Thailand visa question: Staying in Thailand with an Education VISA (Non-immigrant Visa “ED”)

Dear Ronnie,

If I want to stay in Thailand with an Education VISA (Non-immigrant Visa “ED” (Education/Studying) Visa for studying in Thailand) and want to use this period to find work in Thailand, can I work in 2 steps?

By that I mean, can I first apply for an education VISA for 6 months and then extend it for 6 months? (And ideally prefer to renew every 3 months). Do I have to go all the way back to Belgium to extend this education visa or can I arrange it locally? Because then I can save myself an expensive plane ticket.

I could also immediately take an education VISA for 1 year, but imagine that you find work after 2 months, then you have paid 10 months for nothing at your school.

If I have found work, do I have to go all the way back to Belgium to arrange a “Non-immigrant Visa “B” (Business) Visa to work in Thailand”?

It is my intention to thoroughly learn the Thai language, I think it is a beautiful language. My plan is to always be present during classes and to study in my spare time. So no "fake" education visa, by the way, nowadays in Thailand it is checked whether you are present in the school. And I also know that you have to take an exam to test whether you have indeed studied Thai. But I would probably pass that exam right now, you don't have to know much for that. I have already studied Thai in Belgium for 3 years.

Regards,

Luka

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Dear Luke,

I don't think you will or can get a Non-immigrant ED Multiple entry, with a validity period of one year, in your situation. A 6 month Non-immigrant ED does not exist, as far as I know, nor does it allow you to obtain a 6 month residence period.

If you already get the visa, it will more likely be a Non-immigrant ED Single entry.

But you will also have to prove which school you will be studying at and for how long.

With that Non-immigrant ED Single entry you then obtain a residence period of 90 days upon entry.

You can then extend those 90 days.

If for one year, you will have to prove that you are studying at a state institution and only then will you obtain a residence period of one year (school year). The school where you study knows which forms to submit for this.

If you are going to study at a private school, which are the most schools where you can study the language, you will also have to provide the necessary proof. Yes, if necessary, you can take a small test or come and check whether you are present for the minimum number of days. Even then, your renewal will probably be a maximum of 90 days per renewal.

Here's what you need when applying for an ED

Required documents:

– 2 color passport photos (3,5 x 4,5 cm), not older than 6 months

– 1 copy of your Belgian or Luxembourg identity or residence card

– Your travel pass that is still valid for at least 6 months

– 1 application form fully completed and signed

– 1 copy of the reservation of the plane tickets

– 1 copy of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter/mail from a person in Thailand with his full address + 1 copy of his identity card

– An invitation letter from the school in Thailand (original version, not a copy)

– A copy of the identity card of the person who signed the letter

– A copy of the registration of the school in Thailand

– A certificate from the Ministry of Education (if it is a private school)

– A letter from your school in Belgium (if it concerns an exchange program)

– 80 € to be paid in cash

https://www.thaiembassy.be/visa/?lang=en#Non-immigrant Visa study

You can work in Thailand. At least if you have the right visa for this and especially if you can also obtain a work permit.

If you find all that work, you will indeed need a Non-immigrant B. You probably won't get that in Thailand. So you will have to get it in an embassy and for that you will have to leave Thailand. You therefore do not have to return to Belgium. With the necessary proof from the company you are going to employ, you can also obtain this in neighboring countries.

To give you an idea, here is what you need for a B visa (if you were to apply for it in Belgium)

Required documents:

– 2 color passport photos (3,5 x 4,5 cm), not older than 6 months

– 1 copy of your Belgian or Luxembourg identity or residence card

– Your travel pass that is still valid for at least 6 months + 1 copy

– 1 application form fully completed and signed

– 1 copy of the reservation of the plane tickets

– 1 copy of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter/email from a person in Thailand with his/her full address + 1 copy of his/her identity card

– 1 letter of invitation from the organization in Thailand (original version, not a copy) signed by a member of the board. The letter must state your position, salary and duration of the assignment + a copy of the identity card of the person who signed the letter.

– 1 copy of the registration of the board of the Thai organization with the names of the persons authorized to sign unless the board gives a power of attorney to the person signing the document.

– The “letter of approval for the work permit” from the Ministry of Labor (ตท.3)

– A copy of the applicant's last diploma

– The applicant's Curriculum Vitae in English (professional experience, knowledge)

– 80 € to be paid in cash

https://www.thaiembassy.be/visa/?lang=en#Non-immigrant Visa work

I'm curious how this will all end. I'd like to see a sequel to this.

Good luck.

Regards,

RonnyLatYa