Could some knowledgeable person please clarify. I have a non "O" issued in Hull and want to change it to an "ED". Armed with a letter from the university I went to Bangkok immigration who said they could not change it and that it could only be changed by their Thai embassy outside Thailand.

Can this be done by neighbouring countries or do I have to go back to Hull to change it?

I was under the impression that with an "ED" one did not have to leave the country every 90 days? Hull informs me that as far as they were aware one still had to leave the country. Is this true? I can just imagine me having to tell the tutor that I cannot attend the class for the next few days as I have to leave the country!!

Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

As far as I know non immigrant ED visas can only be issued at an embassy or consulate.

Basically for the simple reason that immigration will only change your visa status if you qualify for a 1 year extension under that new status (retirement or marriage for example).

With an education visa you (normally) do not qualify for a 1 year extension!

When you enter with your newly acquired ED visa you will get 90 days on arrival. You can then subsequently extend your stay for 90 days each at immigration (no need to leave the country), and as they are treated as extensions you'll have to pay 1900 Baht each time...

Do note that to get the ED visa at an embassy or consulate, you need papers from the ministry of education, which normally the school will apply for on your behalf, not just papers from the school itself.

Vientianne (Laos) will issue the ED visa no problems when you have the proper paperwork.