Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the implications of the "NON-RE" visa? I just received it at the airport but I haven't been able to find much info on it.
Context: I have been studying at Siam University on a NON-ED visa. In March 2021 I received a 1-year extension of stay, which lasts until 10th March 2022. I recently took a trip back to the United States and got a single-use reentry stamp at the airport as I left. I returned to Thailand yesterday and just noticed something odd. On arrival, they stamped my passport with a NON-RE visa, expiring 10th March 2022.
I did find something on the website of Kasetsart University which says, "Students who go out of Thailand have to do Re-entry visa for keeping visa (Non-Ed) valid. When you come back to Thailand, you will get Non-re visa."
I haven't been able to find much info besides this. Does anyone know the implications? Do I have two visas now? Or is the NON-ED visa cancelled? What impacts will this have when I go for my next extension of stay in March 2022? Do I need to do something special to get back onto a regular ED visa?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The NON-RE visa you received upon re-entering Thailand indicates you have used a re-entry permit and are still in possession of your NON-ED visa status, which is valid until 10th March 2022. Your previous NON-ED visa is not cancelled; rather, the NON-RE visa is reflective of your current status upon return. During your next extension application in March 2022, your educational status must still be valid, and you may need to clarify the continuing reason for your visa extension since it pertains to your studies.