Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to an education visa for language study?

Mar 28, 2022
3 years ago
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking to study Thai for one year on an education visa.

I'm assuming the school would help with the visa, so I'm thinking it would be easiest to get the visa in person with the school. Would also prefer checking out a few schools rather than just committing to one before arriving.

So is it possible/easy to get a tourist visa then get the education visa once you are in Thailand, or must be done in advance?

If both are possible, which way is better?

I am reading about the special tourist visa and it says you can't transfer off of it so it looks like a general 60 day tourist visa is the only way, is that right? How would you guys recommend to go about that.

Any avice, or experience/recommendations regarding getting a student visa or schools in Phuket (or nearby) are welcome.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the process of obtaining an education visa for studying Thai for one year. They are considering entering Thailand on a tourist visa to explore language schools before committing to one and want to know if it's feasible to switch from a tourist visa to an education visa while in Thailand or if this must be done before arriving. A comment confirms that it is indeed a viable option to apply for the education visa while in Thailand.
James ********
Your idea of entering with a tourist visa...then explore schools and apply for the Ed Visa is a good plan.

Yes you can get the Ed Visa while you are in Thailand.
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