What is the process for obtaining an ED visa with Sandee in Thailand?

Jan 25, 2021
4 years ago
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anybody had any recent experience with Sandee for ED visa?

I have used the search bar but not found too much.

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation focuses on experiences and questions regarding the ED visa application process through Sandee, an approved school for in-country conversions of education visas. Key points discuss the importance of the applicant's duration of stay in Thailand, especially in relation to recent lockdowns and specific MOE regulations that affect the visa validity period.
Tod *********
The real question IS:

How long have you been IN thailand? <- meaning have you been here since the lock down last March OR did you recently come in, do quarantine and now are looking for an ED visa

The reason I ask is the new MOE order that allows ED visas to be issued in country specifically states the applicant can get an ED visa/extension for no longer than one year from the time they ENTERED the country.

I had a person who came in last year on Feb 19th. He milked amnesty, embassy letter extensions, etc then switched to an in country 90 day ED visa in Sept, He got the 90 days from it BUT then when he went for his first extension he got stamped in until Feb 18th <- one year from the date he entered. The immigration office told him he's done on an ED visa now and needs to find another way to stay.
Klint ******
@Tod ********
On the same topic—

I arrived on Jan 27, 2020 (on visa exemption, extension, then amnesty) and then converted to ED late Sep. 2020. Initially received a late Dec. stamp and currently have a Mar. 20. stamp.

Given that they’ve already extended me beyond a year from initial arrival, does it seem that I’ve avoided the above issue and that they’re likely to continue to give me 90 day extensions on ED status? I am in Chiang Mai. Thanks.
Tod *********
If I wsa gonna bet
@Clint *****
, i'd say your school charged you a "special fee" to get that ED visa issued in country (because the rule allowing it wasn't in effect at that time) and that Chiang Mai Immigrations and the schools that grease the wheels up there to get ED visa extensions have nothing to do with how things are in Bangkok. :P

Whether you can or can't continue to get extensions is between you, your school and the immigration office up there ;)
Klint ******
@Tod ********
yes, there was a special fee. Hopefully it will continue to be honoured. Thank you
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
top man thanks Tod.
Joseph ********
@Tod ********
same thing happened to my wife and I. Still looking for a long term solution.
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Hi Tod. I Arrived on 8th Jan. Sandee told me they have already had people convert to an ed visa from a tr...but I just really wanted to check it was all legit really lol.
Tod *********
@Ryan ****
Totally legit, you can indeed enroll in a language school in Bangkok, get paperwork from them and the MOE, GO to the immigration office at Chaengwattana in section C-1 and apply for an in country 90 day Non-ED visa WITHOUT paying any "special fee" just by paying the 2000baht application fee.
Brandon ************
Sandee is one of very few schools we know are approved for in country conversion. Do you have any specific questions?
Brandon ************
As far as I know I'm the first person converting TR to ED, at least that's what the immigration people said today when I went in. So depending on what information you're looking for, it may not exist yet.
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
which school did you go with?
Brandon ************
@Ryan ****
Duke Language School. We also know that Sandee has approval for in country ED as well
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
ah great. Hope all goes well mate I will keep my eye on your progress!
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Hi Brandon. I was more looking for clarity that they were legit and above board really.
Tod *********
@Bra****
you are indeed possibly the first person who entered on a new tourist visa, went thru quarantine and converted to an ED visa inside the country for attending a private language school without paying the "special fee" (read under the table bribe money) to get that visa issued.

You'll find out in 14 days whether it flew or not :) They stamped on your blue-green receipt paper the date you show up to get the "results". The up side is I have never seen someone in section C-1 apply, pay, get a return on xx date receipt be denied. BUT this whole above the table in country ED visa for private schools is a new thing. Sincerely good luck, report back and let us know how it goes
Michael ********
@Brandon ***********
Approved schools have had approval to convert since November according to Duke Language school
Lance *********
There’s hope... someone actually used the search bar... bless your soul 🙏🏼
Lance *********
Haha much respect. There needs to be more people like you in these expat/visa groups
Ryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lance ********
i did indeed
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