Why Go Through a Language School
A language school is the most popular and cheapest way to get an ED (education) visa and live in Thailand legally for a year or more. You actually study Thai or English, and the school prepares your visa paperwork. But schools vary in quality — here's how to choose one without losing your money or your visa.
What to Check
Accreditation & registration
The key for the visa
The school must be officially registered with Thailand's Ministry of Education and authorised to issue ED-visa documents. Without that, Immigration won't approve the visa.
Real classes & attendance tracking
Immigration checks this
Rules have tightened: skip classes and the school may not confirm your extension. A good school keeps records and actually teaches — that's a plus, not a hassle.
What's included
Visa fees are often separate
Ask whether tuition covers visa documents, textbooks, and how many extensions are included. Immigration fees (≈1,900 ฿ + extensions) are usually not part of the course price.
Location & format
Convenience = attendance
A school near BTS/MRT in Bangkok or central Chiang Mai is easier to attend. Check the schedule (morning/evening) and online/offline options.
🚩 Red Flags
- "Visa with no classes." Schools openly selling a "paper-only" visa are the main target of Immigration raids. Deportation and ban risk.
- Suspiciously cheap. Far below market — check the registration.
- No address/reviews/contract. Pay only against a contract, ideally in instalments.
Thai or English?
Thai makes sense if you're staying long-term: it's useful, and Immigration looks favourably on learning the local language. English if you want to improve it for global use. Costs are similar (~20,000–48,000 ฿/year).
Step by Step
- Pick a school (verify registration and reviews).
- Pay tuition (instalments like 50/50 or 40/20/20/20 are common).
- The school prepares your ED-visa pack (1–3 weeks).
- Apply at a consulate or convert your status in Thailand.
- Study, attend classes, and extend your visa, reporting every 90 days.
Not sure Thailand is your fit? Compare it with other countries in the quiz and check the real cost of living.
