Applying for Thai Ed-visa in Savannakhet or Phnom Penh

[Penners]

Hi there,

 

Would really appreciate anyone's relevant experience or advice on this matter.

I approached a school in Chiang Mai, about 4-5 weeks ago, to study with them. They come highly recommended and seemed very confident regarding the visa process. This is part of the reason I chose to apply with them, as I got the impression they 'took care of everything'.

In recent years, all of their ed-visa applications and processes have been conducted in-country. However, they advised me that it was best to apply abroad, as they'd heard rumours that the Thai government would be halting in-country applications. They advised that I do the one-month tourist extension in Thailand, so that I could wait until they'd received and prepared all of the relevant documents for me.

To try and make this post a bit more concise, I'll cut to my situation now. Got all the documents from them (although they'll redo one of the documents, depending on which embassy I apply through) - but discovered through research yesterday, that most embassies ask for a police clearance certificate. I need to leave Thailand in 10 days, so there isn't enough time for me to get one here (though I'll try anyway).

The only 2 near-by Thai embassies that currently *don't* list the 'police clearance certificate' as a required document on their websites are Savvanakhet and Phnom Penh. However, some wording on the Savvanakhet site suggests that only people with Laos residence can get their ed-visas processed there. And I've read that Phnom Penh have a reputation for being tough, and rejecting visa applications.

Just wondering if anyone has any recent experience with getting ed-visas at either of these two embassies?

 

Many thanks for your help in advance! ????

Edited March 3, 2023 by Penners
typo

[Caldera]

In Phnom Penh, your previous visa history (as visible in your passport) could matter a lot. If you've already spent a lot of time in Thailand on tourist visas and/or visa exempt entries, it will be a tough place to convince to give you a Non-Ed visa for studying at an informal school.

 

Savannakhet is currently the consulate of choice of visa run companies, which means that you could contact one of them for up-to-date requirements (even if you ultimately won't use their services).

[BritTim]

In country applications to study at informal schools were not allowed pre Covid. I believe they were permitted during Covid as travelling outside Thailand to apply was not possible. I am unsurprised at rumours that they will once again need to go vis embassies/consulates. I do not think police reports were ever required before to study at informal schools. I wonder if requirements have become muddled somehow.

 

Usually, Vientiane and Savannakhet are better options than Phnom Penh. I doubt you would be able to get an appointment in Vientiane with only 10 days notice. I would suggest Savannakhet. Apply Tuesday or Wednesday to minimise the queues.

[Kevinphall]

They are still doing them “in country” in Bangkok I have an appointment to convert mine on Tuesday- obviously might be different for chiang mai but would double check the school can’t still do them without you having to leave.