Can I convert my education visa to a tourist visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

Visa Conversion Education Visa Tourist Visa COVID-19 Extension Immigration Rules in Thailand

May 17, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

My education visa expires in July. Can I convert it to a tourist visa without leaving the country?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You cannot convert an education visa to a tourist visa without leaving Thailand. Typically, tourist visas must be obtained from Thai consulates outside the country. However, if the 60-day COVID extension program is still running when your education visa expires, you may be able to apply for this extension at an immigration office by providing documentation from your school.

Tod *********

Nope, you BUY tourist visas from thai consulates in other countries before you wing your way here you can't get them in country :/

However with that being said

IF the 60 day covid extension program (which is set to expire on the 29th of May) is extended and still running when your ED visa/extension is running out what you would do is

GO to the immigration office with paperwork from your school saying you stop studying on xxx date, immigrations will cancel your extension and you could immediately apply for a 60 day covid extension for 1900baht

All you can do is watch the news and see if they continue the 60 day covid extension program so it's still running when your current extension is running out

3 years ago

Sean *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

so could I go ahead now and cancel the ED visa before May 29 and get onto the COVID extension tourist visa? Or do I have to wait? My ED visa expires mid-July… but what if they don’t announce the next potential extension until after mid-July when my ED visa expires?

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Sean ****

Get a letter from your school saying your stopping, go cancel your current extension and apply for the covid extension before Friday May 28th

OR

wait it out, hope they continue the covid extension program and watch the news to see what's what in July

Those are your two choices.

They would announce the program is extended (usually 2 months at a time) before this current one runs out (May 29th)

3 years ago

Lauren ******

@Tod ********

hi Tod. Just curious is it possible to use the covid 60 day extension more than once (of course this would only be if the program is extended)? I will be cancelling my current non b visa and plan to apply for the covid extension and look for a new job but unsure how long it will take to find something. Thanks for any help.

3 years ago

James ********

@Lauren *****

Be very careful...

If you cancel your non b visa you may find it very difficult to get a new one without having to leave Thailand.

With this COVID situation it might be best to keep your job, keep your non b and work permit...

Look for a new job after COVID is over.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Lauren *****

You can apply for Covid extension multiple times as long as it's available when you apply for and you meet requirements.

3 years ago

Henrik ****

@Lauren *****

, the answer is YES.

3 years ago

Sean *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

got it. Very clear and helpful. Thank you 🙏🏻

3 years ago

Kim **********

@Sean ****

Yes you can during covid.

3 years ago

Reply to

Kim **********

Tod *********

@Sean ****

stop even saying "tourist visa" there is none available inside the country. It's a 60 day covid extension and has nothing to do with the type of visa or extension you were on.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Sean *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

very helpful information. Thank you.

3 years ago

Winnie **********

@Sean ****

@Tod ********

knows his stuff! Thank you Tod for keeping up on all things and for giving everyone solid advice 👍👍👏👏🙏🙏