Can I extend a visa exempt entry in Thailand and switch to a Tourist or Student visa later?

Dec 27, 2021
3 years ago
Nico ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All,

My partner and our daughter have received their Non-O and Non-B visas. As we are not married, I have applied for a Multiple entry Tourist visa, which I have not received yet - I doubt I'll get it before our flight in a week.

Few questions, knowing we are all French citizens and that we plan on coming via Phuket Sandbox:

1. If I come on a 30-days visa exempt, for how long and how many times can I extend it?

2. Can I come on a visa exempt entry, and move to the Tourist visa once I receive it? With our without going out of the country?

3. I will not be working and genuinely want to learn Thai. After I arrive on visa exempt, can I apply for student visa without going out of the country?

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the possibility of entering Thailand on a visa exempt status, extending their stay, and changing to a Tourist or Student visa while already in the country. They received insights that a visa exempt entry can be extended for an additional 30 days, but they would need to leave Thailand to acquire a Tourist visa. Additionally, it's noted that they could apply for a Student visa without exiting Thailand. Comments suggest checking individual circumstances regarding current immigration policies.
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Hamid *******
Covid visa 60 days 1900baht they don’t ask much questions
Jonathan *******
@Meidi ******
they'd need to extend the tourist visa first. Can't get the covid extension without doing that
Michael ********
Where will you be settling, if Bangkok recomend Duke language school not one of these visa factories a proper school
Greg ********
@Michael *******
I had a trial lesson there. The teacher was excellent. I wanted private lessons though and not available at the time. Never bothered in the end :-)
Neal *******
The sure answer is extension 30 days one time.

Student visa, tourist visa and further changes requiring to exit the country are a huge bet.
Greg ********
@Neal ******
You can get an Ed Visa in-country for a language school.
Neal *******
@Greg *******
hooo that's good news!
Nick **********
I’m in Chiang Mai - not done it myself and do check but met loads of people who keep doing covid visa extensions indefinitely - they say to the visa office that they can’t return home due to covid.

CHECK THIS YOURSELF - also this will end at some point.
Michael ********
Visa exempt can be extended once for 30 days

You cannot get a tourist visa inside of Thailand. You would have to go out of the country and enter again.

You can change to an ED visa in country
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