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Can I apply for a Thai ED Visa while in Thailand on a visa-exempt status?

Thai ED Visa Visa Exempt Status Immigration Education Visa Visa Application Process

Sep 22, 2023

3 years ago

Raphael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all,

is it possible to get a thai ED Visa while inside thailand on a visa exempt status or is it required to leave thailand first?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Thai ED Visa while in Thailand on a visa-exempt status. However, it is advisable to start the process as soon as you arrive since the school must send your passport copies to the Ministry of Education, and this can take 2-3 weeks. You will need to have 15-21 days left on your existing stamp to apply. If you don't have enough time left, you may need to leave Thailand and return to apply for a new visa.

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Bob **********

Can take awhile to get the paperwork together

3 years ago

Gianpaolo ******

Yes you can but hurry it takes between 15 and 21 days

3 years ago

Brandon ************

It's possible but only if you start on it as soon as you arrive. Because your school needs to send copies of your passport to the Ministry of Education and wait for them to send approval for you and this can take 2-3 weeks. And then once this is received they'll prepare your paperwork to take to immigration to convert to the ED visa and you must have 15-21 days left on your existing stamp to be able to apply. So you'll likely need to apply for the 30 day tourist extension before you can apply for the ED visa.

If you don't have 4-5 weeks available on your stay then you'd need to leave and return to get more time to apply.

3 years ago

Graham ******

Ask your school

3 years ago

Raphael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you, will do

3 years ago

Reply to

Raphael **********

Steve ********

Depends how much sway your school has with the local immigration office. Your best strategy is to ask the school you're considering enrolling in and get their take on it

3 years ago

Raphael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve *******

thank you, will do

3 years ago

Reply to

Raphael **********

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