I had my "2 years" only 1 year and needed an international .. they cannot give international on a 2 year, so they changed that first ( after or in the first year ) to a 5 year and gave me then also the international
That was in Phuket in 2019 ( will expire soon ) I don't know if I was lucky but they did it at the official office so it's possible, if they want ..
if they are "in a good mood" it's possible. I did it a few years ago when I was on my first 2 year permit And it's correct, they cannot do but they changed both 2 year permits in 5 year ( it was even in the first year ) and then got the international Guess this is no "general rule", maybe I was just lucky, but you can always try ..