I am into my 2nd year of learning Thai Language and paid my school for the course which will end in February 2016.Yesterday went to Immigration in Phuket for my 90 day extension under an Ed Visa and was interviewed in an office by an Officer. They know I have paid for my course until February 2016 but told me to find another visa from November as my next extension due then will be refused.He mentioned people are abusing the system by not going to school.I always go to my lessons and told them I am not abusing the system and enjoyed my lessons. He allowed me this current extension but I did get the impression he was reluctant to give it me. The warning he gave me that Novembers extension will be refused even though I have paid for a full years lessons is worrying. What is my next step if my extension is refused.I am from the Uk and do not have enough money for a retirement visa. While I was waiting I noticed another persons Ed Visa Extension paperwork being handed over to the back office for interview with the comment another Ed Visa.

When was your last entry using a non-ed visa? The longest you can stay now is one year from that entry. Perhaps that is the problem.

Why do you mention two three times that you have paid for the course? Do you think that this gives you a right to stay, whether you learn Thai or not. I'm sure immigration had the impression that your Thai language skills are not reflecting two years of learning, which makes you looking like someone who use the ED-visa for long stay.

Fatfather

I came into the country in December 2012 on a Non O Immigrant Visa.February 2014 I left to Penang and obtained Non Immigrant Ed.I am now half way through my 2nd year on Ed Visa.Thanks

It seems you may of already reached the one year of total stay allowed on a ED visa entry. What date did you enter the country on one?

The Ed Visa was the best option for me to stay long term as many people do use this to stay. I see nothing wrong in that.I always wanted to learn the Thai Language and filled parts of my form in in written Thai.I have not abused the system and do not miss my classes.

Thank you Ubonjoe I entered the country from Penang 11th February this year for my 2nd year course.

As long as all your supporting documents are correct to support another extension you should get another one in November, What the immigration officer stated could just be bluster.

Things change so fast on this ed visa. If you absolutely cannot have it renewed in Phuket maybe is time to look for a school in another province. I heard the maximum allowed time of ed visa in BKK is now less than 1 and a half years. Talk to other students in your school and ask if they are having the same problems as you.

Are you going to a reputable school or a crappy cheapo visa mill known school? Can you reply to the immigration officer's questions he/she asks you in Thai? Can you read/write Thai when he/she asks? If so you should have no issues getting a 3 month extension like the usual.

Edited August 6, 201510 yr by bbi1

Move to pattaya. Less troubles.

Get a tourist visa and continue studying. There's no requirement that you have to have an Ed visa or extension of stay on that basis in order to learn Thai.

"Tourists" can take courses while they're here. A two entry tourist visa with extensions and one border crossing will allow your stay for nearly 180 days ... more than enough time from Nov to Feb to complete your course.

Thank you Ubonjoe I entered the country from Penang 11th February this year for my 2nd year course.

Was the visa you've been extending issued in February 2014 or February 2015?

Here in Chiang Mai they're saying they won't extend a single ED visa for more than one year in total (i.e. you get the first 3 months + 3 * 3 month extensions, then you gotta go get a new visa), so if your visa was originally issued in 2014 that's probably the issue. You will need to get a new non-imm ED from somewhere. And, so long as you're still going to school, will probably be able to use it to stay a year.

Edited August 6, 201510 yr by cocopops

Ladyj : did they give you a speaking test, comprehension test, writing test? How did you do on that? Unless you completely screwed it up, it does seem a little odd that they'd tell you that you weren't getting another extension. (Usually they'd tell you to improve in whatever areas ahead of the next extension meeting).

I'd speak to your school about it. Problem might be with the schools reputation. A decent school could send a rep with you next time to smooth things over.

Edited August 6, 201510 yr by ubonjoe
removed a quote of a removed post and reply to it

As long as all your supporting documents are correct to support another extension you should get another one in November, What the immigration officer stated could just be bluster.

How reassuring ! Flip a coin.

I would go to immigration and speak with another officer.

Supposedly it was anounced today that Thailand will issue a 6 month multi entry visa for 5,000 baht to all countries within next few months to bolster tourism. Maybe you can use that.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Plan-to-grant-multiple-entry-visas-to-tourists-fro-30266029.html

Edited August 6, 201510 yr by Tony125

Supposedly it was anounced today that Thailand will issue a 6 month multi entry visa for 5,000 baht to all countries within next few months to bolster tourism. Maybe you can use that.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Plan-to-grant-multiple-entry-visas-to-tourists-fro-30266029.html

Double entry tourist visas are about 2k baht for 6 months stay. Would that 5k mean you can continuously stay here without going in & out? If so, then that could be beneficial.