Can I do a visa run and switch to a student visa after my STV expires in Thailand?

STV Visa Tourist Visa Visa Runs Non-ED Visa Student Visa Visa Exempt Thailand Immigration Rules

July 2, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm currently on a STV, due to end next month, I understand I can’t change visa from the STV but I would like to stay another 6-12months, after being here 9 months on what is a tourist visa would there be any issue with doing a visa run, returning as visa exempt which I could then change to a student visa to learn Thai?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently on a Special Tourist Visa (STV) set to expire next month and seeks to extend their stay in Thailand for an additional 6-12 months. They are considering making a visa run and returning on a visa-exempt basis, with plans to change to a student visa for learning Thai. Commenters confirm that it is feasible to do a visa run and suggest ensuring that the school can provide the necessary documentation promptly for the Non-ED visa application.

James ********

Try it.... And suggest you follow the helpful advice of

@Tod ********

Where are you in Thailand?

2 years ago

Jay ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Chiang Mai

2 years ago

James ********

@Jay *******

then the Vientiane Thai Consulate will be a good option for you if you are seeking to get the Thai Tourist Visa.

And may I suggest you look into the Chiang Mai University Thai Language School courses as you are in Chiang Mai me

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Tod *********

Nope there is zero problem doing that

BUT

make sure the school you're enrolling in can get the documentation you need in time for you to be able to apply for the in country Non-ED visa (you need so many days left on your current stamp to do it)

I'd say go to Vientiane or Savannakhet and get a single entry tourist visa for 1000baht instead

OR (better yet)

just get the documentation from the school and go to one of those thai consulates and apply for the 90 day Non-ED visa for 2000baht

2 years ago

Jay ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

The 1000baht single entry tourist visa, is that 60days? I've never done a visa run to Laos, can the 90day non-ed visa be processed same day or would I need to stay in Laos for a period of time? I had been considering doing the visa run to Cambodia or possibly Singapore, I assume same facilities available elsewhere?

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Jay *******

Yes, with Single Entry Tourist Visa, you will be stamped for 60 days upon entry and it is eligible for 30 days tourism extension later.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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