Can I extend my ED visa in Thailand with only one week left before expiration?

Aug 21, 2023
a year ago
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there

Iโ€™m on ED visa at the moment

But i have been out of the country for a few months

When i come back on wednesday i only have 1 week left on my current ed visa.

I have all my documents ready to extend but can i extend with only 1 week or less remaining on my current visa

Any advise appreciated ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster currently holds an ED visa and has been out of Thailand for several months, leaving them with only one week remaining on their visa upon return. Several commenters advise caution, suggesting that immigration may inquire about the extended absence, and underline the importance of having proof of enrollment and a letter from the educational institution. Some recommend canceling the ED visa and applying for a tourist visa instead, while others believe that as long as the poster can demonstrate they are a valid student, they should be able to extend their visa without issues. Ultimately, there are concerns about potential denial of entry, indicating it's essential to have proper documentation and to be prepared for questions from immigration officials.
Tod *********
Looks like we're going around in circles with this post AND
@Rismala ********
There are 3 ways this can go

1 - you'll either skate in without issue,

2 - get pulled aside, asked WTH you're doing out of the country so long on an ED visa and let in,

OR

3 - you'll get denied entry and shipped back (at your expense)

Those are the ONLY three ways it can go.. have proof you're studying, have your student i/d have a contact of someone from your uni in case you need to call them if you get pulled aside stamping in.

Good luck with it, safe travels

We are done.. .. ...
เน„เธกเน€เธ„เธดเธฅ **********
It might seem suspicious being on an ED visa and leaving for 2 months as the point of ED Visa is to be in school learning. People abuse these visas frequently and then have troubles down the road. Especially schools that arrange visas when then are online schools. No need to have a in-country visa if it's online. Beware.
Tod *********
And my question to you
@เน„เธกเน€เธ„เธดเธฅ *********
IS

Are you currently enrolled in a master's program with a thai university on an ED visa/extension?

I would imagine that being a student at a uni carries a LOT more weight than being a student of a private school studying thai, self defense, muay thai, cooking, etc ๐Ÿ˜› )

I think as long as they can prove they're a valid student, they shouldn't have much issue getting back in
Tod *********
@Rismala ********
, just come in, then go to the immigration office and get your extension

you shouldn't have a problem entering if your ED visa is based on studying master program from a university here

You have a re-entry permit so you'll get stamped in until the end of your current stamp.
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you so much

๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™ much appreciated Tod
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
But maybe better if I just go to thai embassy here where I am and canceling the ED visa ?

So when I fly back to Thailand on Wednesday I just get the tourist visa ?

Is that better idea u reckon ?
Richard ********
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Actually little additional information

When I land in Thailand on Wednesday I got 9 days left till my visa expired
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Will do

Thank you ๐Ÿ™
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oohh well I guess I just have to go ahead and try to enter with existing visa๐Ÿคž๐Ÿคž

Thank you for responding to my post ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™
James ********
@Rismala ********
And watch for any reply to your Post from
@Tod ********
Tuesday morning.
James ********
@Rismala ********
you cannot cancel the Ed Visa outside of Thailand.

Do you have a re-entry permit in your passport NOW?
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
yes I do have the re-entry permit
James ********
I wish you had read recent reports of those who have the Ed Visa and leave Thailand. And upon arrival into Thailand were questioned by Thai Immigration Officers and several DENIED ENTRY.

Suggest you be prepared for questions from Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand.

And explain why you were not in classes and passing tests during the Ed Visa.

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4/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Be sure to have the proof of your enrollment for the Ed Visa course of study...

And a letter from the school granting permission to be away from classes and travel outside of Thailand.

IF your course of study has already ENDED... BEFORE you Departed Thailand, did you cancel the Ed Visa with the Thai Immigration office?
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
ok a bit relief to know this

Thank you so much James

Hopefully all goes well on Wednesday ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
yes I am actually studying at one of the college in bkk

But if itโ€™s a bit risky then I have to have plan B when coming back to Thailand
James ********
@Rismala ********
if you are studying in a MBA Masters Degree course with a Thai University, that is fine.
Rismala *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
just checked his post but mine is totally different case since my master degree is online classes so itโ€™s allow us to travel and doing the classes while we are away so Iโ€™m not missing anything from my Uni..

my only concern is will they allow me to enter with only 1 week left for my visa because soon as I land I can go straight to immigration to extend my visa

All my docs are ready for extension and showing all my degrees and status of student.
James ********
@Rismala ********
thank you for your clarification...

It's a HUGE difference that you are in a Thailand university.

Usually you are REQUIRED to submit the application for the Ed Visa extension 15 days prior to its expiration date.. .

Have you asked your Thai Immigration office?

And as it's late evening Monday in Thailand, hopefully
@Tod ********
will reply as well in the early morning Tuesday. To confirm the dateline of your Ed Visa extension.
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