Can my son switch from Visa Exemption to Non-ED visa in Thailand for his studies, and can my wife do the same?

Aug 1, 2024
4 months ago
Carlos *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m planning to obtain a DTV visa, my son will study in Thailand so he will get a Non-ed visa as a student. Can he get there on visa exemption and change to non-ed while in Thailand? My wife will be his companion, can she also get there on visa exemption and change the visa type in Thailand?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering obtaining a DTV visa while their son plans to study in Thailand under a Non-ED visa. They are querying whether the son can enter Thailand on a visa exemption and later switch to a Non-ED visa, as well as if the user's wife can also enter on a visa exemption and change her visa type. The comment suggests consulting the son's school for clarity on the visa conversion process and highlights that more information is needed about the wife's visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Brandon ************
You need to ask your son's school. They'll be able to advise if their immigration office allows converting from visa exempt to ED and if they'll support such an application.

You didn't say what type of visa for your wife so it's impossible to answer.
Graham ******
Why not get your wife a DTV as your dependent after yours is approved thereby not relying on the school?
Carlos *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are also considering this option. We're new to Thai visas so not sure which one would be better
Carlos *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks for your answer! the school said we can do it but I wanted to make sure because I’m reading different things online. My wife will get the student’s guardian visa (only one of the parents can get it)
Carlos *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I’ll take that into consideration, thanks a lot for the answer!
Brandon ************
@Carlos ********
if the school says it's possible then it should be okay.

Your wife should also be able to do it, but may run into issues with timing.

An ED visa conversion can take a while because it needs approval from the ministry of education, and your wife will likely need to have a minimum amount of time remaining on her stay in order to apply to convert. 14-21 days depending on the office.

Worst case scenario is that your wife would need to do a border bounce to get a new 60 day entry stamp before applying.
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