I'm going to study as an exchange student to University in Bangkok, but I haven't had time and all the papers to complete my Non-immigrant ED visa back in my home country (Finland). So can I come to Bangkok first with a tourist visa and then change it to Non-immigrant ED visa?

 

I have scearched a lot of information about this question and various sites says that it isn't possible and I need to go outside Thailand borders (Vietnam, Laos, Kambodza etc.) for example these to apply the new Visa:

 

Sunbeltasia " With an acceptance letter from an accredited Thai School or University you will be able to get a “Non-Immigrant ED” visa from a Thai Embassy or consulate abroad. "

Thaisolutions " Student will then have to leave Thailand and apply for the Non-Immigrant ED visa in any Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. "

And many other sites with the same opinion.

 

However my school says that it is possible to get it from the Immigration Bureau of Bangkok. Found the following from the Immigration Bureau:

Change visa " 1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 day, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visa. "

 

The headline there says first " FOR ACCOMPANYING A PERSON WHO FULFILLS HIS OR HER DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR DUTY/ GOVERNMENT DUTY/ EDUCATIONAL DUTY/ SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DUTY/ EXPERT DUTY IN THAILAND " but in the next smaller heading that it would just be to teachers.

 

Do anyone have actual and secure information about this kind of a case?

 

I appreciate any kind of help given conserning this case. Thank you!

 

-Olli

Addition:

 

Found this topic, is it still valid?

 

 

I think the info you found is out of date or is referring to getting one for attending a informal school such as a language school.

If you are attending a University it is possible to do a change of visa status to get a 90 day non immigrant visa (category ED) at immigration based upon qualifying for an extension for attending school.

I see the errors on the page for visas page got you. Somehow when they translated the page from Thai they got them wrong.

This is the correct page for it. https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_74 (but it wrongly shows non-b instead of non-ed.

Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate it.

Another question:

 

So it's right I dont need to have a previous Visa when I apply ED visa? So I can just come through airport, get the 30 day stamp to my passport and go get the ED visa through immigration.

 

Immigration says: " 1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 day, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visa. " (https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_74)

 

So that means I dont have to buy a tourist visa before entering, and I dont want to if it isn't unneccessary because it costs like 150$.

 

2 minutes ago, olli11 said:

 

So that means I dont have to buy a tourist visa before entering, and I dont want to if it isn't unneccessary because it costs like 150$.

Correct You don't have to have a tourist visa entry.