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Can I convert a 45-day visa exemption into a 12-month ED visa in Thailand?

Visa ExemptionED VisaVisa ConversionThailand ImmigrationVisa AgentsBangkok Visa Services
Jan 22, 2021
4 years ago
Christ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m returning to Thailand in a few weeks on the 45 day exemption visa, I will then change this to a 12 month visa, such as the ED visa once back in Thailand, I’m told by several visa agents that this is ok to do, so does anyone have a similar experience? also any recommendations for agents in Bangkok. thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry discusses the process of returning to Thailand on a 45-day exemption visa, with the intention of converting it to a 12-month ED visa. Various comments provide insights and alternative suggestions regarding the visa process, with emphasis on the legality and practicality of obtaining an ED visa without attending school, as well as other visa options like the volunteer visa.
Chris ******
Thai Visa Centre 🙂
4 years ago
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Bruce *************
@Chris *****
 This is one of the 'big dogs'
@Tod ********
 mentioned?
4 years ago
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Chris ******
@Bruce ************
 I use them every year, they are good
4 years ago
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Bruce *************
@Chris *****
 I messaged them, thanks. May I DM you briefly?
4 years ago
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Chris ******
@Bruce ************
 yes for sure
4 years ago
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Chris ******
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Jim *********
just do the STV for 9 months before you go.
4 years ago
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Matt *******
@Jim ********
 Best case scenario is come in on a 60 day Tourist Visa so you can convert it to a Non O while in Thailand and then get the 1 year extension. You can not convert an STV, so you will only stay 9 months in Thailand and you will be forced to leave and then quarantine again when you come back.
4 years ago
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Símon ****************
@Matt ******
 i have 60 days tourist visa.. is possible to have 30 days more in immigration Thailand ?
4 years ago
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Matt *******
@Símon ***************
 Yes you can extend the 60 day tourist visa for an additional 30 days for 1900฿ at immigration office
4 years ago
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Matt *******
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Ryan ********
@Jim ********
 is Chris wants to stay for a year or longer the STV isn’t an option as it cannot be converted to any other type of visa while in the country.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Jim ********
 that visa can't be changed to ANYTHING else in country. you come in get 90 days, get two 90 day extensions and then you leave.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
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Tod *********
So if I understand you correctly you wanna come here on a visa exempt entry and then BUY an ED visa from an agent without the need to ever go to school? :/

Why not just go down the b/s back-door, volunteer visa (where you get it and don't volunteer?) Most agencies offer that as a 15 month (all in) type of plan, You get the 90 day Non-O and then you get the year extension. They even do your 90 day reports for you.
4 years ago
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Matt *******
@Tod ********
 Who should I contact to get the Volunteer visa conversion of my TR visa while in Thailand? Do they also stamp my new stamp voiding the visa and then I can go to Immigration and pay for the 1 year extension?
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Matt ******
 nope, when you get ahold of an agent/agency, you give them your passport and a pile of money, they take it to a province you don't live in, to an imigration office you don't use, and they get the 90 day Non-O volunteer visa and then a year extension from a foundation you can't pronounce let alone ever intend to volunteer at and then they give your passport back.

You don't go to your immigration office at all, in fact once you get this type of visa that way you're pretty much saddled to the agency from then on because ANY immigration officer looking at your passport knows 100% it's a b/s back door under the table visa (note that I didn't say they were fake stamps, because they're real, just gotten by alternate means)
4 years ago
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Jeff *********
@Tod ********
 I sense a huge hint of sarcasm and annoyance there.Good on you this is what messes things up for others
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Jeff ********
 It is what it is :/

BUT

Just so you're clear, it doesn't "mess things up for others" in the least. IF you qualify for a visa/extension go file at your office and it'll go thru just fine.

If you don't well then you start looking for 'alternative options" ;)

Agents have been around as long as visas/extensions have and they're certainly not going any where any time soon.

The main concern is you find one of the BIG players so you're paying the least and your passport is going thru the least number of people to get what you want done.

It's the people who use an agent/agency that isn't a big player, that brokers their stuff thru another agency that run into problems.
4 years ago
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Jeff *********
@Tod ********
 I acknowledge your far superior knowledge in these matters The point I was making in a roundabout way was if you're eligible for a visa do it yourself rather than filling the coffers of an organisation out to make a fast buck Obviously not all agencies as no doubt there are reputable companies out there
4 years ago
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Matt *******
@Tod ********
 This sounds too good to be true. Was this around before covid? Seems like a new thing because before I don’t think you could convert any visas to a new visa unless you left the country and applied for it at the Thai Consulate. So my only option to live in Thailand for 1 year, would be a Non O ED or Volunteer visa, I would volunteer any organization, but if I can just pay a lump sum and have an agent do it for me then that works too.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Matt ******
 those 15 months volunteer visas (3+12) have been around for EONS, but most "tourists" pre-covid shit show were milking the visa exempt entries by border bouncing and then tourist visas from thai consulates nearby. Few of those "beg-packers" would pony up the dosh to get a volunteer visa from the agencies that offer them. They are offered ALL over thailand by agencies BUT there's only 2 or 3 main players who "push paper" and really get them. Most of the smaller agencies just take a cut and pass your passport on to the "big dogs" who do it then give the passports back.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
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Christ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 yes that’s correct, and the volunteer visa is a good option
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Chris ******
 That b/s volunteer visa is a far better choice than an ED visa for you. Especially as you have no intention of studying anything OR volunteering :P
4 years ago
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Zachary ********
@Tod ********
 would this be an option with a TR visa?
4 years ago
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Christ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 so you can change the 45 day exemption to a volunteer visa?
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Chris ******
 You come in get thru quarantine and then contact one of the many many agents/agencies that "push paper" and they can get you the 90 day Non-O based on volunteering and then the year extension.
4 years ago
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Christ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 Thanks
4 years ago
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Christ *******
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