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Can I convert my Thai education visa to a DTV visa or do I need to cancel it first?

Oct 8, 2024
2 years ago
Luis ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can I convert my active Thai education visa to the DTV visa or should I leave, cancel my education visa when it's finished (becoming a tourist visa on re-entry) and then apply for the DTV?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is not possible to convert a Thai education visa directly to a DTV visa. Usually, you must apply for a DTV at a Thai consulate in another country. However, some users have reported successfully obtaining a DTV while still holding an education visa, with plans to cancel the education visa upon re-entry to Thailand. It is advisable to confirm specific procedures with immigration authorities before proceeding.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
James ********
What is your passport nation?

Are you now on a 90 day extension of your Ed Visa...or are you in the first 90 days of the Ed Visa?
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Jeiz ***************
Just got approved for a DTV without having to cancel the ED visa. Will cancel upon arrival in Thailand. Also called the Immigration Hotline before hand and they confirmed that you can cancel your ED visa after your DTV is approved. It shouldn't be a problem. You may call 1178 (from Thailand) to confirm if this still stands.
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Luis ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeiz **************
this is excellent news as it is also my current situation, I am on education visa, it's so relieving to hear this. Now if only all my statements and documentation are good enough for the 5 year work cation DTV 🙏 is that the one you selected or did you do medical or soft power?
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Jeiz ***************
@Luis *****
Yes, workcation. Got mine at Vientiane.
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Jeiz ***************
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James ********
@Jeiz **************
and to cancel the Ed Visa... you need a letter from the school to Thai Immigration which states you have ended study on a specific date... take that letter to the Thai Immigration office which ISSUED you the ED VISA STAMP in your passport to cancel the Ed Visa.
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Jeiz ***************
@James *******
right. I did mean will follow this process when already in Thailand. Good to point out it doesn't automatically get cancelled upon coming in
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James ********
@Jeiz **************
Glad you have the DTV visa 🤗 Congratulations 👏👏👏
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Jeiz ***************
@James *******
in asking for a certificate to cancel my ED visa from the school, they asked for date of departure, they said it is required. As I understand I don't have to leave to get it cancelled, just cancel at immigration. Is this right? Thanks.
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James ********
@Jeiz **************
you cancel it at Thai immigration office that ISSUED you the STAMP in your passport. And you must leave Thailand on the date you ended study. Most schools give you a letter which states you ended study a week or two past the actual date School ended to give you time to leave Thailand.

You will need to get another stamp on Entry into Thailand

As Visa Exempt Entry or with another Thai visa you obtain outside of Thailand.
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Jeiz ***************
@James *******
i already got a stamp in with the DTV. Can you clarify if exiting is still needed? So far nothing in this forum talks about this, just a certification to cancel.
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James ********
@Jeiz **************
then you will need to get the letter from your School stating that you have ended study to the Thai Immigration office which ISSUED you the Ed Visa stamp to cancel it.

Let's Ask
@Tod ********
his opinion on your situation.
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James ********
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Elías ********
Just remember you can't work in Thailand for a Thai company with a DTV.
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Luis ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Elías *******
thanks, my plan is to use my LLC in America to make an employment contract for myself and apply for the "work cation" DTV. Thanks
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Luis ******
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Tod *********
You can't convert anything to a DTV.

You GO to a thai consulate in another country, apply for and BUY a Destination Thailand Visa.
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Joshua *******
@Tod ********
do you have to be a citizen of that other country to apply?
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Joshua *******
Thank you
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Wannikea *********
@Joshua ******
did anyone mention anything about citizenship, no, your answer.
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Joshua *******
@Wannikea ********
wow. Thanks for being such an inspiration. Your kindness knows no bounds!
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Luis ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
you do not need to be a citizen of the country you apply in, you just can't apply from within Thailand
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Luis ******
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Luis ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
ok, so after I leave, canceling my education visa, then I can apply for the DTV correct?
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Tod *********
@Luis *****
pick a consulate in another country, go to their website, read the requirements, see if they're eVisa or walk up, and apply
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Luis ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks Tod
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Luis ******
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