Can I convert my Tourist Visa to an Education Visa in Thailand and sponsor my family to accompany me?

Tourist Visa Education Visa Visa Conversion Family Sponsorship Thai Visa Rules Immigration in Thailand Student Visa

Jan 24, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I convert my Tourist Visa (currently on a 60 day extension) to an Education Visa? 

And if so, can I also sponsor my family to stay with me in Thailand?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

It is possible to convert your Tourist Visa (with a 60-day extension) to an Education Visa, but it will require a new application process. You will need to meet the specific requirements set by the educational institution you choose to attend. Additionally, while converting to an Education Visa, you can inquire about the possibility of sponsoring your family to stay in Thailand with you, though this may depend on certain conditions.

Abhi *********

I had arrived here on tourist and just got student visa. It was a 'new application', not a change over. I only had to pay abour 2,000 baht visa fee, nothing else for the changeover. But it took a long time to get all the paperwork sorted with my uni and had to go back to immigration 3 times I total. Not sure about family.

3 years ago

Angelo ***********

You can have an ED visa for any topic that is taught in Thailand, but obviously if you wold want to study Electric Engineering or something, they would raise their eye brows.

Typical topics beyond Thai as a language is Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Thai Massage, cooking Thai food.

I would not wonder if classical dance and/or music instruments also are acceptable.

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Angelo **********

how about you correct that comment to say you can get an ED visa for any subject that is approved for foreigners to get ED visas by the Ministry of Education 🙂 It's not any subject at all, it's MOE approved schools, curriculum

3 years ago

Angelo ***********

@Tod ********

Does not change the fact that it can be any topic. So, how would you want to change my post? Should I just add (MOE approved school)?

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Angelo **********

I just wanted you to know that there are only a finite number of languages and activities that the MOE approves for foreigners to study here to get ED visas. There are plenty of "schools" that teach things here that are NOT approved by the MOE for foreigners to get ED visa support from, you can still go to them and learn things just not on an ED visa.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Hemant *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Angelo **********

thinking of doing my masters but it depends if I can have my family here or not.

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Hemant ********

for a formal education degree, you should be able to bring your family over. Ask your university for more information

3 years ago