Can I get a 30-day extension on my tourist visa in Koh Tao before planning to apply for an educational visa?

Thailand Visa Extension Koh Tao Tourist Visa Educational Visa Visa Rules Immigration Process

Nov 14, 2024

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

So we have a slight change of plans, but our 60 days end on the 25th.

We were supposed to do 2 weeks Kuala Lumpur and then come back to do a house sitting for Christmas/New Year (4 weeks total) and while deciding what we want to do next. 

Now my kids have decided they want to stay on Koh Tao for long term. 

Would it be possible to get the 30 day extension in time or is it too late?

After that I will be looking into the educational visa, because I wanted to learn Thai anyway

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether they can obtain a 30-day extension for their tourist visa in Koh Tao, as they have changed their plans to stay longer. Responses indicate that it is possible to apply for the extension at the local immigration office, which is known for its efficiency. However, they are advised that the process for obtaining an educational visa requires a departure from Thailand and more time than they currently have on their visa.

Brandon ************

Just know that you are going to have to leave and return to Thailand again if you want to do an ED visa because the ED visa process is long, the school has to apply to the ministry of education and get approval before you can apply for the education visa, and at the time you apply you must still have 14-21 days left on your stay. That means you already don't have enough time to do it. So start looking into it soon and get the process rolling so you can do it after you do a border bounce.

a day ago

Tahnee ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

okay, so if I understand it correctly.. I need to be here for at least 21 days to get the ed visa?

Would it also be possible to get everything sorted now, while on the island and when they are processing it, do the border bounce in the meantime?

a day ago

Brandon ************

@Tahnee **************

that's not what I said. I said you must have at least 14-21 days left on your permission to stay in order to apply to convert to ED visa. That means you already don't have enough time even if you started today because it would take a school more than a month just to get permission for you to apply.

a day ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Sophie *************

It's done same day Tahnee. Koh Tao immigration office usually really quick at getting everything done. You do need the proof of where you're staying though from the hotel/hostel

a day ago

Tahnee ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Sophie ************

great! I read somewhere, that it could take up to 2 weeks 😅

a day ago

Reply to

Tahnee ***************

Jan ******************

You should be able to apply for a 30 days extension at the immigration in Koh Tao without any issues.

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a day ago

Tahnee ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

that would be awesome! I read somewhere it would take up to 2 weeks for approval, but that would be incorrect?

a day ago

Jan ******************

@Tahnee **************

Tourist extensions are normally done within one or two days.

Some immigrations only let you apply within the last week, although most accept 30 day prior to due time.

I suggest you just go and get handed over their requirements. Normally you’ll need your passport with copy of ID-site and last stamps, one pass photo, receipt of your TM.30 address registration if they’ll ask for it and 1900 baht in cash. You apply on a TM.7 form at the immigration and can just ask your hotel or landlord of a receipt of your TM.30.

a day ago

Tahnee ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

thank you for that information 🙏🏽

a day ago

Reply to

Tahnee ***************

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