Hi there

A query for ye, thanks in advance.

 

German national, has been offered a position of trainee monk in a temple in Rayong.

He is flying out Thursday from Germany

He only has a tourist visa

He has to be there for at least a year

Would anybody know if the visa he has can be extended or changed so he can extend his stay ?

Thanks again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The answer is probably not, but maybe.

This is a (mostly understandable) Google translation of the relevant Thai guidelines from https://www.immigration.go.th/?page_id=2506

Quote

Obtain and change the type of visa - to study Buddhism or practice religion.

Documents for applying for a change of visa type To study dharma And practice Dharma (Code R)

Allowed no more than 90 days with a period of more than 15 days remaining.

1.1 Form TM 86, only for foreigners who have Tourist Visa and Transit Visa to change the type of visa,  or
1.2 Form TM.87 only for foreigners who do not have a visa but are allowed to reside in the Kingdom of Thailand. .15, Phor. 30, Phor. 30 and Phor. 90 to request a visa inspection
2. A copy of the passport (Photocopy of pages containing personal information, stamp trace, arrival seal, permission stamp, extension request (if any), departure card (TM.6))
3. Photo size 4 x 6 cm M. Or size 2 inches, 1 picture
4. Fee 2,000 baht
5. Certificate of requesting or changing the type of visa from the National Buddhism Bureau or the Prime Minister's Office (Dear Immigration Office Commander)
6. Address certificate from the abbot providing of residence (Dear Immigration Office Commissioner)
7. Net books (if it is a foreign language, it must be translated into Thai)

The English version of the linked document is messed up. In practice, as I understand it, obtaining a Non Immigrant visa Type R from Immigration is very difficult.

If the change of visa type is successful, subsequently obtaining an extension of stay should be fairly easy.

8 minutes ago, BritTim said:

The answer is probably not, but maybe.

This is a (mostly understandable) Google translation of the relevant Thai guidelines from https://www.immigration.go.th/?page_id=2506

The English version of the linked document is messed up. In practice, as I understand it, obtaining a Non Immigrant visa Type R from Immigration is very difficult.

If the change of visa type is successful, subsequently obtaining an extension of stay should be fairly easy.

Thank you.

 

2.13 In the case of study of Buddhism or religious function:  Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 1 year at a time.    (1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);  (2)Confirmation has been issued by the National Buddhism Office or the National Buddhism Office of the Prime Minister’s Office or the Mahachulalongkorn University; and  (3)Confirmation has been issued by the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying or performing the religious function.

13 minutes ago, fishtank said:

2.13 In the case of study of Buddhism or religious function:  Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 1 year at a time.    (1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);  (2)Confirmation has been issued by the National Buddhism Office or the National Buddhism Office of the Prime Minister’s Office or the Mahachulalongkorn University; and  (3)Confirmation has been issued by the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying or performing the religious function.

He is entering Thailand on a tourist visa, so discussion of the extension of permission to stay under 2.13 is premature.

32 minutes ago, BritTim said:

He is entering Thailand on a tourist visa, so discussion of the extension of permission to stay under 2.13 is premature.

It certainly is.

7 minutes ago, fishtank said:

It certainly is. Immigration website is not very clear about changing to Non Imm for that purpose.

No surprise there.

 

2 hours ago, BritTim said:

The English version of the linked document is messed up. In practice, as I understand it, obtaining a Non Immigrant visa Type R from Immigration is very difficult.

This file has the requirements for the application. https://bangkokimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/12.pdf

He is coming in on a tourist visa but he is not a tourist.

Problem.

Coming in on a Non Immigrant would be best.

1 hour ago, pjuk said:

He is coming in on a tourist visa but he is not a tourist.

He would be a tourist until he applies for the non-r visa at immigration.

He'll need to work directly with his abbot to obtain a visa for religious study.