English ED visa course

Thailand ED Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Study Thai or English in Thailand for Over a Year with an ED Visa

Get a legal ED visa to study Thai or English in Thailand. GEOS guides you through every step — with simple paperwork, visa support, and no immigration headaches.

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Why 1,000+ students choose GEOS:

We go with you to Immigration (no stress, no confusion)
Native English-speaking and qualified Thai teachers
Bangkok city center location (walking distance from Asoke BTS)
99% ED visa approval rate
Help with housing and opening a bank account
Start anytime with rolling admissions

Quick Summary: Your ED Visa at a Glance

Feature

Details

  • Visa Type
  • Guaranteed results
  • Duration
  • Up to 14 months (Thai) / 12 months (English)
  • Course Options
  • Thai, English (Japanese coming soon!)
  • Start Anytime
  • Rolling admissions — start most weeks
  • Approval Rate
  • 99%
  • Students Served
  • Over 1,000
  • Immigration Support
  • GEOS staff accompany you
  • Location
  • Central Bangkok (Asoke BTS)
  • Class Hours
  • Thai: 9 hrs/week, English: 6 hrs/week

What Is an ED Visa in Thailand?

An ED visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing foreign nationals to remain lawfully in Thailand while pursuing an authorized course of study — i.e., classes in Thai or English.

The visa gives an initial stay of 60–90 days. Most GEOS students apply in Thailand and get their ED visa from Bangkok’s Thai Immigration Office with our staff support. The visa can be extended every 60 to 90 days, allowing a total stay of up to 14 months for the Thai ED visa.

Important: On May 1, 2025, Thailand introduced a new digital arrival card system. While this does not affect ED visa applications directly, it will change your arrival process. [Read our full guide here.]

After completing an ED visa course, students cannot continue studying the same language in the second year. They must leave Thailand and apply for a new ED visa with a different language course to stay longer. For example, a student who completes 14 months of Thai must switch to English (or Japanese, when available) to be eligible.

Why the ED Visa Is Your Most Reliable Option

Compared to tourist visas, the ED visa offers long-term security and structured residency. It has been a trusted option in Thailand for 20+ years.

The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) may sound attractive with a five-year option, but it comes with significant limitations:

Most Thai banks will not accept DTV holders to open an account
Switching from DTV to a work visa is more complex and less clearly defined
Uncertain long-term availability, especially with potential government or policy changes
ED visa holders can usually open a Thai bank account after 6 months of study and transition to a work visa more easily
Read our ED Visa vs. DTV Comparison Blog Post

Who Is the ED Visa Perfect For?

Gap-year students who want intensive language learning
Expats looking to connect deeply with Thai culture
Long-term travelers wanting to improve their Thai or English skills
Future residents who want to “test the waters” before committing long term
Anyone serious about learning a language while living in Thailand
Note: ED visas do not allow you to work. Regular attendance is required to maintain your visa status.

Choose Your ED Visa Course

Study Thai or English at GEOS, depending on your goals:

  • Want to speak Thai and understand the culture?
[Learn more about our Thai ED Visa Course]
  • Want to improve your English for work or travel?
[Learn more about our English ED Visa Course]
  • Coming Soon: GEOS is adding a Japanese language course under the ED visa program.
    Interested? Let us know to get early details.

How to Apply for an ED Visa: 4 Simple Steps

Watch: How to Apply for an ED Visa at GEOS

1. Choose Your Course

Select our Thai, English, or Japanese programs based on your goals. Complete the enrollment form and pay your deposit. Most students visit our Bangkok school in person, but we can also assist online.

2. Prepare Your Documents

We guide you through everything needed:
Passport (valid 6+ months)

  • Final academic certificate copy
  • 6 photos (3×4 cm) and 6 photos (4×6 cm) on white background
  • TM30 (from landlord)
  • Current Thai address
  • Home country address
  • Full names of both parents

Some nationalities also need a criminal record check. [See which nationalities need a criminal record check]

3. Ministry of Education Approval

We submit your application to the Ministry of Education. This takes 1–2 weeks. Do not worry — we handle everything and keep you updated throughout the process.

4. Get Your ED Visa at Immigration

Once approved, a GEOS staff member will accompany you to Thai Immigration in Bangkok. We make the process seamless from start to finish.

What Happens After Approval?

Class Level Check and Start Date

Once your visa is approved, visit GEOS for your placement test and schedule confirmation.

Visa Extensions Made Easy

GEOS handles all extensions:

  • Thai ED visa: up to 14 months
  • English ED visa: up to 12 months

We remind you of deadlines, prepare paperwork, and can accompany you to Immigration.

Certificate of Completion

When you finish your ED visa course in Thai or English, you’ll get a GEOS Certificate of
Completion. It is a simple way to show your progress, useful for jobs, future studies, or visa
applications.

90-Day Reporting Support

You must report your address every 90 days. We remind you and help you complete it in person, by mail, or online. [Read our 90-Day Reporting Guide]

Why GEOS Is Bangkok’s #1 Choice for ED Visas

1,000+ successful students (proven track record)
99% visa approval rate (guaranteed success)
Experienced visa team (we know the system inside out)
Direct method teaching (speak from day one)
We accompany you to Immigration (no stress, no confusion)
Bangkok city-center location (Asoke/Sukhumvit convenience)
Native-speaking, qualified teachers
Thai bank account assistance (Krungthai, Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn)
Community events and cultural excursions

Complete Student Support Services

Before You Arrive

  • Answer all questions via messenger or email
  • Visa document guidance and preparation
  • Accommodation referrals (optional)

Upon Arrival

  • Immigration support, 90-day reports, and renewals
  • Thai bank account setup assistance
  • Orientation and area familiarization

Throughout Your Stay

  • Regular social events and cultural outings
  • Day-to-day support and guidance
  • Academic progress monitoring
[How Can a Foreigner Open a Thai Bank Account? Read our Complete Guide]

What Our Students Say

FAQ

1–2 weeks for Ministry of Education approval, then same-day visa issuance at Immigration
(with our staff support).

Up to 14 months for the Thai course and 12 months for the English course.

Yes. Immigration requires in-person attendance. Students must maintain at least 80% attendance for visa extensions.

We understand that life happens — if you are sick or have family visiting, just let us know. We
will note your absence and support you.

Frequent absences can jeopardize your visa. GEOS will remind you about attendance requirements and help resolve legitimate issues.

No. ED visas are for study purposes only.

Yes. Many students transition to non-B (work) visas. GEOS can guide you through this process.

No. We offer complete beginner classes.

Thai: 9 hours/week
English: 6 hours/week

Yes. GEOS supports ED visa applications both from inside Thailand and through Thai embassies or consulates abroad.

We have a 99% success rate for ED visa approvals. If your application is declined by the Ministry of Education, we offer a 100% refund — no questions asked. However, we do not offer refunds for rejections made by Thai Immigration after the MOE has approved your paperwork.

It is not required, but we recommend basic travel or medical insurance during your stay. Here’s our guide to the top health insurance companies in Thailand to help you compare your options.

You cannot extend the same language course. However, you can apply for a second ED visa in a different language — for example, Thai to English or English to Japanese.

Whether you want to speak Thai confidently or improve your English in Bangkok, GEOS will guide you every step of the way — from application to graduation.