What is the best option for my friend with an expiring Ed Visa looking to obtain an SETV?

Question

My friend's second Ed Visa ends on April 1. History: 1 METV in 2018; 1 visa-exempt entry in June 2019; second Ed Visas Aug. 2019-April 2020.

She’d planned on going to Penang this week and getting an SETV (consulate now closed until 3/31).

Question: should she wait until (hopefully) Penang reopens? Or, cancel her current Ed Visa early, do a fast visa run, get 30 days then extend giving her until late May?

If she does that latter, will this hinder her ability to get an SETV later when the consulates open? She only has 6 months until she will retire here on her 50th birthday.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice for a friend whose Ed Visa is expiring soon. The options being considered are whether to wait for the Penang consulate to reopen for an SETV application or to do a quick visa run to get a 30-day stay. There are concerns about whether a rush visa run could affect the future ability to obtain an SETV, as previous experiences indicate strict scrutiny from Thai authorities regarding the issuance of SETVs after Ed Visas.

Steven ************ · Answer

Tod and others previously said she’d ‘most likely’ not have a problem getting an SETV in Penang, given her visa history.

Not seeking iron-clad predictions. Just predictive “opinions” given that choices have to be made now.

That said, should she:

1) wait it out in Thailand (for Penang consulate to reopen on 3/31)?

2) Do a rush visa run now? (And would it make it harder to do a subsequent SETV)

3) If Penang remains closed past 3/31, go to another country (when her Ed Visa ends on April 1) and wait for Penang to reopen?

4) Go to a US consulate (LA) get an SETV there and return (maybe by land border?)

Benjamin ****** · Answer

>If she does that latter, will this hinder her ability to get an SETV later when the consulates open?

We just don't know what will happen in the future :( However, the Thai government has been strict about issuing SETVs after an ED visa, and been denying them.

>should she wait until (hopefully) Penang reopens? Or, cancel her current Ed Visa early, do a fast visa run, get 30 days then extend giving her until late May?

That's for you to decide :( I have no idea what will happen in the future.

What is the best option for my friend with an expiring Ed Visa looking to obtain an SETV?

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