Can a three-month tourist visa be converted to a non-B or non-ED visa in Thailand?

Apr 9, 2021
4 years ago
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, my name is Angelina and I am from Singapore. Just checking if anyone has entered Thailand on a three months tourist visa and had it changed to a non-b / ed visa? If so, can anyone share their experience doing so?

Thank you :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Angelina from Singapore is inquiring about the possibility of converting a three-month tourist visa to a non-B (business) or non-ED (education) visa in Thailand. Responses indicate that while it is possible to convert a regular single-entry tourist visa, specific conditions and requirements must be met. Additionally, there is a discussion on the necessity of a return ticket for entering Thailand.
Chan *************
hi, is the return ticket necessary ? has anyone brought just go but no return ?
Cheryl ******
@Chan ************
it was required for me. They rejected my COE application and only approved it after I submitted a return ticket. But this varies across countries and embassies.
Chan *************
@Cheryl *****
oh okay.. thanks. Seems like it is required now. Previously during pre-covid, i only use one-way ticket because Malaysia was just next door (i Malaysian).
Cheryl ******
@Chan ************
some people in this group were not asked for a return flight though haha
Janelle *****
Hi
@Angelina ****
! I’m currently in Chiang Mai on a TR visa - I can’t answer about the changing of visa, but if you need any info about applying TR in Singapore let me know 🙂
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janelle ****
hey Janelle let me PM you 🙂
Tod *********
@Angelina ****
I think you're confused a bit

A single entry tourist visa is VALID for 90 days from the date they stick it in your passport <- that means you have that long to ENTER thailand when you'll be stamped in for 60 days like everyone who enters on a 'regular' tourist visa.

And

Yes, many people have entered on a tourist visa and converted it. There are no problems getting it converted to either a Non-ED visa (for study) or a Non-B visa (for employment) IF the place you're studying at OR working at can meet the requirements at the immigration office to get that 90 day Non-Immigrant visa issued
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you Tod!
Cheryl ******
@Angelina ****
for an SG passport, we only get 30 days so do take note of that. I spoke with an agent who says we can get it converted to non-b or Ed but you need to apply early. I’m not sure of the complete process as I’m only arriving in bkk next week and haven’t done it yet.
Tod *********
@Cheryl *****
you are incorrect on a couple things :(

Singaporeans are one of the 51 countries that get in on a visa exempt entry stamp. Since Dec 22 until Sept 30 that stamp increased from 30 days to 45 days.

you'll get stamped for free in for 45 days when you arrive next week (the extra 2 weeks is to offset the quarantine time)
Cheryl ******
@Tod ********
I was referring to visa exempt. I’m Singaporean and just got my COE approved. Will be flying to Thailand in a couple of days. And oh yes I forgot about the extra 15 days.
Tod *********
@Cheryl *****
and I was referring to the visa exempt entry too. It's 45 days :)

AND you don't need an agent or agency to do the conversion to a Non-ED or a Non-B, you need a school or an employer that can meet the requirements at the immigration office. Many many people have done in country conversions off visa exempt or tourist visa entries :)
Cheryl ******
@Tod ********
yes I know it’s 45 days haha. Totally forgot to mention that before. I know I don’t need an agent. I just contacted one to get more information a few months ago when I was doing research and planning. Actually the posts in this group have been very helpful too 😊
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cheryl *****
hello Cheryl let me PM you 🙂
Marguyvin **********
90-day tourist? Check your visa stamp under TYPE. If it says STV, it is impossible to convert to non-b/ED. The only thing you can do is apply for an extension of 90 days.
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
hello MarGuyvin if it isn’t a STV but a normal 90 days visa?
Marguyvin **********
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Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
thank you!! V helpful 🙂
Marguyvin **********
@Angelina ****
Sama-sama. ;)
Marguyvin **********
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Marguyvin **********
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Marguyvin **********
Posted in a different group, but yes, someone has succeeded in getting it converted. I will post the thread for your benefit. If you have more questions join the group. and you may query the original poster. ;)
Marguyvin **********
@Angelina ****
There is only a TR (60 days). Which you can then extend ONCE for 30 days. Is that what you have?
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
yep. Is there a possibility of changing that visa to a non-b / Ed within Thailand? 🙂
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