What is the process for converting from a TR visa to an ED visa in Thailand, and what challenges might one face?

Jan 25, 2021
4 years ago
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
TLDR: I got a consideration stamp for my in-country conversion of TR to ED. It appears I am one of the first, if not the first person, to navigate this process in Bangkok.

I wanted to provide some information for the group in regards to changing from TR to ED in-country.

I entered Thailand on December 12th on single entry TR visa issued by Washington DC embassy. I had been trying to get ED visa since June but the embassies have not and still are not issuing ED visas for entry to Thailand for non-traditional schools.

In November, right around the same time that the TR was made available, my school (Duke Language School) notified me that they received permission from the government to convert to ED visas inside the country which has not previously been possible. I got out of quarantine on 12/27 but the school was closed due to holidays, so I went in early January to provide my paperwork and passport copies etc to them for their application to the ministry. The ministry approval was received at the end of last week (January 22nd). You must have at least 15 days remaining on your visa to apply for change of visa, making January 26th the last day I could apply, or else I would need to get my 30 day extension and then apply for ED visa.

Duke Language School wanted me to go today (Monday), and they sent one of their administrators to meet me at Chaeng Wattana since I am the first person who will ever have done this process with them (and potentially first person ever) so they will know how to prepare future students for the process and to assist me with any issues.

I arrived at 8AM and received a number (144) and at 8:30 they opened the doors and allowed everyone waiting inside. I was the only person for the section I needed (C1). At 8:45 I was called up and the administrator came up with me. I don't know exactly what happened but there was a LOT of discussion and the immigration officer processing my paper work called over multiple other people, with more stars on their shoulder than she had. After a lot of questions to the administrator, they stamped all of my items but apparently there was an issue. The cover sheet of the huge packet of papers that my school gave me was pink and they said that was not acceptable. So I had to wait over an hour while a courier brought a new cover sheet of the exact same information but on a white sheet of paper. Once that arrived we went back without getting another number or waiting in queue since no one was using this section still, and they then took my 2,000 baht and gave me an under consideration stamp. I am to return on February 9th for final disposition of my request. I asked the administrator why there was so much discussion and she stated that they have not processed anyone changing from TR to ED before, and they were asking her why I didn't just enter Thailand on ED visa (another example of immigration and embassies being completely different divisions and not communicating) and she had to explain that it's not possible. In the end it seems like so far so good, but I will update again once I get the final answer in 2 weeks.

I can't recommend Duke Language School enough to anyone. I actually came to Thailand with the sole reason to learn Thai and they have been super helpful with the entire process even as far back as April and kept me updated every step of the way. Sending someone to help me was a great bonus and I've never regretted selecting them as my school.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of converting a Tourist (TR) visa to an Education (ED) visa in Thailand can be complex but is possible, especially with the right school assistance. One expat detailed their experience navigating this process in Bangkok, highlighting challenges like immigration officer queries and paperwork issues. They initially entered Thailand on a TR visa, faced difficulties obtaining an ED visa due to embassy policies, but eventually managed to get an approval after their school, Duke Language School, received government permission for in-country conversion. After several discussions with immigration, they received an under-consideration stamp and their application was later approved, leading to valuable insights for future expats considering the same transition.
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
A little late to update to everyone, but it has been posted by some others. My application was approved and I now have an ED stamp in my passport good until the end of April. After that I will have to do some more work for extensions but so far so good.
Paige ********
@Bra****
Hi Brandon! Congratulations again! That is so exciting. Thanks for leading out in this process. I have another quick question if you don't mind. Do you remember the address of the embassy that you had to go to? It says online that there is one address and a temporary address? Thanks so much!
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paige *******
Immigration Division 1

*************************************


It's not an embassy though. Just an immigration office
Paige ********
@Brandon ***********
Thanks so much!!
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Today's update: immigration came to the school, talked to the owner and staff for ~20 minutes, checked lots of documents. Then they had myself and the owner pose for various photos, then left. I'll find out when I go to close on my consideration stamp on Feb 9th.

According to the officers, they will be doing this for everyone who converts from TR to ED in Bangkok.
Ryan ********
@Brandon ***********
just been informed you were successful bro ๐Ÿ˜‚ The school said I need bank statements and tm30?
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryan ****
they told me that as well so I brought those with me and handed them over without being asked for them.
Ryan ********
@Brandon ***********
does bank statement need to show any particular amount?
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryan ****
wasn't sure so brought in a couple accounts I had money spread across
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Quick update to everyone. Anyone that thinks this new in-country ED has potential for abuse would be sorely mistaken. I just got informed that I must show up at school tomorrow as immigration is going to inspect the school and confirm that I'm actually a student. No just paying for a Visa and skating by here. I'm not worried though as I've never missed a single minute of class.
Michael ********
Thanks for sharing really useful, enjoy your time at Duke
Tyler *******
@Irene ******
this may be helpful for you. This is the process your friend will need to go through.
Irene *******
@Tyler ******
thanks a lot
Tyler *******
@Irene ******
good luck with everything.
Kyin ****
Thanks for your sharing, this is really useful๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ
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