Can I convert my ED visa to a tourist visa without leaving Thailand?

May 17, 2023
2 years ago
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have an ED visa that expires on the 11th June. Is it possible to convert that into a tourist visa from inside thailand. Or do i need to do a border run to get the tourist visa.

Thanks in advance 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is not possible to convert an ED visa to a tourist visa while remaining in Thailand. You need to either perform a border run to obtain a tourist visa or, if you're eligible, ask for a short extension at a local immigration office before leaving Thailand.
Richard *********
NO
Jeremy ********
You can ask for an extension at your local immigration office and they will issue you the 7 day get out of Thailand extension cost is ฿1,900…you can only apply for Thai visa at Thai consulates/embassies outside of Thailand…good luck
Brandon ************
If you're on the original visa you can just do your border bounce but if you're on an extension based on the original visa you'll also need to cancel that before you leave.
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Ill leave on the day that it expires 👍
Brandon ************
@Dan ******
you still have to cancel if it's an extension
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
its automatically cancelled when you leave to my understanding. It would have been cancelled when i left to go home in the summer if i didn't get the re-entry permit at the airport
Brandon ************
@Dan ******
it will be made invalid yes. But if you're on an extension, you signed a piece of paper that said you would information immigrating if your status changed. Just leaving is not sufficient. If you don't cancel it you won't be able to get another long term visa or extension in the future and you'll be hit with a 20,000 baht fine for failing to do so when you signed a paper that said you would.

If you don't plan on returning to Thailand it's fine but if you do then you need to cancel it.

But only if it's an extension. A visa cannot be cancelled.
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
So to confirm, i have a one year Education Visa that is expiring after 12 months - but i need to get that canceled before leaving?
Brandon ************
@Dan ******
check your passport and see if it says extension of stay. If it does you need to cancel it.
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
it does. It says extension of stay upto the 11th June 23. So ill need to cancel it. Do i do this at the airport or at immigration?
Brandon ************
@Dan ******
you need documentation from your school stating that you'll be done studying and take that to the immigration office that issued the extension.
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
okay ill ask them now 👍
Steve *******
You need a visa run for a TR visa or a border bounce for a visa exemption entry.
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
Thanks 🙏
Darren *******
You can't get a tourist visa from inside Thailand.

You also can't switch to visa exempt within Thailand.
Dan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Darren ******
Okay thanks 🙏
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