Can I switch from a Non-O visa to an ED visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

Aug 22, 2020
4 years ago
Wade ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Im on a Non O Multi (family) that expires Jan 2021. Im currently on amnesty and have already used up my 60day extension before amnesty was announced. I don't meet the financial requirements for the 1 year extension (I have been withdrawing 60k in cash every month from my US account at the ATM).

I am trying to figure out my options as possible backup plan if amnesty will not get renewed or the borders remain closed for border runs.

Can I change my Non-0 ME family visa to an ED visa without leaving the country? The courses seem to be cheaper than a flight back home so its something I would consider if possible.

Or are there any options I might not know about?

This border situation gives me so much anxiety of not knowing if I will have to leave my home of 9yrs in Thailand so I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you
928
views
3
likes
24
all likes
10
replies
0
images
3
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is on a Non-O Multi visa expiring January 2021 and is currently under amnesty in Thailand. They are concerned about the expiration of their amnesty and the financial requirements needed for a one-year extension, which they do not meet. They seek advice on whether they can change their Non-O visa to an ED (education) visa without leaving Thailand, given that courses are less costly than a flight home. Commenters highlighted that ATM withdrawals cannot be used as proof for financial requirements, suggested contacting educational institutions for enrollment options, and mentioned alternative methods for visa extensions.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Philip ******************
If you have a job in Thailand with a 40k+ salary and work permit then you can get the 1 year extension based on this as well.
Tod *********
You either bank 400K baht in a thai bank account for 2 months before you apply for an extension based on marriage (meaning the money would have needed to be IN the account since July 26th) OR you need to "prepare to depart" on or before the 26th of Sept when amnesty runs out
Tod *********
You need to be talking the school you're going to enroll in to see if you have any options.
Wade ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
so i could get a ED visa while in the country without leaving even though im currently on a non o?
Tod *********
No
@Wa**
, I didn't say that at all. :(

I said GO talk to a school you're interested in enrolling in and see what they say :) Don't mis-remember what I wrote ;)
Wade ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
But yes i will contact a school. Just wanted to ask before i research schools near me
Wade ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
im just thinking of ways to stay so thats why i asked. I know you can do that from a tourist visa but i dont know about a non o
Tod *********
@Wade ***
, you can't do it from amnesty and that's what's causing the problem for most all people.

As I said, talk to the school you're interested in enrolling in and see what they tell you.
Wade ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok, thank you for your time. The bit about amnesty was what i needed to hear.
Tod *********
you cannot use ATM withdrawals as proof of transferring into the country the required amount of money from abroad to meet the financial requirements for an extension.
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice