Ed Visa Only Days Via Singapore

[davevi]

My Background

• I am a US Citizen.
• I am under the age of 50.
• I moved to Bangkok using a Type O visa that requires a border pass every 90 days.
• I am a graduate student at Assumption University in a 2-year plus program.

My Issue

When I arrived some months ago my school told me I had to leave Thailand to convert to an ED visa. I checked with my Thai attorney and he confirmed this. I recently traveled to Singapore where I visited the Thai embassy with a letter from my University. I completed the forms, paid SG $100 and waited a day. When I collected my passport I received a 90-day ED Visa (full page stamp). I asked why I wasn't given a 1-year visa and I was told the embassy does not issue a 1-year ED Visa, only 90 days, and that extensions could be made at the immigration office in Thailand. I returned to Thailand and was stamped in on my ED Visa. My ED Visa expires on 18, November.

My questions are:

1) Is this situation normal and correct?

2) What will I need from my college when I go to the immigration office in Bangkok?

3) Will I get a 1-year visa for certain, or will it be up to the officer to grant me a 90-day, 1-year, or other time frame visa?

4) Do I need to report to immigration every 90-days if I am given a 1-year visa?

Thank you all very much.

[lopburi3]

1. Yes single entry is normal.

2. Full paperwork for extension of stay - they should know the documents required. Cost is 1,900 baht.

3. Full time study at University normally gets a one year extension of stay. The 90 day is for limited study at part time schools (mostly language).

4. Once extension is applied for you must report address every 90 days if you do not leave the country - if you leave you must have a re-entry permit and new count would start at one on day of return.