Can you transition from an education visa to a tourist visa and then to a business visa in Thailand?

Visa Transition Business Visa Education Visa Tourist Visa Thai Immigration Rules Visa Requirements Visa Questions

April 25, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone. 

I am in the process of getting my business visa, I'm still waiting for the letter of approval. I'm currently not in Thailand but I want to come back briefly on a tourist visa and then I'll need to leave again in order to switch over to the business visa. 

My question is, are there any problems with me being on an education visa > tourist visa > business visa? 

Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on transitioning from an education visa to a tourist visa, and then to a business visa in Thailand. They are currently waiting for a business visa approval while considering a brief return on a tourist visa. The comments highlight the importance of knowing the specifics of their education visa situation, potential scrutiny from immigration, and the necessity of providing proof of funds, departure plans, and accommodation when entering Thailand.

Andrea *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

1. I was on an education visa from when I arrived to 22nd of April. I unfortunately stopped going to my Thai classes in order to pursue a job and so we are in the process of getting a business visa. I've never had a tourist visa.

2. As mentioned, the ED visa just wasn't extended so I left the day it ran out, should I still have cancelled it?

3. I thought as much, I guess having some proof I was learning Thai on my ED visa will be good 😅

4. Makes sense, thanks 🙏🏼

5. Right, we live in a family home so I guess I'll do a hotel booking that allows cancellation.

Or, I wait for the business visa to be processed 😅😅 I just don't know how long that's going to take.

a year ago

Paul *******

@Andrea ********

Don't make it complicated. Wait for the visa to arrive and then you can get a re-entry permit if you need to leave temporarily.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Andrea ********

You cannot cancel a visa, only an extension, so you should be okay on that front. And a cancellable hotel booking should work fine. You just want to make sure you cover every base and meet their checklist if they ask.

a year ago

Andrea *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

sorry Brandon I was a bit sleepy last night so wasn't reading fully. I did get an extension on my education visa, so I had the 90 days + one extension. So now I'm nervous about me not cancelling regardless of if I come back on a tourist visa or wait for the business visa to be ready 😅 I wasn't aware you needed to cancel it I thought that a stamp saying you departed Thailand would be all they need to see.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Andrea ********

you cannot get another long term visa extension until you've cancelled your education extension. You're also likely to be fined 20,000 baht for not doing so.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

A couple of things.

1. Were you only on the initial 90 day education visa and then left Thailand, or did you get an education extension also while you were here?

2. If you were on an ED extension, did you cancel it before you left Thailand?

3. Regardless of 1 or 2, you can expect to be pulled aside from the immigration line and questioned. Anyone entering that has a previous ED visa or extension in their passport is getting questioned now because there were so many fraudulent ED visas previously.

4. Try to come with a full tourist visa rather than visa exempt. While it won't protect you from problems, it may make a small difference.

5. Make sure you have the 3 proofs when you enter so they cannot easily deny you entry.

Proof of funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency, IN CASH ONLY)

Proof of leaving Thailand (a flight ticket out of Thailand within 30 days if entering on visa exempt or 60 days if entering with a tourist visa)

Proof of lodging (A hotel booking for at least the first week or so)

I may have some followup based on your answers to 1 and 2.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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