ok so i currently have an NON ED visa here in Chiang Mia i am studying thai.... my family is here on Non - O family.

I would like to switch mine to a foundation to do volunteer work... i have 2 questions...

1. Do i need to leave the country to change my visa?

2. Does the whole family have to leave with me (if i do) since they are allready on Non - O visas?

all of our Visas expire in February! thanks in advance!

matt

Are you and family on 90 day visa entries and leave country every 90 days for a new entry?

no we do NOT have to leave the country... we only need to check into immigration... every 90 days here in CM.

You check in with immigration for 90 day adreass check (free) or you you have to obtain a new 90 day extension of stay (1,900 baht)? Procedures for study would be either 3 month or one year extension and you say February so it appears to be a one year extension of stay that everyone has.

If you and family are not on 90 day visa entry they will have to do whatever you have to do when making the change as there extended stay is dependent on your status - when the study status ends so will your and there extensions of stay. You should ask Chiang Mai if they will require new visa entry or if they can convert your stays. I fear you may have to all obtain new visa entry. Not sure if any readers have done this so we may not be able to answer.

ok thank you...

we dont have to pay anything when we check into Immigration every 90 days...

is there somebody / a company in Chiang Mia that could help me navigate this? hoping that i dont have to make unnecessary travel with my family to obtain new visas if at all possible!

I suspect you could find someone to take your money but believe you will get better advise from asking Immigration.