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Can I switch from a Thai ED visa to a Tourist Visa and then back to a different ED visa while traveling to Laos?

Thai visa rules ED visa tourist visa visa extension Laos visa run Penang Vientiane

Jul 31, 2018

8 years ago

Rafael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! I would like to switch from 1 year Thai ED visa that expires in December 2018 to a Tourist Visa for 60+30 day extension at Promenada = 90 days tourist visa, and then in February 2019 switch to different ED visa (Self Defense) and go to Laos to activate that one. I only have 1 tourist visa in my passport and 1 ED visa. I was going to visit Penang, Malaysia for the Tourist visa in December 2018 and then Laos in February 2019 for Self Defense ED Visa. Is this doable, and should I go to Laos instead for the tourist visa first?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering switching from a 1-year Thai ED visa to a Tourist Visa with a 60+30 day extension before obtaining a new ED visa in Laos. Community responses suggest ensuring the cancellation of the current ED visa before leaving Thailand, emphasizing that obtaining the tourist visa in Vientiane is generally easier than in Penang. Additional advice includes having proper documentation for the visa application and possible alternatives to Penang for obtaining the Tourist Visa.

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Glen *********

Don’t forget to CANCEL your ED “extension of stay” BEFORE you leave Thailand - it’s not cancelled automatically when you depart.

You need a letter from your school to take to immigration to cancel the extension of stay last granted. Have the school date it to cancel on the day you are planning to leave Thailand.

Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to 20,000 Baht for overstaying (regardless of entering on a new visa)

8 years ago

Rafael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Excellent tip, thank you so much!

8 years ago

Reply to

Rafael *********

Duncan *******

In theory won't be a problem - been there, done that with slight variation out of CM (language ED to visa exempt to TR to self-defense ED), however, anywhere but Penang in between times at this point of time for a TR given the ongoing reports of drama.

You might be better off in KL if you don't want to go to Vientiane for the TR - you still need to have your paperwork in order but they're not being quite as picky/pedantic. Alts are Vietnam (Hanoi or HCMC) remembering that you can fly direct from CNX. I priced HCMC the other day, <2k one way and it's great place if you haven't been.

8 years ago

Rafael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Awesome, Vietnam sounds like an awesome alternative to Penang, Malaysia! Thank you, Duncan!

8 years ago

Reply to

Rafael *********

Tony ***********

Don’t go to Penang, trust me. I had everything they asked for, but now I have to go to an interview with an agent. Vientiane was MUCH easier.

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8 years ago

Rafael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you Tony, I read your post and it prompted me to ask the group because I didn't want the same experience. I will stick to Vientiane. Good luck man, I will send positive vibes!

8 years ago

Reply to

Rafael *********

Tod *********

Keep in mind that the thai consulate in Penang is NOT all that user friendly and you either meet the requirements (proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in a bank account, proof of onward travel in 60 days & proof of a hotel booking or confirmed lodging) or you don't get a tourist visa from them :O

8 years ago

Marco *********

@Rafael ********

if you want to be "extra" sure, in Penang could ask you to show bank statement with at least 50,000 baht; and, along with copy of your apartment lease, copy of house book (tabien ban) and signed copy of owner's ID.

Show up in the morning from 9 to 10am only and you can pick up your passport the day after, from 2 to 3pm only.

8 years ago

Rafael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

That should be no problem I believe, 20K Baht in Thai bank account, Onward flight leaving Thailand in 60 days, and address/copy of lease of my apartment here in Chiang Mai. I was hoping to make a few days trip to Penang, Malaysia with the girlfriend for the tourist visa and then go up to Vientiane, Laos once I have my Self Defense Visa and making another few days trip with her there in February 2019 :)

8 years ago

Reply to

Rafael *********

Barry ******

Doesn't matter which embassy you go to. But you have to leave. Don't forget to get cancellation papers before you exit.

8 years ago

Tod *********

you shouldn't have a problem getting the tourist visa in Vientiane and then going back and getting the ED visa there too.

They're completely different visas.

8 years ago

Rafael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

🙏 Thank you Mr. Daniels!

8 years ago

Reply to

Rafael *********

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