What Are the Key Differences Between Thai Student Visa Types and How Do I Obtain One?

Feb 15, 2020
5 years ago
Henning **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone,

I have a few questions regarding student visa.

I just begin to understand that there is a different between a visa and a visa excempt for non o and non b visa types but I'm not sure fully understand what the difference is. So i want to know if this is the case for ed visa as well and how the whole thing works. I would like to obtain the visa at a consulate in Germany if it is possible. But can i also fly into Thailand on a tourist visa and get the ed visa once i am there? As far as i understand the visa is valid for 90 days only. Does that mean that i will habe to apply for a new visa every three months for the whole course of 3 and a half years? If anyone has the knowledge and patience to help me out on this I'd be really glad. TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses student visa types in Thailand, specifically the Non-Immigrant ED (Education) visa. It seeks clarification on the difference between visa types, the process of obtaining an ED visa from Germany, and the possibility of switching from a tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand. Comments provide insights into requirements, visa validity, and necessary school documentation.
Tod *********
The ONLY way you can go from a visa exempt to an ED visa inside the country at 99.99% of the immigration offices is to enroll in a real university for a degreed course. Enrolling in a private school for language won't work.
Henning **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
it is a real university i will be studying a three year bachelor of business english at southeast Asia university in Bangkok
Bart **************
I don't know of any visa exemption arrangement that entitles you to the same benefits as a Non-O or non-B or non-ED. That'd be quite a thing.

Answering your questions: you cannot come to Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch. You'd have to get the visa abroad.
Robert *******
Sorry, you can convert a Tourist Visa at some Immigration Offices.
Robert *******
It is possible at some Immigration Offices to convert the 30 day free Visa Exempt Entry or the Tourist Visa to a Non Immigrant visa, but you have to discuss this with the office and your school.
Robert *******
Different visa's for different purpose of stay in Thailand.

The Non Immigrant ED (Education) is to study in Thailand and you get this only with documentation from the school.

The Visa is valid for 3 months, this means you have 3 months to use this visa to enter Thailand. On entry you get a new stamp in your passport with Admitted until ../../.. , this will be a 90 day period. During these 90 days you visit with a person from the school the Immigration Office and apply there for an Extension of Stay and by this you can stay the whole course inside Thailand.
Robert *******
No, for example: For the Extension of Stay you need to show you spend time in the classroom.
Henning **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
thanks a lot! So are the required documents for the visa and for the extension of stay the same?
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