Non O Visa to Ed Visa

[Heisenbergg]

Hi All, long time reader first time poster.

I have been In thailand for 4 years the last two of which I have obtained the Non-O Visa (400 K seasoned, Thai Wife). Now I wish to start vigorously learning Thai in a classroom and as such I'd like to obtain an Ed visa.

My non-O will expire next month on the 25th.

Grateful if anyone could advise on how the Ed visa works, and any language schools you would recommend:

- Is there a new income requirement for the education visa? My wife earns 50,000+ baht a month, can I use this as proof of our family income?

- Do I need to leave the country to apply for the visa?

- What are some quality schools you would recommend in the downtown Bangkok area (Sukhumvit, Asoke, Phrompong, etc)

- How long does the application process take?

- Will I need to apply for a new education visa every 3 months? And what is the difference between the 6-month and 10-month course in terms of visa duration?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Walter

[Heisenbergg]

I meant to add that I will reply to all inquiries as quickly as possible. So if you need any further information please don't hesitate!

[ubonjoe]

You can study Thai on your extensions of stay based upon marriage (not a visa) you don't have to change to one based upon going to school..

If you do want to do want to change to one based upon going to school you would just need documents supplied by school to change the reason for your extension of stay. But you would be doing the extensions of stay every 90 days.

The financial proof you is not for immigration it is needed to obtain document from the Education Ministry.

Edit: For info on schools see the Language school courses forum.

[Mario2008]

You do not need an ED-visa to study in Thailand, you can do that on your current extension.

For an ed-visa there is no income requirement.

The ED-visa for a study at a language school is typically for 90 days at a time, and you extend that every 90 days at 1,900 baht. Most courses will allow you to study with them for 3 to 5 years.

[Heisenbergg]

Many thanks UbonJoe & Mario.

For the financial proof to the Education Ministry what are their requirements? And what documents would I need to provide them? The downside of the non-O is having to tie down 400,000 in the bank.

Any schools I should look into?

[ubonjoe]

Once you decide on a school they will tell you what financial proof is needed. It is a new requirement so I have seen no info about it.

Did you check the forum I posted a link to for info on schools.