What are my best options for extending my stay in Thailand after my Exempt Tourist Visa expires?

Jan 7, 2023
2 years ago
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
In light of the potential double-jab requirements, I am looking to get another stamp in Thailand while I am here.

I am on an Exempt Tourist Visa which has been extended by 30 days, meaning it expires 6th February.

Any advice on what my best option would be? I am based in Phuket and will look into a 6 month Education Visa for Muay Thai or Thai Language.

Cheers
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently on an Exempt Tourist Visa extended for 30 days, expiring on February 6th, and is exploring options to extend their stay. They consider switching to a 6-month Education Visa for Muay Thai or Thai language studies. Comments suggest acting quickly to convert the visa, but note the challenges in obtaining an Education Visa due to recent scrutiny on schools and changing regulations. A border run to get another tourist stamp is also mentioned as a potential option, though there are concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements and the operational status of educational institutions.
Mma *******
You can trey getting aletter from a Doctor saying you have recovered from Covid- thus self vaxxed, I heard on TNT this is an option.
Paul *******
@Mma ******
It is indeed, but unfortunately, even that is a hassle.
Taz **********
The requirement that all international travellers show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand will take effect from Sunday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)...

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Paul *******
Took effect this morning actually but not a big difference. The question is, will it remain in place beyond January 31?
Peter ********
Easy, get vaccinated. I’ve had 4 shots now, one in each arm and no harm done ☑️
Craig ********
@Peter *******
no harm done, that you are currently aware of. After my vaccination I got lots of skin problems and went to a dermatologist. As soon as he looked at me he said "when did this start" and I said "about 3 months ago". His reply was "I'll bet you were vaccinated 5 months ago". He was correct almost to the day. He went on to say that his business has doubled since the vaccinations rolled out.

Glad you were not injured by the jab, but not everyone was so lucky
Paul *******
@Peter *******
Next booster shot should be in your leg.
David *********
@Peter *******
you have 4 arms?
Will ********
@David ********
now he does 😌
Alistair **********
I highly doubt the vaccination certificate will be thoroughly checked. I came in 4 times whilst they were still in place, none of them scanned the qr code, just a quick check of name and that's it. So you could easily bypass the requirements if you really wanted to.
Paul *******
@Alistair *********
Well, you would need some sort of official looking vaccination document. There are sites that can autogenerate them, but for the average visitor who by definition isn't coming for essential reasons, I'd give Thailand a wide berth and NOT come right now.
Alistair **********
Someone posted a week or so ago saying they contacted a number of places in Phuket and they were all currently unable to issue Ed visas. So might be a while
Paul *******
@Alistair *********
In which case such individuals should wait things out in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam or Malaysia for a while. They're not tied down to Thailand through employment or family, so spending a month or two in Laos or Cambodia isn't a big deal. It might have some financial implications but the very nature of ed visas is uncertain to begin with.

You can't live permanently or even long-term in Thailand on an education visa.
Craig ********
Can't believe we're going back to jab requirements. Ugh.
Paul *******
You need to be vaccinated to enter by AIR at least, effective at 8am on January 9th until 1259am on January 31st.

Whether this is extended or applies to land border crossings, remains to be seen.

This is the latest information.
Sam ******
@Paul ******
arrived by land border yesterday, not asked to show anything.
Paul *******
@Sam *****
That's because you arrived yesterday. Apparently new rules will enter into force at land border crossings either on Monday or Tuesday.
Sam ******
@Paul ******
ok I heard/read it was the 6th but who knows.
Sam ******
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/thailand-authorities-slightly-increase-restrictions-as-of-jan-6-update-76
Paul *******
@Sam *****
No, it's effective on the 9th for flights. Roughly around then or a day or so later for land borders. Only the Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed new rules pertaining to air travelers. Mandatory masks again too.
Onne ***********
thai visa
David ********
To my understanding the education visa policy in Thailand was recently being reevaluated and it is uncertain if new education visas are being issued at this time.

I'd recommend checking with a reputable school to see if they can help you obtain an education visa but be aware that you may need to apply for the visa from outside of Thailand since the 'emergency decree' no longer applies and even if the education visa is still a thing, it may be harder to obtain

Also keep in mind that an education visa requires meeting certain educational standards, including regular attendance and participation in class. It is not advisable to enroll in an educational program with the intention of skipping class or disregarding the requirements, as this could result in a revoked visa and potential blacklisting.

On the 'bright side' if you can get an Thai language visa It is in my opinion worth enrolling since it can provide one of the best routes to a real Thai cultural experience and lessons in Thai history in addition to just language instructions.
Incognia **********
@David *******
harder because of shit chinese citizens made too much illegal activities.Now can get student visa inside thailand nearly 2months.Before it was 4 weeks.And not sure they will give visa or not
Paul *******
@Stelar ******
I'm confused. 2 months is obviously longer than 4 weeks. So are they now granting 2 months or only 4 weeks inside the country?
Incognia **********
@Paul ******
i mean process time 2months sorry
Paul *******
@Stelar ******
Ah...I see. Wow. That's a long processing time!
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *******
yeah good thing is I am interested in learning the language and making some friends too. Hopefully I can get a legit one in phuket
Jim ***********
Border bounce get 45 days. Then extend 30
Paul *******
@Mma ******
new mandate began this morning actually but not a big difference. Land re-entry might work though.
Jim ***********
@Paul ******
Apllied Non O today Hua Hin. Got it
Mma *******
@Jim **********
He's not vaxxed and new mandated start this Sunday
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/23. That is the problem many unvaxxed face.
Sophie *********
Hi Mike, I'm in exactly your position and not vaxxed. I did quarantine to reenter early 2022 but am not even sure if that option will be available. And it was costly.
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sophie ********
I am likely doing a visa run in 2 days for another 45 day stamp which can be extended another 30. That will buy some time to explore more long term options
Sophie *********
@Mike ***
I just spoke to some agents. Basically, things could change tomorrow so I think your idea's a good one. That still doesn't give me enough time but is better than applying for an ed visa that immigration reject. Where are you going? Are you doing a land crossing or flying? I think I may just fly.
Paul *******
@Sophie ********
Do NOT fly. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand is applying these new measures effective on Monday morning.

It is much more likely you can get back in by land if you're unvaccinated as nothing has been announced so far.
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sophie ********
after I'm back il try get the education visa
Sophie *********
@Mike ***
The trouble is, immigration is now refusing some of those. Think I'll fly to Vietnam tomorrow. So annoying!
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sophie ********
do you need a visa to get into Vietnam? I had to apply for evisa when I went last time
Sophie *********
@Mike ***
VISA EXEMPT

Visitors from the following countries may enter visa free, and stay for the indicated number of days.

ASIA

Brunei, Myanmar - 14 days.

Japan, South Korea (ROK) - 15 days.

The Philippines - 21 days.

Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand - 30 days.

EUROPE

Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom - 15 days.
Sophie *********
I'm going to fly from CNX to Ho Chi Minh tomorrow and come back Tuesday I think. 3,200 baht.
Paul *******
@Sophie ********
You won't be able to come back Tuesday as you're unvaccinated. You MAY be able to come back in via Laos or Cambodia, through a land border crossing though.
Faye *********
@Sophie ********
reports are just been posted that the new rules start Monday. Apparently some airlines have already posted the new rules on their sites stating it starts from Monday.
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Faye ********
yup I'm doing a land run to Malaysia on Wednesday
Paul *******
@Mike ***
Might work. Good luck. Flying is not an option anymore until at least February 1, assuming the measures aren't extended again.
Sophie *********
But double check as you know how things cab get!
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sophie ********
I'm in Phuket so doing a land crossing with a company
Robert ************
FYI -- The author/OP is confusing terminology: "Exempt Tourist Visa". No such thing. It is either a 45-day Visa Exempt Entry stamped upon arrival (meaning No Visa was issued); or it is a 60-day Tourist Visa obtained from an Embassy/Consulate before arrival in Thailand. Otherwise, I agree with all of the Posts above.
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
this one - 45-day Visa Exempt Entry stamped upon arrival.
Robert ************
@Mike ***
Yes, I understood that was what was implied. Just wanted to clarify terminology for other Readers.
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
cheers. So you recommend a quick visa run to buy some time?
Robert ************
@Mike ***
Certainly a viable option; depending on how convenient for you and cost. Don't forget, you may be asked upon reentry into Thailand for Proof of Onward Ticket, and proof of financial resources 10,000 THB/single 20,000 THB/Family. (As for onward ticket, if you don't know yet, you can always book a Fully Refundable Ticket and cancel upon reentry; or use a Travel Website permitting 24-48hr Cancellation).
Jeremy ********
Ed visas are getting more and more difficult to obtain plus you can only apply for those outside of Thailand…get the 6 month METV either in your passport holding country or a country where you are a legal resident…or get the a SETV of if you have the money buy the EV
Craig ********
@Jeremy *******
if you come in on a tourist visa you can transition to an ed Visa. Of course right now they are not issuing Ed so that's a bit of an issue. Visa exempt cannot transition to any Visa type but a proper tourist visa can be transitioned
Jeremy ********
@Craig *******
yes but he has a visa exempt stamp so I answered his question
Craig ********
@Jeremy *******
No, what you said was "you can only apply for those outside of Thailand" which is incorrect.
Jeremy ********
@Craig *******
as of 16 dec it is the way
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
you do not have to leave Thailand to obtain an ED Visa. The school I was going to attend was able to do so while I was here in Thailand.
Maxim ***********
@Randy *******
This question about ed visa has been asked and answered many times here already in the last few weeks. There is a search function where you can keyword search and see that Ed Visa is no longer possible.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
yes you do…you have to get the Ed visa out into your passport at a Thai embassy/consulate which is only available outside of Thailand
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
you are wrong. I was able to obtain the Ed visa without having to leave the country. Unfortunately, I had a family emergency and wasn’t able to attend the start of the class so I had to cancel the Ed visa. So yes, you are able to obtain an Ed Visa while in Thailand. The school takes care of everything, if you’re willing to pay them. This was with Duke Language school.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
and when was this…was it in the last 6 weeks?
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
it was in December.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
well 3 weeks ago it all changed…
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
well I must have gotten lucky, the first part of December, before the changes. Do you have a link with the new changes? I’d like to see it before I go about obtaining the Ed Visa again now that I’m back in Thailand.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
first part of December before the crackdown due to the triads
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
either way, I’d like to see where you saw the changes. Something official to back up your belief.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
since I feel sorry for a person that has no idea how to use google in 2023 🤣😂😂😂….
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Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
don’t feel sorry for me 🤡. You’re the one who should be standing behind you’re statements and showing proof. Not just for me but for anyone reading these posts. Did that hurt you to actually post a link?? Instead of being an idiot, trying being helpful.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
it’s a mental disability on not knowing how to use google in 2023 😂😂
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
you must be mentally challenged. You keep repeating yourself. I’d go get checked out asap. Thanks again you submissive B.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
I guess you have no idea on how to use google…pretty amazing in 2023
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
I do but since you’re so keen on stating that it’s not obtainable in Thailand, I figured you’d want to back up what you’re saying. I don’t take the word from anyone who can’t back up what they are saying. 🤷‍♂️

2023 and people still can’t stand or show proof behind their beliefs.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
absolutely you have no idea how to use google in 2023 😂😂🤣
Randy ********
@Jeremy *******
yeah, you’re right. How did I ever get this far in life without being able to use the internet. You truly are a 🤡. But thanks for the link. See how easy it was for me to get you to do what I wanted you to do 😉. Submissive little B you are.
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
whoa you calling me a submissive B when you’re a LT sponsor 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jeremy ********
@Randy *******
you tell me how you go about life in 2023 with not knowing how to use google…I’m surprised you can walk and breathe at the same time 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
I am already in Thailand. Is that a problem
Jeremy ********
@Mike ***
difficult not impossible…find a school and do some maneuvering to get the Ed visa but you will still need to depart
Will ************
Remember you if you do manage to get an Ed visa YOU MUST ATTEND CLASSES immigration will check your progress and interview you in Thai or get a Thai fighter to take you on.
James *********
@Will ***********
KICK THEIR ASS MIKEY!!!
Justin *********
@Will ***********
they should totally do this for cooking schools. If your khao soi isn't up to Chiang Mai levels, they should deport you to New York or Italy with this pizza in your luggage:
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Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Given the double-jab law isnt in effect, I might be better off doing a border run asap and getting another Visa Exempt Stamp
Bobby ********
@Mike ***
Comes in on Monday at 1.00 am so you'll have to be quick!
Faye *********
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Mike ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bobby ********
@Mike ***
Richard Barrow
Steve ********
ED visas are a virtual no-no at the moment. There's only a handful of schools and universities who can assist with this. Contact a few schools, but keep in mind that generally you need to leave and re-enter to get an ED visa.
Brandon ************
If you're going to try and convert to a different visa, you better move fast. Many immigration offices require you to have between 14-21 days left of your stay in order to do a conversion.

I'm not sure if ED will be an option though as many places have stopped issuing them while immigration does an investigation into illicit ED visas.
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