Non-Imm B To Non-Imm Ed

[benjaminthamara]

Hello!

I had a non-B which I utilised until Dec 3rd 2011, then came back to England because I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do.

Now i've decided that I want to go back to Thailand (hopefully next month, Feb 2012).

I plan to work for a year, save money, then start university in Bangkok around June 2013.

Firsty, is it ok to apply for another non-B (I have a new passport with no old visas inside) so soon? Would the consulate in the UK question it at all?

Secondly, when it comes to starting university, is one allowed to convert/change from a non-imm B to an non-imm ED visa? (or do I need to change from non-B ---> tourist visa ---> ED visa ?)

I figured I can get 15 months out of the non-imm B visa --> Feb 2012-May 2012, then change to the ED if that is possible, just in time for starting university.

Finally... Can this conversion be done at Chaeng Whattana or in a neighbouring country or even my own country? (I would definitely prefer the first location )

I've emailed the university, and both Hull and Birmingham consulates but i've had no replies so far

I'd greatly appreciate any feedback that anyone has!

OH! one more thing, I don't really want to come back to England within a year so I'd like to buy a one-way ticket, I know the airline causes more of a fuss about this than the immigration guys at BKK, but are there any documents that the airlines would accept as a reason for only having a one-way ticket?

Thanks!!!

[Mario2008]

No rpoblem getting a new non-B visa, if you qualify for one.

Once university starts, there should be no problem getting extensions of stay based on studying. At the most you will have to go to a consulate in a neighbouring country and get an ED-visa from there, with paperwork from university. Going back to your home country will not be necesarry.

If you have a visa there is no problem travelling on a one-way ticket.

[benjaminthamara]

Thanks very much for your reply, Mario!

When you say about it not being a problem to get an ED visa- are you suggesting changing from non-B to the ED, or would it be better to change my non-B to Tourist to ED..... I read somewhere that it may not be possible to change between 2 different types of 'non-immigrant' visas. It may be an old rule, but it's one thing that's playing on mind!!!

Thanks again!

[Mario2008]

Immigration might allow you to "change" your reason of staying in Thailand from business to Education without having to go abroad, if you study at a real university. With a big MIGHT, but with the help of the university you can try it.

If immirgation doesn't allow it, you just go abroad with paperwork from the university and apply for an ED-visa in a neighbouring country. Do not get a tourist visa, that will only mean that you have to go back again for an ED-visa, as they will not convert a toruist visa to a non-ED.

[benjaminthamara]

ah thanks alot! That really puts my mind at ease. Is there a minimum set amount of days that should be left on the non-B before converting it do you know?

Thanks!

[Mario2008]

No, you can do so from the last 30 days of your permission to stay. Don't wait till the last day and do it early, in case you need some extra documents.

[benjaminthamara]

excellent, thanks for your very informative replies!