Voa After Non-o For Years

[wildside]

My son who is now 20 years of age has to do a visa run. He had before a Non-Immigrant type O visa which was extended yearly since he was 15. He would like to stay a month or 2 more with me here in Thailand before flying off to Vietnam to continue his study there.

Ok, I have a couple of questions.

1. Since he had Non-O visa before, he has a fresh 3 X 30 days visa on arrival which he should be able to get on his planned border runs. Is this correct?

2. If in the situation, he decides to study here in Thailand instead I have heard that VoA can be changed to Education visa in Suan Phlu Immigration office. Is this true? Has anyone actually tried or done this? I was told the Immigration here will just need all the necessary documents (from the School) translated in Thai language.

Looking forward to hear any reply or info anyone here can give, thanks!

[Lite Beer]

No.1 . Yes you are correct but it is not a VOA it is a Visa exempt stamp. You dont actually get a visa, you are permitted to stay without one.

Sorry I know nothing about no.2.

[Crossy]

He SHOULD have no problems, but read this thread http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1228618 I was in exactly his position, took 30 minutes of 'discussion' before I was allowed in.

[wildside]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Anyone has say on question 2?

[LivinLOS]

I would not think that a visa exempt stamp can be converted into a visa.. Visas can be changed into other visa classes but visa exempt stamp means he doesnt have one to change...

Suspect he would need to go and get a visa from a consul locally and come back to do that..

[lopburi3]

There is a special form to be used but yes the visa exempt stamp can be used to obtain a visa if you apply with 21 days or more remaining on your permitted to stay stamp. Cost and procedure is the same as change of visa (2,000 baht) as listed below:

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA OR VISA STATUS ALTERATION (NON-B ): FOR STUDYING IN THAILAND

In case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.

Application for Visa Status Alteration. (TM.86)

Application for visa. (TM.87)

Copy of passport entries.

4 X 6 cm. Photograph.

Application fee of 2,000 baht.

In a government school or university

In the university

• A letter from the director of university , requesting visa or visa status alteration.

In the school

• A letter from the department concerned under the Ministry of Education or, a letter from the governor, requesting for visa or visa status alteration.

In a private school or university

In the university

• A letter from the rector of university , requesting visa or visa status alteration.

In the school

• A letter from the department concerned under the Ministry of Education or, a letter from the governor of province, requesting for visa or visa status alteration.

In the international school

• A letter from the authorized principal or the manager of the International school.

And

• A Certified copy of the registration papers of the educational institution. (Certified by authority signature and institute’s seal or stamp.)

• A Certified copy of the license of the school or university administrator(Certified by authority signature and institute’s seal or stamp.)

Remarks

The Applicant must sign every page of application.

Call 02-2873101-10 ext.2237 , 02-287-4948 for details.