No, you actually don't. Muay Thai training is generally considered a recreational activity for tourists visiting Thailand. Therefore, your tourist visa should be sufficient for studying Muay Thai for at least 30 days during your stay in the Kingdom.
As you may already know, you can extend your stay for up to 90 days with your tourist visa alone. You just need to complete the necessary government procedures to stay in Thailand for up to 3 months. However, once the 90-day period is over, you will need to leave the country and do visa runs to meet the visa requirements
Muay Thai is considered an educational pursuit that we happily offer to our friends from all around the world to learn our unique martial art and culture. One of the most important reasons to choose to study Muay Thai is because you get dual benefits. First, you study the unique Thai martial art, and second, you get a legal way to stay in Thailand longer than a tourist visa.
An education visa allows you to stay in Thailand for an extended period, specifically for the purpose of education, which includes learning Muay Thai at certified training camps or schools.
Selecting the right Muay Thai training school is crucial for a fulfilling experience. Consider factors such as reputation, facilities, training curriculum, and additional educational opportunities offered. The schools that can offer you an Education visa must be accepted by the Ministry of Education in Thailand. This means that not every school has it. They must pass tests, be selected, and have certification from the Thai government.
There are two ways to apply for an Education visa:
Applying Inside Thailand:
If you choose to apply within Thailand, the first step is to find a condo rental or house in Thailand. Then, arrive with a Tourist visa and proceed to a Muay Thai training school. There, you will need to sign paperwork, pay the required fee, and the camp will submit your documents to the immigration office. The processing time typically ranges from 30 to 45 days.
Applying in Your Country:
Alternatively, you can apply for the Education visa in your home country. Begin by contacting the school where you plan to study Muay Thai. Register for the course, and the school will provide you with a letter confirming enrollment details and the school’s registration certificate. Submit these documents to the Thai embassy or consulate in your country. After a wait of approximately two weeks for visa approval, you will be ready to travel to Thailand.
Understanding and following Thai immigration rules might seem difficult, but with the right help, you have nothing to worry about. People with education visas need to follow certain rules, like going to the immigration office every 90 days and staying enrolled in their training program. Remember, having an education visa means you have to attend classes regularly. You can't just say you're buying the classes to stay in Thailand longer.
The Muay Thai classes with an education visa typically range from 6 months to 5 years. The duration depends on the schools, their packages, and fees.
The answer is yes and no. It depends on your school. Some schools require you to leave the country and return to activate the Education visa, while others provide all the necessary assistance. Thai Kru can help you without any hassle of leaving the country. Just relax and let us assist you in contacting the school, and we will handle the rest for you. There's no need to leave the country (if you're with us).
You can travel out of the country while holding an Education visa, but make sure you apply for a re-entry permit before leaving. This is the most important thing to remember because if you do not apply for a re-entry permit, your education visa will become invalid immediately.
If you are from Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Middle Eastern countries will need to apply for an ED Visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home or residence country, or at a specified Thai Embassy. Also, they are required to provide a criminal record when applying.
Training Muay Thai in Thailand with an education visa is more than just learning; you will meet new friends, gain more experience, and have fun with this martial art. Thai Kru provides exclusive assistance with accredited schools in Thailand and will help you throughout the process, including suggesting a place to stay in the city you love. Your journey to mastering the art of Muay Thai awaits! Contact us.
