Barry Teoh Yes, I saw someone in the opposite situation; he'd gone back for his brother's wedding and his flight back to Thailand was cancelled, so he's returning the long way round.

@Tod ********

That's interesting, I never knew The Elite Visa did that.

It isn't just Thai government offices. My mother has two different legal spellings of her name and had to go through hoops trying to renew her British passport. So, be careful always.

@John **********

I'm not sure about having to schedule an appointment in Penang, but as I understand they will be switching to e-visa in October.

It's been a year or two perhaps? I'm not entirely certain because I was on extensions off of the same visa for 5 years, so this year was the first time I'd had to deal with it, and it did throw me for a loop regarding my original plans.

Be aware that if applying for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in a neighbouring country, you will have to make an appointment online, you can't just show up. Some embassies get fully booked faster than others, and each has their own rules about booking appointments. Also be aware that in October some embassies have announced that they will be switching to e-visas. You'll have to go to the country the embassy is in and apply online from there. Then, the visa will be sent via e-mail and you will need to print it out to show at the airport and Immigration when you arrive back in Thailand.

@Ručman **********

Then you will have to cancel your work permit, as you cannot hold one with an extension of stay for education. Why wouldn't you simply continue extending your stay for work, if you are planning to continue working during the time following your education?

If you have an extension for the purpose of work, you are also allowed to study. However, if you have an extension of stay based on studying, you are not allowed to work. You can only choose one reason for extension of stay. When you had 2 jobs, your extension was still the single category of Work.

@Willem ***

Yes, I have photos of my visa and current stamp. I'll be keeping one of the TM30 from now on. First time this has ever happened to me.

@Ellie ******

Great. Thank you.

@Tod ********

Thank you so much. Sorry if there was too much information, but I know you tend to want to have as much information as possible, and I wasn't sure what aspects might affect the situation.