How long do I need to be out of Thailand before returning on a tourist visa after leaving on an ED visa?

Nov 11, 2021
3 years ago
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We will be leaving Thailand in December after being here on an ED visa. We will return to the US. Any idea how long we have to be out of the country before returning on a tourist visa with Thailand Pass? Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is leaving Thailand in December after being on an ED visa and plans to return to the US. They inquire about the waiting period required before they can re-enter Thailand on a tourist visa using the Thailand Pass. Comments clarify that there are no minimum stay-out requirements for returning on a tourist visa, as long as they meet entry requirements. It's also advised to formally cancel any extension of stay related to their ED visa to avoid future issues.
James ********
As you will have completed your current university related studies in Bangkok....be sure your Ed visa is cancelled properly before leaving Thailand.

And may I suggest you consider seeking a university position with a Thai university...with your superb education credentials.

As an interim solution...

As you await the safe return to Myanmar and your university position in Yangon.

The tourist visa will only grant you max of 90 days...with little opportunity to extend it so long as Thai land borders remain closed.
Benjamin ******
Just a question. What's an "ED visa"? IF you have the original 90 day ED visa, there is nothing you need to do at the immigration office. IF you have a stamp that says "extension of stay based on studying", you'll need to go to the immigration office, with a letter from the school saying you are no longer studying. You can get this done in advance.

(Hat tip to
@Brandon ***********
for asking me in private this question).
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
We actually have the full 1 year Ed Visa for Thai language school. However, we need to return home for family reasons and have been told that when we leave the country, our Education Visa will be canceled. Given that we cannot return on the Ed Visa, we will come back on a tourist visa.
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sure. We are scheduled to get our last extension in Jan. (I say 1-year visa, but it is technically approved 3? months at a time?).
Benjamin ******
@Marcus **************
Can you post a picture of this "1 year ED visa"? Sometimes schools don't know what they are talking about
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
So we arrived in Thailand in April. Joined language school a few months later and transitioned to an Ed Visa with a language school. With the extensions, it is supposed to take us through the end of March next year.
Benjamin ******
@Marcus **************
You do *NOT* have a visa. You have an extension of stay. The extension of stay must be cancelled before you leave Thailand.
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Thank you. Here is the original visa page.
Benjamin ******
@Marcus **************
If you look at the date of the visa, it's expired. You're legally in Thailand based on your extension of stay based on studying.
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Thanks for your help.
Ellie *******
@Marcus **************
, you wouldn't have any problem with leaving Thailand, letting your extension expire, and coming back on Tourist status without canceling your current extension before you leave.

You would face some problems when you will apply for a new long-term visa or extension inside Thailand if you don't cancel your current extension officially.

That means, you just come back to Thailand only as a tourist and wouldn't apply for any other type of visa/extension in your future, you can just leave and forget about it.
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Thanks, Ellie. I've been in touch with the school who seem very on top of their game. I also plan on visiting immigration to chat with them. I think I'd prefer to officially close it off so that we have options in the future. Is it complicated to cancel our current visa extension?
Ellie *******
@Marcus **************
, not complicated at all, the easy process if you do as you mentioned. You will be fine.
Brandon ************
@Benjamin *****
@Marcus **************
If you have an extension for studying and don't cancel it before you leave, you could have visa issues in the future so it's highly recommended.
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Okay. Thank you. We will be in touch with the school to ask them how to move forward.
Ellie *******
There is no requirement of minimum stay out of Thailand regarding tourists or whatever entry. You even can enter Thailand on the same day you leave Thailand if you can meet all requirements to enter Thailand under Covid affected environment.
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks, Bree. Where did you find this info? Thai Ministry?
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Thank you.
Todd *********
45 seconds is adequate... Benjamin! Visa agnostic.... i like it
Benjamin ******
The Thailand Pass is separate from getting a visa. The Thailand Pass is visa agnostic and discussion of it is outside the scope of the group and any discussion of it will be deleted.

For getting a tourist visa, there is no restrictions on getting them back-to-back
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Thank you. I was just trying to determine if I had to be out of the country for a specific amount of time post-ed visa to arrive back on a tourist visa.
Benjamin ******
@Marcus **************
You can turn around and apply for a new tourist visa right away
Marcus ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Thank you!
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