Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa after entering Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption?

Question

Hello,

I am going to University in Khon Kaen.  School starts December 7th, but the school will not give me the appropriate documents for Non Immigrant ED visa until about December 21st.  They told me I can apply for tourist visa and then get my visa changed while there as long as there are more than 15 days on the visa.  Here are my questions:
1.  I'm currently applying for tourist visa, but what I've read says the application usually takes 15 business days to complete.  Is this true?  Or does it usually happen faster?
1. Does anyone know if I could get into Thailand through visa exemption and then get the proper visa while there?  I asked the school representative but they did not answer this.  
1. Do I actually need more than 15 days to change the visa?  Essentially- could I get the visa on arrival or would this not work since it's only valid for 15 days.

I made the mistake of booking my flight too early and would like to not have to reschedule it by either taking visa exemption or visa on arrival, but I'm not sure if this would work.  If I have to reschedule it, does the E Visa process actually take about 15 business days or is it usually shorter?  This is my first time traveling internationally so any information would be helpful.  Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is inquiring about the possibility of obtaining a Non-Immigrant ED visa after arriving in Thailand, given that their university will only provide the necessary documentation for the ED visa closer to their start date. They have questions regarding the duration of the tourist visa application process, the feasibility of entering Thailand via visa exemption or visa on arrival, and whether 15 days is required to change their visa status. Community members have suggested that applying for a single-entry tourist visa is advisable, as it grants 60 days and can be extended, providing enough time to obtain the ED visa.

Keven **** · Answer

I would try with the SETV as much as possible. If it doesn't work out, you can come in on visa exemption.

The problem with switching to an ED or B visa with a visa exemption is that you have maximum 60 days. Which is not a lot of time for many schools/companies, since it can take a number of weeks to prepare the documentation—plus the 15 days left of your visa needed to apply. It's doable, but not a lot of time. (There is always the COVID extensions, but might not be available in Feb/March when you'll need it. If that's the case, you will need to leave Thailand.)

Tod ********* · Answer

The eVisa system CAN take up to 15 days but if you go slow, upload the required documentation correctly we are seeing people get approved much quicker..

You DO need a minimum of 15 days left on your current visa exempt, tourist visa or extension from one of those to apply for an in country visa at an immigration office.

I'd say get a single entry tourist visa that will stamp you in for 60 days and you can extend that for 30 more days once you're here.

That should buy you the time you need so you have the required days left on your stamp when you go to apply for an in country ED visa

Unfortunately that you made the mistake about the booking is on you 😕 The tourist visa is the way to go

Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa after entering Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption?

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