Many Years In Thailand On Different Visas

[mja1906]

I have been in Thailnd since 2008 on various visas (few tourists, 1 x Non ‘O’ for visiting family+friends, and now I am on a singe entry Non Imm ‘B’ issued by Hull which expires in January 2012)

I obtained my current non-Imm ‘B’ from a company in Thailand who offered me a job , I am in still in probation period and they said they would take care of a WP for me, however the more I learn about the company and due to the company’sfinances its looking more like they will not be able to get a WP. In this case, I would quit as I do not want to continue working without a WP. So I am looking at other ways to stay in Thailand.

I know the ED visa is now a popular option, and it’s ironic, but I do genuinely and sincerely want to study Thai and I would love to take some time to be a student again. So basically I would be a serious student and attend all classes etc. At the same time it would allow me to stay in Thailand for another year?

My questions are:

-Will I have problems obtaining an ED visa as I have been in Thailand since 2008 on so many different kinds of visas.

-Will I be able to change my current non-inn B to non-imm ED at an immigration office inThailand?

- Or do I have to go outside? In which case if I were to go to a neighbouring country such as KL, do they issue 1year multi –entry ED visas, or ?????

- Or would I have to resort having to go back to UK, Hull and apply for 1 yr multi-entry ED visa from there?

Thanks,

[moe666]

I have a friend who has been in Thailand longer than you on various visa and he is now on an education visa, no reason why not as long as the school is registered with the education department.

[Mario2008]

The school where you will be studying can answer some of your questions best, as they will have knowledge of the local immigraiton office.

In general, you will get an extension of stay for 90 days at a time (unless you study at an university). If local immigraiton will not change your reason to stay to education, you can get a single non-ED in a neighbouring country. (Hull now also only provides single non-ED visas).

[sepsi]

I was in the same situation as you 6 months ago. I got an ED visa without any problems and extended it 2nd time today. I signed up with Wallen school. Can't recommend it as a place to study Thai, but they do handle visa issues very well.

[EDVisa]

I went to Vieng Chan for an ED visa on the tail of two consecutive Hull 1-year (2x15 month) non-Immigrant 'O'... not so much as a blink or a hiccup.

I'm pretty sure you will have to leave the country to get the ED visa, but there are several nearer/cheaper options than going all the way back to Hull.

The only slight glitch was when the school asked for the name and address of a Thai national as a sort of guarantor. A few names came to mind but hadn't prepared or asked anyone's permission for this, so the girl on the desk put her own name down. It was just something that hadn't been mentioned in the instructions.