I am currently living in thailand on a tourist visa which will expire on May 27th (After a 1 month extension)

I Have already been admitted and have my Letter of Acceptance for a Masters Degree at Mahidol University. The program offically starts On May 31st.

I Must leave Thailand before May 27th and I plan to go to Vientiane to apply for my Education Visa.

I Don't expect any problems obtaining the Visa, but.. What happens when I come back into Thailand.

Technically the Education visa is not valid until the 31st ( I think )

So.. When I cross back into Thailand what happens?

Do they stamp me for the free 15 days? If so.. does my education visa also get stamped and becomes valid on the 31st and i dont need to do anything?

Do they stamp my education visa?

Do they do something I am unaware of?

Thanks, Nolan

You will need to take with you to the consulate a pack of papers from the University to support your visa application. Obtain single entry Non-Ed visa and receive 90 day permission to stay on re-entry into Thailand (visa validity starts from the day of issue). Before expiry of your permission to stay you can apply for 12 months extension at Thai immigration with papers from the University. No need for border runs, but you will need to report your address to immigration every 90 days using form TM47.

The validity of the visa does not start on the same day you start classes, it will start on the day they issue it!

You'll have no problems entering, and receiving 90 days on entry.

There are very few first hand experiences with foreigners attending the major universities, but normally to get the non immigrant education visa you would need paperwork issued by the ministry of education, not just an acceptance letter from a school. The school should apply for the paperwork on your behalf.

Also, most likely as you attend one of the major universities, you would be able to get a 1 year extension, unlike the students of language schools who can get consecutive 90 day extensions.

Your school should have staff able to assist you with those things.