Answered3 days ago

Can I change from a 90-day Non-O visa to an Education visa for a full year in Thailand?

Thailand visa rules Non-O visa Education visa visa transfer fees visa extensions expat living

asked Nov 7, 2026

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I’m on a 90 days non-o considering changing to an education visa… but the school is telling me I can only apply for 9 months instead of the usual year. Which I assume is because I’m already in 90 days, Is that right ? Don’t see why they’d be cross overs And there’s a significant fee for transferring my visa. 15k in Thailand.

Answer summary

The user is currently on a 90-day Non-O visa and is considering switching to an Education visa. However, the school has informed them that they can only apply for a 9-month Education visa instead of the usual 1 year. This limitation seems to be due to their current visa status. Comments indicate that they may need to leave Thailand to reset their visa status or could pursue a standard 12-month extension of stay instead.

9 repliesnewest first

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John **********

Why not just get the normal 12 month extension of stay? You can still study if you wish.

3 days ago

TrustyE********

@John *********

I don’t want to put money in a Thai bank and I want to study

3 days ago

KeenDe******

TrustyEagle4784 correction, you dont have the money to put in the bank*

2 days ago

TrustyE********

KeenDeer1330 incorrect more than that is already in the bank. I want to move it to banks outside Thailand where I can spend it as I choose not with stupidly low daily limits.

2 days ago

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

You can't do anything. If you're on a 90-day non-O visa, the only extension you qualify for is the extension based on the same reason as the non-O visa was issued for. In order to change to a non-ED you would need to leave Thailand to reset your status.

3 days ago

TrustyE********

@Brandon ***********

they’re saying I can transfer in country for 15k baht. Could I just fly to Laos and do it ?

3 days ago

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

TrustyEagle4784 are they a school or an agent? The only way to get an extension from a different visa is with an agent paying for it.

If you went to Laos you could apply for a new non-ED visa with paperwork from the school, or you could return as a tourist and convert to ED-visa if the school supports it. It's 2000 baht paid directly to immigration to convert from tourist to non-ED. Anything above that is the school charging you because they can.

3 days ago

Brian *********

TrustyEagle4784: How shady is the school? Is it registered with IMM? Are there students there, and what is their policy? Most schools have an attendance requirement of 5 days a week, and you have ot pass tests, I would talk to other studetns there and find some that are on ed vica

3 days ago

TrustyE********

@Brandon ***********

it’s a school but I guess they’re offering visas so they’re agents too

3 days ago