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Can I apply for a new educational visa in Thailand within 30 days of entry on a visa exempt stamp?

Visa Exempt Entry Educational Visa ED Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Visa Extension

Sep 29, 2022

4 years ago

Caitlin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all,

I am arriving in Thailand this Fri (Sept 30) on a visa exempt (visa on arrival) which grants me 30 days to be in Thailand.

I had been on an educational visa with a school for the past year, but had to cancel my visa just over a month ago (did so at immigration before I left Thailand) and head back to the US for a medical emergency. So I am now coming back on a visa exempt and want to start a new ED visa. Will I have enough time to do this within my allotted 30 days ? ( I am planning on going to the ED school as soon as I arrive)

Not sure if this is also relevant - but I had used several re-entry permits on this old ED visa and had left Thailand several times and came back. I really hope I get accepted. 

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is arriving in Thailand on a visa exempt stamp, granting them 30 days, after canceling a previous educational visa. They are seeking to know if they will have enough time to apply for a new educational visa (ED visa) and want to commence this process immediately upon arrival. A commenter clarifies the difference between visa exempt entry and visa on arrival, informs the user of the potential for a 30-day extension, and advises preparation for possible inquiries at immigration regarding their previous visa history.

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James ********

Was your Ed Visa expires study in a Thai University or with a Thai Language School?

4 years ago

Caitlin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

It was with a self defense school

@James *******

4 years ago

James ********

@Caitlin *******

hmmmm.

As you are seeking to enter Visa exempt... And have been in Thailand for the past year...

I suggest that you be prepared for questions from Thai Immigration Officers on arrival... and have the 3 Proofs listed below to show if asked.

@Tod ********

has given this advice ... about being asked on arrival ..

"Don't confuse the fact you were never asked 🙂 with the fact there is a rule about it 🙂

Many people enter over and over yet aren't asked for it ..

BUT believe me if you're asked for it, you have to show proof of funds in CASH; which is 20K baht per person or 40K baht a family.

OR

if you're from one of the 17 countries that buy a 15 day visa on arrival when they land here for 2000baht the amount is 10K per person and 20K per family.

They can also ask for proof of onward travel within the time you'll be stamped in for (but they are flexible with that usually) and proof of lodging (for the number of days you'll be stamped in for, but again they're flexible with it)"

4 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Tod *********

Careful

@Caitlin *******

a visa exempt entry is NOT a visa on arrival. Those are completely different things. You get a visa exempt entry <- that's not a visa on arrival, it's not a visa at all. It's just a free entry stamp.

Too bad about your arrival date, if you had moved your arrival date one day more to Oct 1st you would have gotten stamped in for 45 days on the visa exempt entry stamp rather than the 30 you will get. You can get a 30 day extension as well at the immigration office for 1900baht after you're here

Whether your school can submit the paperwork to the MOE get it back with enough time left on your entry stamp/extension so you can apply for the in country ED visa is between you, the school and the Ministry of Education.

Also whether you have any issues stamping in with an ED visa (which thankfully you correctly cancelled) in your passport is between you and passport control when you arrive. I certainly would have the proof of funds & proof of onward travel just in case they pull you aside for further questioning because of your previous stay history and the short time you were out of the country.

Good luck with it, safe travels

4 years ago

Caitlin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thank you for your help!

4 years ago

Reply to

Caitlin ********

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