Answered2 years ago

Can I extend my stay on a non-ED visa in Thailand by applying for a tourist visa or a second non-ED visa?

Non-ED Visa Tourist Visa Thai Language School Visa Extension Immigration Procedures Border Run

Ivan ****

asked May 12, 2024

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Hello, I am currently on a non-ED visa in Phuket. I have a lease on a condo that ends 3-4 months after the full year of my current visa. Will it be possible to get a tourist visa at the border once or twice so that I can stay until the end of my lease?

I'm genuinely using the non-ED visa to learn thai and want to learn the language. Would it also be possible to get a second non-ED visa for more advanced courses?

Answer summary

The user is currently on a non-ED visa in Phuket and wishes to extend their stay until the end of their condo lease by possibly acquiring a tourist visa at the border. Additionally, they are interested in obtaining a second non-ED visa for advanced Thai language courses. Comments from the community suggest confirming with their language school about the possibility of a second year of study and advise on proper immigration procedures, emphasizing that border runs should only be done through land crossings for new visa stamps.

5 repliesnewest first

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Ade ******

"Do NOT 🚫 Fly to get the New 30 day stamp as Visa Exempt Entry. Land BORDER BOUNCE ONLY." Can I ask the reason for this, please?

2 years ago

Chelsea ********

@Ade *****

because airport immigration are known for questioning Ed visa holders more stringently (because Ed visa holders really "shouldn't" be traveling around if they're here specifically to study) -- at least I think this is the reason

2 years ago

James ********

@Ade *****

increased chance of being questioned by Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into an airport vs land border crossing entries into Thailand. They look at your recent history of staying in Thailand. Back to back entries are seen as possibly living and or working in Thailand.

2 years ago

James ********

Ask your Thai language school if they offer a second year of studying.

Some do... many don't.

2 years ago

James ********

At the end of your Ed Visa course of study, be sure to get a letter from the School to Thai Immigration stating that you have completed study on the last day of your current STAMPED in date.

Take that to the Thai Immigration office which ISSUED you the Ed Visa STAMP. Cannot go to any Thai Immigration office...it MUST BE the one that issued the Ed Visa STAMP in your passport.

Then if you want to stay up to 4 MONTHS longer...

Suggest you do 2 LAND BORDER BOUNCE entries into Thailand...

Each one will get you a 30 day Visa Exempt Entry STAMP... and can be extended for 30 ADDED days at your local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai baht.

Do NOT 🚫 Fly to get the New 30 day stamp as Visa Exempt Entry. Land BORDER BOUNCE ONLY.

Good Luck 🍀

2 years ago