A general rule of thumb is that applicants who previously held an Education (ED) Visa or a Volunteer Visa were not technically eligible for the old Thai Elite Visa packages. While applicants are able to submit an application, they may still be rejected. However, rules have changed regarding the new Thai Privilege Visa membership packages.
Thailand Privilege have provided an announcement letting applicants know that if they are on an ED Visa, they will be considered for the program provided their visa was obtained legitimately. If your visa was acquired via immigration for example and not through an agent, there is a high chance your application will be approved. There has been no update on this for those holding a Volunteer Visa however.
The reason for this is often due to:
- Some educational institutions and volunteer organizations are shady or not genuine.
- ED Visas and Volunteer Visas can be obtained through illegitimate means.
Supplementary Documents to Submit
The table below outlines all supplementary documentation that we would request alongside your application:
| ED Visa | Volunteer Visa | |
|
Required documents |
Confirmation letter from educational institution (showing registration and duration of program) | Proof of time volunteered at an organization |
| Document showing registration of educational institution | Document showing registration of volunteer organization | |
| Copy of ID of educational institution’s director | Copy of ID of volunteer organization’s director | |
| Attendance sheet certified by an educational body | Work permit | |
| Document previously submitted to immigration showing name and passport number of applicant at the time they received an ED Visa | Document previously submitted to immigration showing name and passport number of applicant at the time they received a Volunteer Visa |
These documents help to boost your chances of being approved for the Thai Privilege Visa package of your choice and help to make a case for why your visa was obtained legally and the school or organization you were registered at is genuine. However, there are also some issues to keep in mind:
- It does not guarantee that your application will be approved.
- These additional documents will be reviewed by the Thai Immigration Bureau during the background check, so it is often up to their discretion whether you will be rejected or granted approval.
- There can be some complications and delays in acquiring some of these documents, especially as a previous visa holder.
If you are in this situation:
- First, send an email to Siam Legal’s Thailand Privilege team, letting them know that you were on an ED or volunteer visa.
- You will receive an email requesting all supplementary documentation required.
- Submit the documentation as attachments in reply to that email.
- Siam Legal will submit the application and share the additional documents to the Thai immigration authorities.
- A background check will commence and you just have to await the approval letter.
Applicants can always reach out to Siam Legal’s Thailand Privilege team for extra support on how to apply.