Hello everybody, I need some advice. Im planning to ordain in Thailand but in my home country I got only 1 month visa. I know that with this visa I cannot ordain. I can get a letter from monastery after arriving but will I be able to get non-immigration visa in neighbour country? I read something that I can only apply for it in my country of residence?

So which is truth? I could not find this information nowhere

Hello everybody, I need some advice. Im planning to ordain in Thailand but in my home country I got only 1 month visa. I know that with this visa I cannot ordain. I can get a letter from monastery after arriving but will I be able to get non-immigration visa in neighbour country? I read something that I can only apply for it in my country of residence?

So which is truth? I could not find this information nowhere

You can get a non immigrant 'R' visa outside of Thailand.

- to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R")

You would be well advised to check with the embassy you plan visit, confirming that they will issue such visa, before you go.

However it does also depend on your country of permanent residence;

Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.

donline, I suggest that within a few days after arriving in Thailand, ie with at least 21 days left of your permission to stay, you ask at the immigration office if the can change your visa to a non-immigrant visa and then extend your stay for the purpose of studying Buddhism. If the change of visa is not possible, you will have to travel to a neighbouring country and apply at a Thai embassy or consulate for a non-O visa, then back in Thailand for the extension of stay. The monastery will give you the necessary documents for the application.

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Maestro