What is the best way to stay in Thailand for 3 more months after my education visa ends?

Thai Education Visa Visa Extension Visa on Arrival (VOA)Tourist Visa Visa Exemption Immigration Rules in Thailand Visa Categories for Expats

Jul 22, 2023

a year ago

Noah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! I’m currently on an education visa that ends August 31. I’m planning on leaving Thailand at the end of November. Is the best way to stay for 3 more months to leave Thailand August 31 come back in on a VOA (15 days right?) and then get a tourist visa for 60 days? (if needed extend it for 30 days)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user currently holds an education visa that expires on August 31 and is considering options to extend their stay in Thailand until the end of November. Responses suggest that Americans do not qualify for a Visa on Arrival but are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption, which can be extended for 30 days. It is crucial for the user to check whether they are on an extension and to cancel it at the immigration office if so. Alternatively, they could apply for a tourist visa at a Thai consulate outside of Thailand, which allows a 60-day stay with a possible 30-day extension. Concerns about potential scrutiny from immigration due to prolonged stay and previous visa usage are noted.

Michael **********

u already got in the country for a year using an ed visa. I highly doubt the immigration will let you for 3 more months visa exempt. You should try to get a tourist visa in another country and hope that can get granted to you. Ed visa has been abused by hundreds of thousands of foreigners who wanted to live in thailand without having the requisites and now the game got broken.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Michael *********

tourist visa and visa exempt have about the same odds of being let in after so long.

a year ago

Michael **********

@Brandon ***********

it's surely better to get in the country with a tourist visa instead of visa exempt. With a tourist visa you can also get in the country by land and everybody knows that there are some checkpoints where is "easier" to get in

a year ago

Noah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *********

so entering on a tourist visa from Laos is easiest?

a year ago

Michael **********

@Noah ********

Let me correct myself and say instead that it could be less difficult. I wouldn't use the world easy for your situation, perhaps you can consider to feed up some agents but it'll cost you $$$$ and your entry in the country might still get denied

a year ago

Reply to

Michael **********

Brandon ************

Are you on a VISA or are you on an extension? If the stamp in your passport says "Extension of stay" then you are on an extension and you'll need to cancel the extension before you leave. Take documentation from your school stating what your last day of study is to the immigration office that issued your extension (you can go about a week ahead of time) and they will cancel your extension and stamp you in until the date on the documents. If you don't do this you will not be able to get another long term extension and you'll be fined 20,000 baht for failing to cancel your extension.

Based on your profile you are American. Americans do not qualify for Visa on Arrival. They qualify for Visa Exempt. You also cannot get a tourist visa while you are inside Thailand.

What you can do is either leave and return and get 30 day visa exempt which you can apply for one 30 day extension.

Or you can go to a Thai consulate in a neighboring country like Laos and apply for a tourist visa in person. A Tourist visa will get you stamped in for 60 days which can be extended one time for 30 days.

Please note that with an ED visa in your passport you are likely to be questioned any time you enter Thailand in the future. Entering on a short term visa like visa exempt or a tourist visa may result in you being denied as the immigration officer will ask why you are spending so much time in Thailand. Why are you trying to live in Thailand without a long-term visa? You are not a tourist why are you trying to enter as a tourist?

a year ago

Noah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

would it be best to get another Ed visa?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Noah ********

if you can find a school that will do it.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Jay ******

@Brandon ***********

also, ask your school NOW about the visa cancellation. It can take 21-30 days for it to be processed. Even if you are leaving at the end of your visa, you MUST cancel before you leave.

a year ago

Reply to

Jay ******

Daniel ************

depending your passport - get 30 days visa excemption - can extend for 30 in the country

a year ago

Reply to

Daniel ************

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