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

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)

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.

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.

3/permalink/4/

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

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

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.