Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing Education Visas in Thailand. I made a video recently about ED Visas; people have mixed feelings about it. Look I'm just speaking facts here. The ED Visa has traditionally been the Visa most targeted when there are crackdowns on any of the Non-immigrant categories; the ED is top of the pops when they look at that stuff. So I'm just telling you what the facts are. That said, somebody sent me, I think it was an email, and pointed out, "hey what about the ED Plus?" Well let's get into that. 

I thought of making this video also after reading this article and it's from the Bangkok Post, the article is titled: Thai Cabinet endorses Visa revamp. Quoting directly: "The Cabinet on Tuesday endorsed a comprehensive visa package proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to boost tourism, attract long-stay visitors and stimulate the economy." Quoting further: "With Visa-free entry for nationals of 93 countries for up to 60 days, and an expanded Visa-on-Arrival scheme for 31 territories in effect, the new Destination Thailand Visa caters to remote workers, while the Non-immigrant ED Plus Visa allows foreign students to work while they study." Well what is this ED Plus? Going over here to the Thai Embassy in Vienna's website, that is thaiembassy.at, under the subheading Non-immigrant Visa ED  (EDUCATION) 1.2 Non-immigrant ED Plus Visa is issued to international students currently studying at universities/ institutions in Thailand at a Bachelor's Degree level or above. During the course of study, Non-ED plus Visa holders can depart and re-enter Thailand without the need for a re-entry permit. Universities/Institutions will submit the Visa Extension application on behalf of students. In addition, Non-ED Plus Visa holders are allowed to extend their stay in Thailand for one year after graduation to seek employment, travel or take part in other activities, and are eligible to change the type of Visa in Thailand if employed." 

So yeah, obviously this is a major difference from the standard ED. This is a rather new visa and frankly EDs are just something we don't overly prioritize looking at them. Sometimes they are a solution for our clients, but frankly in the past, they have proven to be more trouble than they are worth. The ED Plus is different. It's important to point out, it is for Bachelor Degree level or above. So just purely studying at a Thai school which was kind of the M.O. of the so-called Visa mills of the past that would sort of churn out a number of ED Visas, we're talking about folks that are going to institutions of higher education. But in that vein, this thing now looks a lot more like the classic F-1 Visa from the United States for students, especially the part that allows for a one-year extension after graduation, as well as work authorization. So I think it's important that I if you will, not correct exactly, but add some nuance to prior analysis of the ED Visa. If you're coming to Thailand to pursue a Bachelor's for example the ED Plus may be highly optimal to your circumstances, again depending on what those are. 

That being said, it's always a good idea to be somewhat cautious with ED Visas especially in my experience after past situations that came up involving crackdowns on the ED Visa. That being said, for those who feel a bit overwhelmed about their possible Visa options and the rights, responsibilities and requirements associated therewith, it may not be a terrible idea to contact a legal professional, gain some insight and guidance into how best to proceed.