Can I apply for a new ED-Visa?

[pinkthai]

Hello Community,

I would like to apply for a new ED Visa but I don't know the if its a good idea because of the stricter rules to getting one. Maybe someone can give me an advice.

My Situation:

I already have one ED-Visa in my passport. (Multi-Entry 1 Year) I studied at the University in Bangkok not at a language school.

After that I get two Single Entry Tourist Visa (60 Days). Each of them I extended for 1 Month. So Im already staying here for 1 and 1/2 year.

I talked to a language school in HuaHin where I could apply for a new ed-visa for learning thai or business english.

My Question.

Will they denied me (the embassy or immigration office) to get a new ed-visa? Maybe if i'm coming back to thailand from laos. Last time I came back to thailand they take me to an interview and asked me about my second TR Visa and what Im doing here.

I'm under 50. I would like to stay here and of course to learn thai but I would like to hear your advice first if its worth to get a new ed-visa? what entry point into thailand is my best chance entering on an ed visa? what are my chances of getting a refund from the the language school if i am turned away at the border?

Thank you very much for your help!

[johnatong]

You cannot obtain visas from universities or schools.

If you want an ED visa then you can apply at a Thai Embassy/Consulate outside Thailand. You will need paperwork from the school which supports the application.

It is extremely unlikely that you will get other than a single entry 90 day ED visa within the region.

Extensions of that 90 day stay are at the discretion of the Immigration Service.

[ubonjoe]

You would have to enroll in a language school for a 400 hour course of study. Then get a single entry non-ed visa in Vientiane. Then you would be able to apply 90 day extensions at immigration would allow a year of total stay.

You would not have a problem entering the country with a new single entry visa.

In order to get another multiple entry visa you would probably have to return to your home country to get it.

[JackThompson]

Re: "Last time I came back to thailand they take me to an interview and asked me about my second TR Visa and what Im doing here."

Where were you entering Thailand, when you had this experience? This could be very helpful information for others who wish to avoid problems returning.

[pinkthai]

Thank you all.

@ubonjoe. Thank you for your fast response ! I hoped that you will response because I appreciate your advice. I will try to get an new ed-visa (single-entry) in Laos.

Last time, I was flying into Thailand (don muang airport). They brought me to the office and they asked me a few questions. I didn't know that this will happen because the embassy gave me the TR visa without a problem. They said not coming back on an TR Visa. I fellt a little bit guilty for doing something wrong. It wasn't such a good experience and I don't wanna come in trouble. That's why I'm asking.

[ubonjoe]

Thank you all.

@ubonjoe. Thank you for your fast response ! I hoped that you will response because I appreciate your advice. I will try to get an new ed-visa (single-entry) in Laos.

Last time, I was flying into Thailand (don muang airport). They brought me to the office and they asked me a few questions. I didn't know that this will happen because the embassy gave me the TR visa without a problem. They said not coming back on an TR Visa. I fellt a little bit guilty for doing something wrong. It wasn't such a good experience and I don't wanna come in trouble. That's why I'm asking.

They are suspicious of multiple entry non-ed visas because people can get them with little proof of attending a school for an extended period of time. If you had a ID card for the university to show they probably would not of asked many questions.

[pinkthai]

I really understand that. I wish we had such rules in my country. But I don't work here or do something illegal here. And of course I know that I could not stay forever. And if they would say at the embassy: no it's not possible to get the visa. It's ok for me to going somewhere else. But (maybe) get denied to enter Thailand at the border with a legal Visa?. Felt like I did a crime. But for my excuse I'm in love with Thailand. Thailand is an amazing place. I love the people and the culture. I'm so thankful for all such wonderful experience. And I wish I could stay here forever.

Yes, I told them that I studied at the University in BKK and that I'm making now holidays in Thailand. But they didn't asked me about some documents. They didn't asked me about the 20,000 Baht. They only asked me if I have a boyfriend here. They could not understand that I'm only in love with Thailand.

[JackThompson]

Last time, I was flying into Thailand (don muang airport). They said not coming back on an TR Visa. I fellt a little bit guilty for doing something wrong.

Thank you for replying with your point of entry. I am glad it worked out, and they let you through. If they had not liked your answers, they could have forced you to buy a last-minute ticket to your home-contry - to spite no evidence you had done anything wrong, and even though you had a valid visa (i.e. not entering on a "free" visa-exempt).

This is why I never enter at airports - it is far to risky for anyone without a Non-O or Elite under their current (unwritten / random) policies. If turned around at a border, one can arrange to enter another day, or somewhere else. In an airport, you are completely at their mercy (and they know it).

Also, I would suggest to anyone planning to get an Ed visa and later change to a tourist visa - plan also to replace your passport at your embassy when your ed-visa expires. Ideally, get your new passport out of Thailand, so there is no permission-of-stay transfer stamp referencing an Ed Visa in it.

[johnatong]

Last time, I was flying into Thailand (don muang airport). They said not coming back on an TR Visa. I fellt a little bit guilty for doing something wrong.

Thank you for replying with your point of entry. I am glad it worked out, and they let you through. If they had not liked your answers, they could have forced you to buy a last-minute ticket to your home-contry - to spite no evidence you had done anything wrong, and even though you had a valid visa (i.e. not entering on a "free" visa-exempt).

This is why I never enter at airports - it is far to risky for anyone without a Non-O or Elite under their current (unwritten / random) policies. If turned around at a border, one can arrange to enter another day, or somewhere else. In an airport, you are completely at their mercy (and they know it).

Also, I would suggest to anyone planning to get an Ed visa and later change to a tourist visa - plan also to replace your passport at your embassy when your ed-visa expires. Ideally, get your new passport out of Thailand, so there is no permission-of-stay transfer stamp referencing an Ed Visa in it.

Sorry but that is scaremongering nonsense.

My son visits regularly using a visa exempt entries obtained from the airport immigration and he has never had a problem.

However, if you are talking about those seeking to live in Thailand using inappropriate means that is another matter.

[pinkthai]

Thank you jackthompson for your advice. I didn't knew that if they deny you to enter thailand at the land border that you can turn around and try it somewhere else. Did you not getting any notice in your passport or notice in their computer system that they can see that you try it again ? I'm scared I read abou a man here in the forum who was denied at the airport and was send home. Many members recommend to fly into Thailand. But it's sounds like I better plan my trip to Laos by Train/Bus this time. Thanky you

@johnatong: Thank you too. But don't forget that we talking here about to get a completely new ED visa to reenter Thailand. I don't know what a "visa exempt entries" really are but it sounds like a 30day stamp? I may be wrong. But as far as I can tell you. When I got my first Multiply Entry ED Visa I was crossing the border often time to Myanmar. They also asked me after my third border crossing why I'm coming everytime to them and a few other questions. I mean it wasn't really a problem but I mean I had to leave Thailand every three month. As far as I can tell, also if you are absolutely legal here and trying to make everything right they can find something if they want so I wouldn't call this nonsense.? At the End it's money you will loose if something like this will happen. Of course if you are not scared about loosing money ok. But I have to take care of my money , especially if they force me to fly back in my home country with a valid visa that I paid for. $1000 for a ED Visa for one year is not soo much compared to other countries. But if you will loose that amount of money including the plane ticket. - I'm to young for spending my money on nothing. But you right maybe I'm a little bit scared of that.

[JackThompson]

Last time, I was flying into Thailand (don muang airport). They said not coming back on an TR Visa. I fellt a little bit guilty for doing something wrong.

Thank you for replying with your point of entry. I am glad it worked out, and they let you through. If they had not liked your answers, they could have forced you to buy a last-minute ticket to your home-contry - to spite no evidence you had done anything wrong, and even though you had a valid visa (i.e. not entering on a "free" visa-exempt).

This is why I never enter at airports - it is far to risky for anyone without a Non-O or Elite under their current (unwritten / random) policies. If turned around at a border, one can arrange to enter another day, or somewhere else. In an airport, you are completely at their mercy (and they know it). ...

Sorry but that is scaremongering nonsense.

My son visits regularly using a visa exempt entries obtained from the airport immigration and he has never had a problem.

However, if you are talking about those seeking to live in Thailand using inappropriate means that is another matter.

I am not sure what you mean by "inappropriate means." I was referring to anyone under 50, not married to a Thai, who lives here full-time or nearly full-time on income from outside Thailand. It is my view that anyone in that category, entering at an airport, should be prepared for the possibility of being denied entry, based on unsubstantiated supicions, and forced to purchase a last-minute ticket home. To minimize this, one can bring documentation of foreign-earned income, but from the reports I have seen, this may or may not be considered. One should definitely have 20,000 Baht at any entry-point, as lack of that sum provides the easiest route of refusing entry.

I would agree that those visiting "occasionally" would be far less likely to come under scrutiny.

I have no pity for those illegally drawing Thai-based incomes (nor for the tens of millions doing so in my home-country). I hope they are caught, deported, and blacklisted, and their employers face a long stint in prison for betraying their fellow countrymen.

Thank you jackthompson for your advice. I didn't knew that if they deny you to enter thailand at the land border that you can turn around and try it somewhere else. Did you not getting any notice in your passport or notice in their computer system that they can see that you try it again ? I'm scared I read abou a man here in the forum who was denied at the airport and was send home. Many members recommend to fly into Thailand. But it's sounds like I better plan my trip to Laos by Train/Bus this time. Thanky you

I am not aware of any information indicating that being "turned around" at a Thai border crossing is recorded, or could negatively affect future entries. One exception might be if one appeals the decision of the IO to his supervisior, which would force the event to be documented. But I am not aware of how the appeal-process affects either one's passport-stamps, what another IO sees on their screen upon the next attempt to enter, or how this affects the next decision.

There is no reason to be scared - be prepared so you do not have to be scared.

I do not recall reading of any denials of entry from Laos to those with valid Tourist or Ed Visas. The (train) crossing point from Malaysia at Pedang Besar also has a good reputation for being trouble-free, but avoid Sadao (the crossing used by the mini-buses). I also experienced no trouble activating additional visa-entries (on the now-defunct double-entry tv) through Poipet, Cambodia.

Worst case, and unlikely, is you have to spend some time outside Thailand before your return. If you have a "Plan B" in mind for this, it is not a scary proposition. Work out something with friends, neighbors, landlord, etc to handle this possibility. The Thais whose careers you are funding with your foreign-sourced income will be generally supportive and helpful; they don't like this system either.

[pinkthai]

Thank you so much JackThompson for taking your time on this only to help me. I will follow your advices and keep you update when I'm back. Thank you!