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Can I change from a visa-exempt entry to an ED visa without leaving Thailand?

Visa Exempt ED Visa Thailand Immigration Non-Immigrant Visa Visa Application Process Educational Visa

Oct 5, 2021

5 years ago

Sam ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can i enter with visa exempt and change to ed visa without leaving the country? Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, it is possible to enter Thailand on a visa-exempt entry and change to an ED (Education) visa without leaving the country. You need to enroll in an approved educational institution and ensure that you have enough days left on your current visa stamp. Immigration offices typically require a minimum of 15 days remaining on your current stamp to apply for a Non-ED visa. When applying for the ED visa, bear in mind that the new visa will start on the date of application, and you may lose the remaining days of your current stamp if you do not apply correctly. Ensure you are aware of the regulations set by the local immigration office where you will submit your application.

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Tod *********

@Sam *****

There is no problem coming in on a visa exempt or tourist visa entry, enrolling in a school that is approved by the MOE, having them issue the paperwork and you going to the immigration office where you live so you can get an in country 90 day Non-ED. (y) Totally doable

Most offices require a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp to apply for an in country Non-Imm visa (Chiang Mai requires 21 days)

The reason that

@Raf *******

needed to get an extension before they apply for the visa was he didn't have enough time left on his current stamp.

5 years ago

Raf *****

@Tod ********

most offices do require a minimum of 15 days left on current stamp indeed and I actually do have 15 days left on my current stamp. I did preferred this way to do it because I like to enjoy the extra extension on top of my education visa.

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Raf *******

You LOSE all the days you have on your current stamp the minute you apply for the ED visa in country.

The ED visa will not be added to the expiration date of your current stamp unless you wait until there's only 15 days left on it to apply .

5 years ago

Raf *****

@Tod ********

not correct. They just gave me (a 1 month extension) stamp 2 minutes ago, that starts at the date that my visa exemption expires. My ED-visa will start at the date that my extention expires.

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Raf *******

you don't know what you're talking about and when you apply for the ED visa at Counter C-1 at Chaengwattana it starts the DAY you apply, so unless they wait and apply when you have 15 days left on your current extension you'll lose all the days you have left on it

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Raf *****

Yes it is possible, I arrived with a visa exempt, did my 2 week ASQ in Bangkok, where I was released 3 days ago and at this moment I am at

@Sandee ***********************

Bangkok. Here they have arranged an extra extension of my exempt visa and they also arrange my ED visa which will take effect against my additional extension expiry.

5 years ago

Sam ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Raf *******

thanks. May I ask if you have to go out of Thailand and come back in when converting the visa?

5 years ago

Raf *****

@Sam *****

to switch from Exempt Visa to Extend Visa to Education Visa, you don't need to leave the country.

5 years ago

Reply to

Raf *****

Stephan ***********

Here are the requirements for Phuket Immigration, should be (almost) the same everywhere...

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5 years ago

Todd *********

All it takes is money.

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Todd McGowan. But at the moment everyone is melting down over the proposed 500 baht "entry fee" due to come in on January 1st. How on earth will people cope with having to spend thousands to stay? 🤣🤣🤣

5 years ago

Todd *********

@Bo***

😂 good point! They better start their savings plan!

5 years ago

Reply to

Todd *********

@Todd ********

and a lot of patience lol

5 years ago

Reply to

Todd *********