I currently have a tourist visa which I want to change to a ED visa. I am 35 and do not work so cannot qualify for any other visa. I have done research on the forum but need clarification on a few points.

1. Can it be done and what are the costs?

2. My visa is valid until the 18th sept. Can I extend it for 1 more month so I am permitted to stay until the 17th Oct, then apply to have it changed.

3. 21 days before this expires (approx the 25th Sept) I apply to convert my tourist visa to a ED visa and enrol in the appropriate course?

4. Do I have to leave Thailand and go to a embassy or consulate to get the ED visa or can it all be done here?

Thanks in advance for any advice and help.

1. conversion is 2000 baht.

2. Yes

3. Do it well before, don't wait till the last minute. If something isn't right you will have time to sort things out. Get a letter from the educational instituate that you have/will enroll. The institute will now what is required.

4. Conversion can be done in Thailand at any immigration office.

Edited August 6, 200817 yr by Mario2008

1. conversion is 2000 baht.

2. Yes

3. Do it well before, don't wait till the last minute. If something isn't right you will have time to sort things out. Get a letter from the educational instituate that you have/will enroll. The institute will now what is required.

4. Conversion can be done in Thailand at any immigration office.

I have just been to the Thai school and they have told me I have to go to Loas to get my ED visa, they have said I cannot change my Tourist visa to a ED visa inside Thailand. Is there anyone who has managed to do this?

No, I believe the school is right, you have to leave the country to get the visa done, then return on it, so it has nothing to do with your tourist status. Tourist visa finishes, with papers in hand you apply at a friendly embassy ( I went to Manila ) and back you come....happy studying...

Some Passport holders MUST go to their HOME country for an Ed visa.

The Advert for Walen School on this page has very detailed info on applying for and obtaining an Ed visa.

You do NOT start with the Visa!

You start at the School

Pay the Fees for one year (180 hours)

The School applies to the Ministry of Education who issue an Authority Letter

Which you then take to an Embassy or Consulate

Bill

I currently have a tourist visa which I want to change to a ED visa. I am 35 and do not work so cannot qualify for any other visa. I have done research on the forum but need clarification on a few points.

1. Can it be done and what are the costs?...

It depends on the type of study for which you enrol.

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Maestro