What are the best options for extending a TR60 visa in Pattaya, Thailand, and how can I avoid being overcharged for an ED or Volunteer visa?

May 20, 2021
3 years ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
hello, I am in Pattaya looking to find the best visa for extending my stay in Thailand. I currently have a TR60 and about to extend for 30 days (US citizen). I have been looking at ED visas and Volunteer visas. But the 2 places I have visited want about 50,000tbh for a 9 month ED visa conversion.

I read on the immigration site that the conversion only costs 2,000tbh plus 1,900tbh per extension. I don't want to get ripped off! Looking for the best options on visas and where to get!

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, an American citizen in Pattaya, is seeking advice on the best options for extending their TR60 visa. They are considering switching to an ED or Volunteer visa but are concerned about high costs alleged by agents. Community responses suggest that legitimate schools may be a better option for obtaining these visas at affordable rates, with some warning against agents who charge exorbitant fees. Additionally, there are various methods to legally extend their stay, such as combining extensions to maximize time.
Wan *****
Go to excel language school opposite big C south Pattaya, I studied in the past with them and they are good taking care of Visa's etc.
Mikhail **********
Procedure of getting Education visa is long, up to 1.5 month. Try to explore process of getting and you will understand why they all asked you 50K for help.
Marguyvin **********
You can pay 1900 to get your 30...then do another app and pay 1900 to get the Covid 60-day. That's 90 days for 3800. It will give you time to sort out next steps.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
A school told me that if you do a covid extension you can't convert to an ED visa
Joachim *******
The Thai Konsul in Bali told me legally you can not transfer a 60 day visa In a long stay visa like A-O or retirement visa.

That is why th high price
Bobby ********
Joachim Campe. You can legally move from TR visa to non-O retirement visa. People do it all the time. The cost is 1900baht, unless people are stupid enough to pay an agent 30,000 baht plus
Joachim *******
I am amazed. Is that so?
Brandon ************
@Joachim ******
you should never listen to what a consulate says about immigration matters once you're in the country. They are completely different government agencies and have no idea about the rules
Lee *******
How old are you?
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ******
44 years old
Lee *******
@John *******
not quiet old enough for retirement visa
Chaz ************
Above guys can sort issue.... check out there page.
Paul *********
Pm me
Bobby ********
The 50,000 is through an agent who will pass money under the table to an IO. Your best strategy is to apply through a legitimate school who will charge you an inclusive fee for the course and the visa application
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
I am having a difficult time finding a legitimate school. I have looked at Pro language, and CLT, and Excel language in pattaya. I reached out to one school and they said they dont do ED visa support
Terary **********
I think some schools will help you with that, for a fee of course

I have heard people pay 70,000 for multiple-entry volunteer visa (15 months). I have heard people pay half that.
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