@Jaymie *******

Yes, it's possible. It's called changing the reason for a long-term extension. For example, I changed from a Non-ED (which is a specialized version of a Non-O) for purpose of education to a Non-O for purpose of retirement. Can be done, but you need to discuss with your local immigration office how. In my case, I had to have my school write a letter that I would complete my study on a certain date and ask immigration to terminate my extension of stay for purpose of education on that date. I was then able to apply to change the purpose of my extension of stay to retirement and needed to show that I met all the financial and other requirements (for example, being age 50 or older) as of the date of the application. When they granted my request to change the reason for my extension they put a one-line statement in my passport saying the purpose of my extension was now retirement (in Thai). They asked me how much I wanted to pay them for this change in purpose and I said 2,000 baht. I guess it is technically price-less but 2,000 baht was a great bargain as I did not have to leave the country to do this. I was quite happy. By the way, I continued to attend language classes, the letter from the school is just to allow immigration to terminate your education extension, you can continue in education as much or as little as you wish. You don't need the education extension to study in Thailand. It is rather, one of the ways (and in my opinion not one of the better ways, if you qualify for other alternatives) in which you may stay in Thailand legally.

I do think you should take seriously the people wondering why you want to switch from a fairly straightforward marriage extension to an education extension with a bunch of weird rules requiring much more contact with immigration and hoop-jumping from you roughly every 3 months, rather than yearly with the marriage extension. Up to you of course, and depends on the nature of your educational pursuits, a language school, versus an actual college or university. The language school extensions are under tremendous scrutiny, at least they were when I switched (which was the reason I switched). A retirement extension (and to a lesser extent a marriage extension) is done and dusted for a year, an education extension (at least one for a language school) is a moving target of shifting requirements and special processing because it is generally not loved by immigration offices.

@Jaymie *******

You never need an education visa in order to study in Thailand. You definitely need to be able to stay in Thailand while you study but many other visas/extensions are easier and cheaper than an education visa. Better to look at all the visas/extensions offered and see which is best for you. You can attend a school on any legal visa/extension, not just an education one.

For a 30-day extension for the reason of tourism, Patong is fine. For almost anything else prefer Phuket Town office.

@Noel ******

you can get one online from the US, but it's expensive and slow, much better to get while still in the US. Some other countries allow purchasing from the home country online, but always easer to get when in home country.

@Chris ********************

IDPs are obtained only in one's home country from the designated organization (e.g., AAA in USA). International Driver's Licenses don't really exist, yet they are still sold. ;-)

Unless you are Thai, Bangkok would be the wrong place for you to get an International Driving Permit. On the other hand, buying an international driving license can be done anywhere, although I wouldn't advise doing so until you have named a star after yourself or have become a Scottish Lord. ;-)

@Chan *****

You apply for a Certificate of Residence at immigration by filling in a TM-30.

@David ********

If near the drive-through at Phuket Town Immigration, I do the same thing. They always seem to put the most personable people on the drive-through. Takes about 5 minutes, all in.

@David ********

Agree, very easy to do online now.

@David ********

if that works for you great, but a whole lot easier to know that the clock starts when you enter Thailand and the 90-day report date is 3 months after that. So arrive November 20, and your 90-day report is due 3 months later, February 20. It is really that simple. Put a notice on your electronic calendar for 14 days before your due date.