Having read some of the posts about ED visas I thought it might be helpful to post my experience. I have had an ED visa for 3 years, so naturally I can speak, read, write and listen Thai pretty well now, however today was the 1st time I have been questioned thoroughly.

For those that have yet to go to Chaengwattana to get an extension of 90 days they have changed the system, usually you could get permission to study from the MOE for 12 months, then simply extend it every 3 months, that was nice and simple. But now you are only likely to get 6 months (at best a 8 months) if you apply for permission to study, so the schools that offer a 12 month stay and a 1 year visa may have to adjust their curriculum.

From what I have gathered there is a new guy in town and he is limiting the time periods for new and old students. I have to go to the MOE (Ministry of Education) soon to sit a test. I used to get 12 months at a time, then simply extend each 90 days, but not this time, I got 6 months. So I have to apply again in 6 months on top of extending each 90 days. It may be due to the fact I have studied for 3 years or more already.

Also don’t forget the normal reporting every 90 days, (everyone has to do this) so as you walk in to the "N" area they have adjusted it to 3 steps now.

Step 1) Check your documents. (Speak with an officer)

Step 2) Take your documents to another table, take a picture and pay your money. (Speak with an officer)

Step 3) Speak with another officer who will decide if you can stay for 90 days etc, it’s this step that is new, before you used to see 1 officer and hardly speak with them, then wait for 30 mins, then pick up your visa, not anymore, they are testing you.

You are or I should say the officer I spoke with expected to write and speak well after 2 years, the officer confirmed that there have been alleged students that have claimed they have studied for 2 years or more but don’t even know what the letter ก is.

They suspect the students are working, so it’s probably Asians they have been denied, I say this as I know some students that I study with that are Chinese and Korean, many of their friends have run into issues with visas before because of their history with loads of stamps.

So if you are claiming you have studied Thai, they are now testing you, it’s the first time I have seen any sort of interview. Before they used to ask a few questions, but not on this scale, they are trying gauge your ability and confirm you are a student.

The system has changed for sure, how long? Who knows, but from what I saw it was efficient.

Initially I was asked if I could speak Thai as well as write Thai and what were my reasons for studying, the conversation sort of digressed to why the system was changing and I asked the officer if anyone had been denied, and what the reasons were. The answer was simple, if you say you have studied 2 years or more then you should be able to speak and write, many of those that had been denied I suspect could not do that, hence the officers suspect they were working.I think the system is trying to filter out the people using the ED route to work in Thailand, if so, I think the days are numbered, if you can’t show your abilities, I think some students are going to run into trouble.

Edited August 25, 201411 yr by Nouf

From what I have gathered there is a new guy in town and he is limiting the time periods for new and old students

It is not a new guy in charge. The changes are official and published. For non-formal schools extensions are granted for a maximum of 90 days, and for a total of up to one year. There are many threads about that.

I made my way to "step 3" officer said in Thai this is my last extension for the year, I didn't respond (didn't think he required an answer) he repeated in English so i said i knew already in Thai, he smiled & stamped me on my way.