Converting Ed To O

[simon43]

Just following up on a previous thread where I asked this question but got no reply

If I have a 1-year visa extension for the purpose of study (original visa was issued as non-immigrant ED, 90 days), is there a route/procedure to convert this to a 1-year visa extension for the purpose of supporting a Thai wife?

The reason that I ask is simply that I want to obtain a WP to work in my wife's hotel for the period of each week that I am not attending university. (Obtaining a work permit is not possible on an ED visa. But is it possible on an extension to an ED visa?)

Thanks

Simon

[Maestro]

If I have a 1-year visa extension for the purpose of study (original visa was issued as non-immigrant ED, 90 days), is there a route/procedure to convert this to a 1-year visa extension for the purpose of supporting a Thai wife?

Yes, it is possible, if the immigration officer knows the rules (alluding to another topic about Phuket immigration office)

As regards annual extensions, it does not matter with what category of non-immigrant visa you entered Thailand; it is the reason for the application for extension that matters, ie your circumstances. When the circumstances of a person on an annual extension change, he goes to immigration, fills out a TM.7 form and applies for a new extension, stating the new reason on the appropriate line at the bottom of page 1 of the form. Such new application for a new reason for the extension can be made at any time: you do not have to wait until 3-4 weeks before the expiration of the current extension.

And, incidentally, emancipation having arrived in Thailand it now is no longer for the purpose of supporting Thai wife, but for the reason of living with Thai wife. (Just so that you state the reason correctly on your new application)

--

Maestro