I need some advice. I'm in thailand (in chiang mai) on a tourist visa, initially issued for 2 months, and I'm on my first extension.

I'm attending a school currently that makes me applicable for a student visa, but the information that I've gotten from the school is that it takes 2 months to process the student visa, and that it can't be issued from inside the country.

my plans have me staying for at least another 10 months. travelling to a border to exit and re-enter isn't going to be a problem, as I can afford bus or air fare or worst case scenario afford gas to ride my motorcycle there.

what is my best option, and has anyone been in any situation like this?

Per immigration web site you can change your visa in Thailand per following:

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA STATUS ALTERATION. (NON-ED)

Application for Visa Status Alteration. (TM.86)

Copy of passport entries.

4 X 6 cm. Photograph.

Application fee of 2,000 baht.

To study at a government university or lower levels.

A letter from the university, requesting visa status alteration.

A letter from the director of the department concerned under the Ministry of Education or, in the case of lower academic levels, a letter from the governor, requesting a visa or visa status alteration.

Diploma and resume of the applicant.

To study at a private institution, university or lower levels.

A letter from the rector of university, requesting a visa status alteration.

A letter from the department concerned under the Ministry of Education or, in the case of lower academic levels in education, a letter from the governor, requesting a visa or visa status alteration.

A certified copy of the registration paper of the educational institution.

A certifed copy of the license of the school or university administrator.

Diploma and resume of the applicant.

Remarks

The Applicant must sign every page of the application.

Documents of the university or private school must be certified by the authority.

The visa applicant must arrange the documents in proper order and must prepare the originals as proof.

Call 02-2873101-10 ext.2237 for details.