Can I change my 60-day visa-free entry to a Non-Immigrant ED visa while in Thailand?

Visa Change Non-Immigrant ED Visa Visa Types Thailand Immigration Internship Visa Visa Regulations

Jan 28, 2025

2 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! 

So I’m British and I came to Thailand on a 60 day visa free entry about 20 days ago.

I heard it’s okay but I want to double check if I can change it to a Non immigrant ED visa. 

I also want to double check if I’m allowed to change my visa type whilst I’m in the country?

(From what I’ve seen, yes)

I start my internship on Monday and the only reason why I didn’t apply earlier is because one particular document was taking FOREVER to arrive. 

I really wanted to come to Thailand a bit earlier than my internship to make sure that I can get things in order as it’s my first time coming here and I have little idea of how things work around here 💔

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A British traveler who recently entered Thailand on a 60-day visa-free entry is inquiring about the possibility of changing it to a Non-Immigrant ED visa for an upcoming internship. They want to confirm whether it's allowed to change visa types while in Thailand and express their urgency due to a delay in required documentation. Community comments suggest that it may be possible to switch visa types within the country, especially with appropriate paperwork from the internship provider.

Bob **********

You do t have a visa you have an exempt stamp and with paperwork from your school should be able to change

2 days ago

Leroy *******

Ask immigration

They have your answers

2 days ago

Stuart *********

You can switch some visa types in country.

My question would be about an ED visa for an internship. Usually they pay you (albeit a small amount) for helping out. If so you’d need a Non B visa with a work permit to legally do so.

2 days ago

Mikkel *******

@Stuart ********

internship in relation to education is allowed on a non ED visa, and without the need for a work permit.

Doesn't matter if it's paid or not.

Did it myself for 6 months 2 yeas ago, finishing a bachelor's degree here in Thailand.

Got documents from my university and workplace where I did the internship, and it was checked by several officials in both the labor office and immigration. All okayed. Had zero issues with that.

2 days ago

Graham ******

@Mikkel ******

The fact that you did it does not mean it was legal and that your university followed the proper process.

2 days ago

Mikkel *******

@Graham *****

in fact many university programs require that you finish the education with an internship. It's not possible to get a work permit on a non ED, but it's allowed to do the internship without one. You just need to do it the official way with the university requesting the internship at the workplace for you, on your behalf.

The acceptance letter from the workplace and the request from the University as such will be your "work permit" and it's specified with the exact period you will be doing the internship.

2 days ago

Mikkel *******

@Graham *****

the fact that it was all very official and verified by both immigration and labor office means it was totally legal. Both the work place and the uni made sure to check individually.

2 days ago

Reply to

Mikkel *******

Pelana ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mikkel ******

great! And his long did it take to get approved?

Were you already in country? And do you think that it will pose as a problem if I’m already here?

2 days ago

Mikkel *******

@Pelana **********

I was already in the country yes, doing my bachelor's in Bangkok. It doesn't take any longer than it takes for the uni to send an official request to the workplace, and for them to send back an official acceptance. For me that was 1-2 weeks because things got sent back and forth a few times due to slight errors in the document, like my birth year.

2 days ago

Reply to

Mikkel *******

Pelana ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I’m not getting paid for my internship (sucks I know, but my university made that an obligatory rule, so I don’t think I’d need a work permit)

2 days ago

Stuart *********

@Pelana **********

Ok.

2 days ago