Do I need to cancel my Education Visa if I leave Thailand early?

Jul 12, 2021
3 years ago
Lisa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi! I'm flying back to Europe earlier than planned. Currently I'm on an Education Visa (extension expires 18th August) from a language school in Bangkok. Do I need to cancel the visa if I leave in the next few days or can I just leave? I don't plan on getting another Ed visa. Thanks a lot!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the necessity of canceling their Education Visa as they intend to leave Thailand sooner than planned. The discussion reveals that while leaving without formally canceling the visa is possible, it's strongly advised to officially cancel the extension to avoid future complications, especially if the user plans to return to Thailand for another visa or work.
Tod *********
Okay I think people are confused (schools too) about leaving on an extension of stay without a re-entry permit (which does NOT officially cancel your extension, just stamps you out of the country) AND taking documentation from your school to the immigration office to cancel the extension then leave the country.

IF you just leave but have no intention to return here, you can just go stamp out at the airport. BUT if you're ever thinking you'll come back here, and especially if you're ever thinking you'd get another ED visa or Non-B visa (for employment) you need to go thru the official process of cancelling the current extension at the immigration office BEFORE you go and stamp out at the airport.

Failing to do that would cause you problems when you come back and go to get a long term visa/extension as the previous extension will have not been officially cancelled.

Now that this isn't what your school tells you to do is neither here nor there, this is the way it's done officially so you don't have problems in the future. Whether you follow that or not is totally up to you
Lisa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks! I'm just a little confused because my language school is telling me they "recommend it" rather than that canceling is mandatory. I do not have a reentry permit. I'm planning to return on a tourist visa in October and switch to work visa since I have a job lined up upon return.
James ********
Get the Ed Visa cancelled. Save yourself future problems when you return and apply for the non b visa and work permit.
Benjamin ******
@Lisa ******
I wouldn't take their recommendation. They would not get fined if you don't cancel your extension of stay.
Dave *******
@Lisa ******
listen to what
@Ellie ******
advised you, otherwise if you don’t cancel the extension you may be looking at overstay fees on your return. Don’t risk it
Ellie *******
Unless you would be never back in Thailand, get your extension canceled otherwise you may be charged for overstay later. Get the letter from the school saying the end date as on your departure date. You may not need to apply for a Covid extension if you are leaving in a few days.
Mike **********
What would they charge for overstay for, if leaving before the visa expires? I'm on Ed visa and just plan on leaving Saturday. Mine expires like a week later. Didn't plan on going to immigration...
Benjamin ******
You should go to the immigration office with the paperwork from the school saying you are no longer studying and that you want your extension of stay cancelled. Then, ask for a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19.
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