Hello, I am seeking some advice for a French friend coming to live in Thailand with his wife and two children. The two children will be enrolled at an international school in Chiang Mai. My question is, can the family arrive on visa exempt or tourist visas then apply for the Non Imm Ed visas for the children then then Non Imm 0 Guardian visas (not sure if this is the correct term) from within Thailand?, given that they are able to meet all the requirements including banked funds.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A family can enter Thailand on tourist or visa-exempt statuses, but they should obtain single entry tourist visas (valid for 60 days) to allow for a smoother transition. They must ensure they meet the financial requirements, have enough time left on their current visa, and obtain the necessary documentation from the international school for the children's Non-Immigrant Ed visas. This approach provides more time to complete their visa applications without urgent pressure.