Frequently Asked Questions
ED Visa & Immigration Information
1. Can a 60-day tourist visa or visa exemption be converted to an ED visa without leaving Thailand?
- Yes. Approximately 95% of Thai Solutions students apply for an Education (ED) visa while remaining in Thailand under a tourist visa or visa exemption.
2. What is the processing time for obtaining an ED visa?
- The application process typically requires a minimum of 60 days or longer.
3. What documents are required for an ED visa application?
- Applicants are required to prepare the following:
- A valid passport (all necessary pages will be photocopied and returned).
- Twelve (12) photographs sized 4 x 6 cm, taken against a white background.
- Tuition payment, either in full or a deposit equivalent to 70% of the total fee, payable in cash (Thai Baht) or via Wise transfer.
- A completed TM.30 form (a mandatory notification by the property owner or landlord reporting the residence of a foreign national).
- Completed application forms (to be provided by the school).
4. Is it possible to apply for an ED visa from overseas?
- Yes. Applicants may enroll in a language course and apply for an ED visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that requirements and conditions vary depending on the country.
5. Am I required to extend the ED visa independently?
- Yes. For all subsequent extensions, the school will provide the necessary documentation and guidance to ensure the process is completed smoothly.
6. Can the ED visa be extended outside Bangkok?
- No. As Thai Solutions is based in Bangkok, and the visa is issued by Bangkok Immigration, only this office has the authority to process extensions or cancellations.
7. Is the 90-day reporting requirement mandatory?
- Yes. Students must report their residence to Thai Immigration every 90 days. The first report must be completed in person; subsequent reports may be completed online. Failure to comply will result in a fine of 2,000 THB.
8. Can I obtain a re-entry permit while holding an ED visa?
- Yes. Students planning to leave Thailand must obtain a re-entry permit from Thai Immigration prior to departure.
Fees are 1,000 THB for a single re-entry permit and 3,800 THB for a multiple re-entry permit. Failure to obtain this permit may result in visa cancellation.
9. Why is it necessary to leave Thailand after a certain study period?
- The Thai government limits the duration of stay for foreign students to a maximum of 12 months.
Typically, students must leave the country after completing:- 9 months of Thai language study,
- 10 months of Japanese language study, or
- 12 months of English language study.
- To continue studying at an advanced level or in a different language, students must exit and re-enter Thailand to apply for a new ED visa.
10. Is proof of financial funds required for an ED visa?
- Applications submitted at Chaeng Watthana Immigration in Bangkok do not require proof of funds or bank statements. However, such requirements may apply when applying through Thai embassies or consulates abroad.
11. What are the attendance requirements?
- Students must maintain a minimum attendance rate of 70%. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the inability to extend the visa.
12. Can I travel outside Thailand while holding an ED visa?
- Travel outside Thailand during the first 90 days of ED visa is strongly discouraged. If travel is unavoidable, a re-entry permit must be obtained in advance. Re-entry into Thailand is subject to the discretion of immigration officers. Students are advised to carry supporting documents, including a digital student ID, Ministry of Education approval letter, proof of attendance, and study materials.
13. Is a criminal background check required?
- Applicants from certain countries may be required to provide a criminal record check. Thai Solutions will provide guidance for affected applicants throughout the process.
Course Information
1. How long are your language courses?
- Our course durations vary depending on the language and program:
- Thai Course: Ranges from 4 months (Beginner) up to 15 months (Beginner to Advanced). For non-ED visa students, each 50-hour level typically takes 2–2.5 months.
- Japanese Course: Ranges from 5 months (Beginner) up to 15 months (Beginner to Advanced). For non-ED visa students, each 50-hour level typically takes 2–2.5 months.
- English Course: Ranges from 4 months (Beginner) up to 12 months (Beginner to Advanced). For non-ED visa students, each 40–50 hour level typically takes 2–2.5 months.
2. How do I determine my level?
- If you are a complete beginner, you will start at the Beginner level.
- If you have prior experience, you will take a placement test with one of our instructors to assess your proficiency and recommend the most suitable class.
3. How long does it take to communicate in Thai?
- With consistent study and regular practice, most students are able to communicate in basic Thai within approximately 6 months.
4. Should I start with speaking or reading?
- We recommend starting with our Beginner Speaking course to build a strong foundation in vocabulary, tones, and sentence structure. Reading and writing can then be introduced progressively.
5. How many students are in each class?
- Small classes: up to 5 students
- Large classes: up to 13 students
6. Do you offer evening classes?
- Currently, we offer two sessions only:
- Morning: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
7. Do you provide certificates?
- Yes, certificates are available upon completion for an additional fee of 500 THB.
8. Do you offer other language courses with an ED visa?
- Yes, in addition to Thai, we also offer Japanese and English courses that qualify for an ED visa.
9. Can I start my course at any time?
- Students may begin as soon as there is availability in the class. However, most students typically start after receiving their ED visa.
School & Facilities
1. How can I make a payment from overseas?
- We accept international payments via bank transfer (SWIFT) and WISE.
2. Is parking available?
- Yes, our school provides a stamp for up to 2 hours of free car parking.
3. What are the nearest public transportation options?
- The school is conveniently located near Phaya Thai Station,
accessible via both BTS and Airport Rail Link (ARL).
4. What are your operating hours?
- Our school is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
5. How many classrooms do you have?
- We have:
- 2 small classrooms (4–5 students)
- 2 large classrooms (up to 13 students)
6. Is Wi-Fi available?
- Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for all students.