Chiang Mai Living Guide

Learning & community

Learning Thai: choosing a course and checking visa conditions

Compare course formats, fees and trials, and check study arrangements separately from visa conditions.

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A graphic of the Thai letter ก
A graphic of the Thai letter ก · Tris T7 · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP; display may crop.

Start with these three things

  1. TSL lists in-person and online group and private courses.
  2. The school’s official website welcomes enquiries in Japanese.

Planning tips (not official rules)

  1. Decide what you want to learn and how long you can attend. Check immigration status separately from choosing a course.

Steps

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  1. Tip Set out your goals and experience, such as shopping conversations, reading Thai or using it at work.
  2. TSL lists a free 30-minute private-course trial before enrolment. Ask the school about available slots.
  3. Tip Check class dates, materials, absence policy and total cost. If you need a visa, compare the application authority’s requirements before paying.

What to prepare

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  • Tip Note your learning history, preferred start date, available weekdays, in-person or online preference, and enquiry language.
  • Osaka’s ED guidance lists a letter from the relevant authority and school admission documents for short language courses.

Where to ask

TSL Chiang Mai; the Thai mission handling your visa application

TSL is on the fourth floor of Pantip Plaza, rooms 413–414, at 152/1 Changklan Road, Chiang Mai 50100.

Published reception hours are Monday–Friday 10:00–16:30 and Saturday 10:00–15:30, with lunch 13:00–14:00 and Sunday closed. Reconfirm your visit with the school.

Search this name on a map

Things to watch for

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  • Tip Separate tuition from visa application, extension and document-preparation fees. Obtain a written list of what is included.
  • Application, change-of-status and extension conditions for your nationality and current status remain unverified. Compare the school’s explanation with the application authority’s requirements.

Choose group or private study around your goal

TSL’s official group-course listing describes three days a week, two hours each, totalling 24 hours over four weeks. It lists THB 3,600 for regular levels and THB 3,900 for advanced levels, including materials and review videos. Check course dates on the course page.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Consider whether fixed weekdays suit you or whether you want focused practice in particular areas. Ask about joining partway through, class size, level assessment and switching between in-person and online study.

Explain what you need in the first enquiry

Private and semi-private courses are offered in person and online, and enquiries in Japanese are welcomed.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Explain your experience with Thai script, situations you understand and conversations you find difficult, rather than saying only “beginner”. During a trial, check whether you understand the explanations, get practice time and can use the review method.

Separate school documents from permission to stay

Osaka’s ED requirements include short language courses and list letters from the Ministry of Education or other relevant authority, plus school admission or invitation documents. This material concerns an initial application in Japan.

Planning tips (not official rules)

If already in Thailand, give your current entry category and expiry date to the local authority and ask whether a domestic procedure is available. Before paying, ask what happens to classes and refunds if permission is not granted, as well as whether the timing fits the course start.

Confirm visa eligibility and stay procedures with the Thai embassy or consulate handling the application, or your local Immigration office.

Inclusion is not a recommendation.

Sources & dates checked

  1. OfficialThai Group CoursesTSL Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11
  2. OfficialThai Private CoursesTSL Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11
  3. OfficialTSL Chiang Mai - Thai as a Second Language SchoolTSL Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11
  4. OfficialAbout UsTSL Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11
  5. OfficialRoyal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka ビザ申請要項Royal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka · Checked 2026-10-11
  6. OfficialRoyal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka ノンイミグラント（ED）留学／研修ビザRoyal Thai Consulate-General, Osaka · Checked 2026-10-11