Can I extend my visa after having an EDU visa and what are my options to reset my tourist visa in Thailand?

February 23, 2022
3 years ago
Erin ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
i apologize if this has been asked already but im struggling to find a clear answer (and accept the reality possibly) but what im being told is that because i had an EDU last year (ive been on covid tourist since) I can no longer extend. I expire on march 4th and then ill be given one week. Is there nothing to be done ? It's a bummer because friends of mine who never went off tourist covid visas seem to be fine.

Also, if i want to leave the country and come back to reset the tourist visa does this seem to be working for those who have been here a while? i heard a rumor you have to leave for 21 days but i cannot find confirmation on this.

Thank you for all you do here!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing difficulties extending their visa after having previously held an EDU visa, with information that they can no longer receive COVID-related extensions. They are unsure about the process needed to leave and re-enter Thailand to reset their tourist visa. Comments confirm the current regulations regarding visa extensions, emphasizing that after transitioning from an EDU visa, extensions are no longer available. Suggestions for leaving Thailand to a neighboring country, particularly Cambodia, and returning on a visa-exempt entry are provided, with clarification that there is no requirement to stay out for 21 days, countering a prevailing rumor.
Erin ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone for your input! It was very helpful
Anthony *********
If you're thinking of going to Cambodia, you can inbox me if you like, as I have a write up someone did of all the steps to take which will be helpful, I went to Cambodia on 2nd Jan and came back 5th Jan so I was only there 3 days, I basically did everything the same as on this write up and it all went smoothly
Tod *********
@Anthony ********
so all you did was a "bounce" right and entered thailand on a visa exempt? You didn't go to the thai consulate in Phnom Penh and apply for a visa?

Did you have your thai pass and everything approved before you flew out?
Anthony *********
@Tod ********
I came back visa exempt 30 days as I'm applying for the Non O for marriage, I got tomorrow for that actually. So no, didn't go to the Thai consulate there just in and out, I have been and got visa from the Thai consulate there in the past and was pretty straight forward, I have a friend there now actually applying for her Non B

And yes, Thai pass I did before I left Thailand
Tod *********
Wannikea *********
The 21 day requirement was made moot and dropped when vaccinated travelers from all countries were approved for test and go scheme.
Wannikea *********
Be clear that the "given 1 week" is ONLY if you apply for an extension and then given the extension denied stamp. Otherwise you must stamp out by midnight on the date your current permission allows.
Tod *********
Totally correct IF you went to ANY type of a Non-Immigrant visa before you went on covid extensions (no matter if you entered with it or got it inside the country) you're now done getting covid extensions ๐Ÿ˜ฎ When the old program ran out and the new one started on Jan 26th that was a restriction.

You are correct there is nothing to be done. If you go apply for an extension now you will be given a 7 day application denied stamp that gives you a week to get out of the country.

Your option is to leave the country and come back either on a visa exempt entry OR get a single entry tourist visa while you're out of the country.

Most people visa run to Cambodia as it's the nearest country to thailand that is open, has relatively easy entry requirements and the thai consulate there seems to be okay to deal with to get a tourist visa while you're there.

Remember though you will need to meet the entry requirements when you come back to thailand

There is no must stay out for 21 days rule, that is 100% a b/s rumor.. Dunno where you read it.
Marguyvin **********
It is true. EDU is a Non-Immigrant visa category, and as of 26-Jan only TR and Tourist Visa Exempt categories are being accepted for covid extensions. You should consider going to a neighboring country (Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore).
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