How To Get a Muay Thai Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED)

Some Muay Thai gyms offer to help you get the Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED) that allows you to stay up to 1 year in Thailand.

Be aware that it does require a bit of work. Both before traveling to Thailand and during your stay.

Visa rules can be tricky. And to get one in Thailand is no exception. So consider grabbing a coffee and buckle up!

1. Apply for a 60-Day Tourist Visa Before Going to Thailand

You’ll need this visa to convert it to a Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED) once you’re in Thailand. It will be valid from the day of issuance.

And you must enter using this visa. If you accidentally enter Thailand on a visa on arrival (VOA) you likely won’t be able to convert it to a Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED).

The price is around 1,000 THB ($30) and will be valid for 3 or 6 months.

Requirements for Obtaining a 60-Day Tourist Visa:

• Passport with a validity of min 6 months – But keep in mind you also need it to be valid throughout your whole stay in Thailand, and min 6 months whenever you renew your visa
  
  
• Passport photos not older than 6 months – It’s also a good idea to bring extra photos with you to Thailand since you’ll need them to obtain and renew your Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED)
  
  
• A flight ticket out of Thailand – Consider booking a flexible ticket so you can change the departure date according to the time you end up staying
  
  
• Evidence of min. 20,000 THB ($593) in funds – Such as a bank statement.

Most countries can apply for a visa online on the official Thai E-visa website.

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2. Look For Your Gym of Choice That Also Offers Assistance in Getting the Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED).

Training somewhere long-term compared to a shorter time is very different. So I suggest you join at least one class before committing to a gym long-term.

If you’ve already picked your destination, I suggest you try out as many of the nearby gyms as possible.

And if you intend on leaving Thailand and coming back during your stay, make sure they can help you get a Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED) for multiple entries.

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3. Convert Your Tourist Visa to a Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED) With the Assistance of Your Gym Within 30 Days of Arrival

The visa is valid for 90 days despite the duration you’re staying with your gym until you renew it (see next step).

As the title indicates make sure to apply within 30 days of arrival since the last 30 days are needed to make sure there’s time to process your application.

The price is around 2,000 THB ($59) excluding any fees your gym may charge.

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4. After 90 Days of Receiving Your Non-immigrant Education Visa (ED) Go to Immigration and Extend It up to 1 Year

You’ll also need assistance from your gym to do this. And notice that you can’t extend your visa longer than you can document training with the gym.

You can extend the visa multiple times if you don’t want to commit to a year. As long as your gym doesn’t mind assisting you with it. But remember this will result in more fees.

The price is around 2,000 THB ($59) excluding any fees your gym may charge.

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5. After Another 90 Days Go to Immigration To Report Your Address

And it doesn’t matter whether your visa is valid for up to 1 year, or you’re address hasn’t changed or not.

You have to report your address at the immigration office every 90 days until you leave Thailand.

The price is around 2,000 THB ($59) excluding any fees your gym may charge.

⚠️ TIP: Be aware that everything explained in this guide is subject to change. 

So always check up with your local Thai embassy and gym for the latest information. As there might be additional fees, steps, or requirements depending on your country, destination, and gym.

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The Final Guide: How To Train Muay Thai in Thailand (And Stay for up to 1 Year)

In case you haven’t already read it yet, let me share my biggest guide on training Muay Thai in Thailand.

Here I share everything I know about training Muay Thai in Thailand. Plus things, I wish I knew from the beginning. Chances are some of it will surprise you. Including:

• Why training in Thailand is different and what to expect
• How to find the right gym and important things to look out for
• Everything you need to prepare and consider before going
• How to stay in Thailand for more than 90 days (if you want)
• What it will cost you and tricks to save a lot of money
• And much more…

How To Train Muay Thai in Thailand (And Stay for up to 1 Year)