ED visa - minimum class attendance percentage rate

[bbi1]

With the apparent new 8hrs/week for an ED visa, therefore making the costs rise a lot for students as they will need to buy more hours from the school. What's the minimum class attendance percentage rate? Is it 75%, 80%? Maybe students could just buy the minimum lessons needed to achieve this therefore saving a few $$.

[Mario2008]

You mean indicate right from the start tht you are not interested in studying? Somehow I don't think immigration will accept that.

[bbi1]

No, not at all. Thinking about it from the point of view where legitimate students paid for 4hrs a week and has been approved by MOE and now the rules are apparently 8hrs a week, therefore doubling the costs for those students. Those students already paid for, been approved by MOE and got issued an ED visa from the embassy/consulate already under the 4hrs/week.

It's not like any of the schools are doubling the amount of things they teach you, it's still the same. You can quite easily progress through the different levels with the 4hrs a week.

[Mario2008]

Well, you could say it is actually very nice that they have increased the required hours. After all the reason you stay is so that you can study. With the increased hours you get the same study, but don't have to stay as long in Thailand. That means you actually save money, as you now can shorten your stay considerably. You could see it as a win-win situation.

[bbi1]

That would make sense with other courses, but with a language when you learn it you will get the most benefit and learn the most by being in a native speaking country of that language and using it in everyday life. I'm sure people would agree learning to speak thai is easier and more effective in thailand than in a western country. Same with Japanese in Japan, Chinese in China, etc.

[jacksam]

Had no idea that minimum was 4 hours. Pity it can't be done online and practical lessons done having a whisky with some Thai lads in soi whereabouts

[bbi1]

Had no idea that minimum was 4 hours. Pity it can't be done online and practical lessons done having a whisky with some Thai lads in soi whereabouts

It would be pretty pointless trying to only learn online. Doing it face to face with a real teacher is the way to go. You can ask questions and the teacher can help correct you with any mispronounciations.

Anyway, the point of the visa is for actual students going to class and learning, not just trying to learn online, which can be supplemented to the classroom learning.

[IMA_FARANG]

Be honest about it.

If the number of hours you spend drinking exceed the number of number of hours you spend boozing in some bar, then your reason for staying in Thailand on an ED visa is not to learn Thai, but to drink.

[siampolee]

Well of course the visa is granted for education purpose thus 8 hours a week to study is hardly a challenging task unless of course it interferes with ones paid occupation.

[bbi1]

Well of course the visa is granted for education purpose thus 8 hours a week to study is hardly a challenging task unless of course it interferes with ones paid occupation.

If someone's on an ED visa, they shouldn't be working. If they want a paid occupation, get a proper work visa. Anyone on an ED visa who is working, one day they will get caught and rightly so being sent on their way.

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post.