Only allowed to study Thai on ED visa for 1.5 years now?

[ilovebkk12345]

Hello all. i am looking for any info on this.

My 1 year ED visa to study thai is done next month and i was going to pay for another year and keep studying but my school told me i can only do a 6 month visa after this 1 year because it is intermediate thai. i asked if i can get 6 months or a year after that one and they said no, can only study for 1 year 6 months then have to change languages.

any one else heard of this? this sounds insane that the MOE expects people to be fluent in 1.5 years.

i imagine if i change schools i can get another 1 year visa, but i enjoy my school and class but maybe i will have to do that after.

i dont know what to do.....

1) go back to tourist visas and learn my thai on that

or

2) do a short little 6 months visa here then change schools

any info on how true this is or any info would be great

thanks!

[ubonjoe]

You could possibley study for 6 months and then change schools to study at anther school for the remaining 6 months before you need to get a new visa.

Apparently the MOE by doubling the number of hours has changed what could be done for 3 years to 1 and a half. You would need to attend a school that offers advanced studies.

[ilovebkk12345]

ok. dam bad news.

thank you for help

[jspill]

Is that for all schools, or can certain ones with connections / in certain provinces 'do what they want'? Would you say the large majority are 1.5 years now without switching language?

Is there are a link to the 'law' being 1.5 years, no longer 5 years (if it ever was?) or something like that?

Curious what school OP was at, if I may ask

[ubonjoe]

Is that for all schools, or can certain ones with connections / in certain provinces 'do what they want'? Would you say the large majority are 1.5 years now without switching language?

Is there are a link to the 'law' being 1.5 years, no longer 5 years (if it ever was?) or something like that?

Curious what school OP was at, if I may ask

I replied to the topic you posted. Best to continue the discussion there.

It was 3 years at the intermediate level and then another 2 years at the advanced level that was based upon the 200 hour rule (there is no law). Ministries can change certain requirements with just a sign off by a high level official.

[stoli]

Wow. That would be difficult to be fluent in 1.5 years. I have been in school for 1.5 years, and am pleased with the progress, and would be thrilled to be fluent in 3 years. Luckily I am on a retirement EOS, so I do not need an ED Visa. Many factors contribute to learning Thai. Now that I have a Thai lady living with me, the learning curve is much steeper. Without someone to use your Thai with, you find it much more difficult to learn.

[crickets]

You can do the advanced for 1 more year. My school called vientaine and they said thats ok. I have just about finished my third year and was offered a fourth. They dont test u and jomtien imagration have the 5k vip thing now and r more interested in getting that.

[biggles45]

". They dont test u and jomtien imagration have the 5k vip thing now and r more interested in getting that. "

What is the 5k VIP thing at Jomtien, please?

[jspill]

". They dont test u and jomtien imagration have the 5k vip thing now and r more interested in getting that. "

What is the 5k VIP thing at Jomtien, please?

A dodgy fee to guarantee a 90 day extension instead of a shorter one and without your attendance being checked or your Thai being tested

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793667-changes-to-ed-visa-extensions-jomtiem-immigration/#entry8970886

[crickets]

Give your passport to the school before your ext and give them 5k. They go to imm with it. U go back the next day and walk in , get your pic taken and straight out with a recipt for 1900baht. Done in 5 mins with a big smile from the officer.

[aronp1]

You could enroll at a university and persue a bachelor's degree in thai language.

[nowretired]

The Thai language can be studied on a tourist visa. No need for an "Ed" visa or the payment of monies in excess of 1900 Bht for an extension of stay.

[ilovebkk12345]

Hey Joe. Do you think I Could I change schools after my 1 year at my current school and get another full year at another school?

[ubonjoe]

It seems your school has already stated they will not be able to get the paperwork for more than 6 months of total stay from the MOE because you have reached the max amount of study they can offer and are registered for.

As I said you should be able to change schools and finish the year out at it.

[Kitsune]

Some schools are still on 3 years,depends where you are.

[ilovebkk12345]

Looks like I'm gunna try another school and try and get a 1 year visa. 6 months is too short and then the issues that might arrise attempting to change schools with a current visa.

I can't find any info on here about Pro Language school in Times Square bangkok tho.

If anyone has any info on that school for visa and extensions I would appreciate it

[ubonjoe]

You might be able to find some info on schools on this forum.. Language school courses

[crickets]

From my understanding its hit and miss in bangkok. Some schools fall out of favor with immigration.