What are the steps for converting a child's tourist visa to an ED visa in Thailand, and what documentation is needed?

Visa Conversion Non-B Visa Education Visa (ED)Dependent Visa International Schools Visa Runs Finances Thailand Immigration South Africans in Thailand

Jul 14, 2023

a year ago

Brenda **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good day everyone. Is there any South Africans on this group who is able to share their experience with me. You're welcome to send me a private message. I will arrive in Thailand soon on a work visa (Non B) and my son, 14 years old, on a tourist visa on arrival. 

First question is: How was your experience, if you had a similar experience, when converting your child's tourist visa to an Ed visa? 

Second question: What documentation, other than what the school will provide, did you need? 

Third question: Finances? (All fees involved) Last question: Did you do a visa run to any neighbouring countries, which one is the best to be able to get the convertion from tourist to Ed visa done?

Thank you, much appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An inquiry from a South African expat relocating to Thailand on a Non-B work visa, seeking advice on converting their 14-year-old son's tourist visa to an education visa (ED). Key questions include experiences with the conversion process, required documentation beyond what schools provide, associated costs, and recommendations for visa runs to neighboring countries. A comment suggests that the son may not need an ED visa as he can obtain a dependent visa under the parent's Non-B visa, allowing him to attend an international school, which can be costly.

Kool *******

You do not need an ED visa for your son. If you have a type B visa extension then your son can get a dependent visa under your type B visa. Your son does not have to have a ED visa in order to go to school. He can go to school under any visa, with a dependent visa under your type B visa being the best in your case. As far as school fees, expect a cost of from bt40,000-bt100,000+ a month for international school for your son. He can not go to Thai public school as he is not fluent at his grade level in reading, writing, and speaking Thai, so an international school is your option, and they are not cheap.

a year ago

Brenda **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

I don't pay fees for schooling, I got it part of my package😁

a year ago

Brenda **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

It's an international school, I'll be working there as well.

a year ago

Reply to

Brenda **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

I unfortunately don't have the fund for the dependent visa, they require 400,000 thb

a year ago

Kool *******

@Brenda *********

don't confuse having a Thai dependent, like a half Thai child with your dependent, your son. Under a type B visa extension you don't need any money in the bank for your dependent.

a year ago

Brenda **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

I was at the embassy and they asked for bank statements to proof funds of 400,000 - this is why I didn't apply

a year ago

Reply to

Brenda **********

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