Education and guardian visas
For students, and parents of children at school here.
By Shane RuddleRules as of October 2026- How long
- Up to a year at a time, while studying
- Money to show
- Course fees. Guardians: about ฿500,000 in a Thai bank
- Cost
- School or course fees, plus ฿1,900 per extension
- Can you work?
- No
Students at a Thai university, language school or international school can get an ED visa, sponsored by the school.
When a child is at school here on an ED visa, a parent can usually stay on a Non-O guardian visa, with about ฿500,000 in a Thai bank account (check before applying).
Who it suits
- Families with children at an international school in Pattaya
- People who want to learn Thai properly
- University students
Watch out for
- Language-school ED visas get scrutiny. Immigration may test your Thai
- You can't work on an ED or guardian visa
What you'll need
- An offer from a school or university that can sponsor the visa
- For guardians: about ฿500,000 in a Thai bank account in your name, and the child's school letter (check before applying)
- Usually only one guardian visa per child (check before applying)
- Language-school students: real attendance, which immigration does check
How it works from Pattaya
- 1Enrol, and get the school's visa documents
- 2Apply for the ED visa (and the guardian Non-O) at a Thai embassy, or through the school
- 3Extend at the immigration office in Jomtien as the course or school year continues
- 4Report your address every 90 days
Visa rules in Thailand change often, so treat this as a guide, not a rulebook, and check the current requirements before you apply. Thai e-Visa (official)
Short answers
What visa does a parent need if their child goes to school in Pattaya?
Usually a Non-O guardian visa, based on the child's ED visa, with about ฿500,000 in a Thai bank account (check the current rules with the school).
Can I get a visa to learn Thai?
Yes. Licensed language schools can sponsor an ED visa, but you must actually attend, and immigration does check.
Can I work on an education visa?
No. If you want to work, you'll need a Non-B visa and a work permit.
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