Can I convert my Thai ED Plus visa to a Non-O (Child) visa without leaving Thailand?

Question

Hi everyone,

I currently hold a Thai ED Plus visa after graduating from a university in Thailand, and I now have a Thai child. I would like to change my ED Plus visa to a Non-O (Child) visa.

Is it possible to do this within the country without leaving Thailand? I ask because Non-Immigrant ED Plus visas allow conversion to a Non-B without leaving the country.

I have all the required documents, including the birth certificate and the blue house registration book with my child’s name. I am also in the process of adding my name, as my local amphur requested some documents to be verified by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
I also have a Thai bank account with 400,000 THB.

Could anyone please advise what additional documents are required? I would like to handle the process myself without using an agent, as many charge unreasonable fees even when I prepare all the required documents on my own.
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking to convert their Thai ED Plus visa to a Non-O (Child) visa after graduation and having a Thai child. They want to know if this conversion can be done within Thailand and are asking for advice on additional required documents. Comments suggest complexities involved, especially if not married to the child’s mother, needing court legitimization of paternity before applying. Others indicate experiences with immigration potentially requiring a departure from Thailand for such visa switches.

Sean ************* · Answer

In my experience, immigration in Bkk will want you to leave the country to switch off of a student visa. They were always very strict about this. Maybe things have changed but that was my experience.

Don’t forget that you need a letter from your university canceling the student visa before you can switch to another type of visa.

Stuart ********** · Answer

You also need a lawyer for the court part and it often involves 2 meetings. Firstly an interview by the family court and then a hearing at proper court. But you only need the court part if you weren't married at time of birth

Stuart ********** · Answer

If you aren't married name on birth cert isn't enough, you need to go to court to legitimise paternity with the mother. Once the case is finished you then need to take the court papers to the amphur who will issue you with a certificate saying that it has been accepted that you are the father. You can then use that in the visa application process. It's not straight forward but long term it is very worthwhile jumping through the hoops to get onto the "Thai family" visa. FYI for this visa the 400k only needs to be in the bank on day of application. I went through moving from an ed visa to this visa some 8 years ago

Can I convert my Thai ED Plus visa to a Non-O (Child) visa without leaving Thailand?

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