Can I Switch from a Student Visa to a Dependent Visa in Thailand Without Leaving the Country?

Mar 27, 2020
5 years ago
Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I am on a student Visa and have everything I need to switch to dependent visa supposedly by April 27th. With not being able to leave do you think they will grant me a dependent Visa without leaving the country due to the circumstances? My son will be born this week or next and needs my support. Not sure my options anymore. Thank you for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is currently on a student visa and is seeking to switch to a dependent visa due to the upcoming birth of their child. Several comments indicate that it is unlikely to transition from one visa type to another while remaining in Thailand. However, it may be possible to apply for a 60-day family visit extension after the child's birth, as this does not require legal parental recognition. Another option mentioned is obtaining an Elite Visa, which allows for a hassle-free long-term stay in Thailand.
Greg ******
Another option if you can afford it is to get an Elite Visa. I switched from an extension of stay on an ED Visa to an Elite Visa in country last year.

Yesterday I got my new one year permitted to stay stamp at immigration.

I think the Elite Visa is the best for trouble free long term stay in Thailand.

*********************
Greg ******
No 500k for 5 years.
Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *****
elite Visa is 500k for 1 year?
Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok so 60 day visit thai family is what I'll need to seek then during the 60 days get married on paper or do the family court route. Got it. Thanks so much sir. I owe you a beer for sure
Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok will do. Thanks again.
Tod *********
working a non-contested case thru family court (meaning the thai mother is 100% okay with giving you parental rights) takes about 6 months (most of that waiting for the hearings, and the judgement ruling).

Good Luck, go for the 60 day visit family extension once your child is born, (y)
Tod *********
Then sadly you can't get ANY Non-O visa inside the country based on being the father of a half thai child UNTIL you go thru family court and get recognized as the legal father and granted parental rights.

Your option is get a 60 day visit thai family extension once the child is born (as that doesn't require parental rights only your name on the birth certificate)
Tod *********
Once your child is born IF you could find a thai consulate that's open you could get a 90 day single entry Non-O based on being the father of a half thai child, which would stamp you in for 90 days and then you could get a 60 day extension off that based on visiting family (which gives you 5 months total) BUT that's about it :(
Tod *********
I would say NO they won't issue you a Non-O visa based on being the father of a half thai child. You can't go from one VISA to another VISA inside the country.

You MIGHT be able to get a 60 day visit thai family extension on your current ED visa/extension but that'd be it.
Lochlan *********
Realise if you are not married when the child is born even if you are on the birth cert you are not legally the father in Thailand if not married,
Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you so much. What would be the procedure to try and secure that and then fly out after to secure the dependent Visa? Appreciate all you do for us expats living in Thailand especially during this hard time.
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