Returning to Thailand after an expired ed-visa

[aussiejon1604]

Hi all.

I am returning to Thailand in the next few weeks and hopefully before the August deadline but I am not sure whether my circumstances will become scrutinized or not. I wasn't doing back to back visa runs whilst I resided in Thailand and from what I can continue to gather, it remains the issue that is currently being enforced. When I return, I will be flying into BKK. It might be a case of paranoia but it's best to be forearmed than left stranded.

My situation is this.

I left Thailand via BKK late May. Whilst I lived in Thailand I held a non-immigration "o" visa and during the last 7 months, an ed-visa. I did attend school as required but I did not get a re- entry visa which voided my ed-visa upon my departure as I was unsure of the time frame I would need back in Australia. (I fully believed it to be September and well pass my last issued 90 day extension date of the 09/08 so even with a re-entry visa, the extension would have expired)

I believe upon my return, due to the above stated, I will be issued with a 30 day tourist visa. School has corresponded with me suggesting that I can organize a new ed-visa but this has to be done in person at the school during my 30 day tourist visa (the first time I applied was when my "o" visa was due to expire) and as with my first ed-visa, leave Thailand with the paperwork for it to be submitted at an out of country embassy which in this case will be Laos. If it is completed, I can return back into Thailand on an ed-visa and just go back to doing my studies and my 90 day extensions when they fall due. (My school cannot just send me the paperwork whilst I'm abroad and is a credible school who features regularly on Pattaya Plus)

My question then is...

Do any other members who are aware of the current situation in Thailand foresee me experiencing any problems when I arrive in BKK over visa issues and gaining an initial 30 day tourist visa? (I appreciate that immigration at any entry have the final say)

I know Whalen School is involved in this forum but switching schools can create its own problems plus I have already paid for a full 15 months tuition.

Thanks

[ubonjoe]

You will not have a problem returning and getting a 30 day visa exempt entry (it is not a tourist visa).

The new rules are only for those that just leave and re-enter immediately.

You should look into getting a single entry non-ed visa before leaving. All you would need is a letter from the school confirming your enthrallment and a copy of their MOE registration.

[aussiejon1604]

Thanks Ubonjoe.

I did research doing exactly what you have suggested with my ed-visa and school but there is one problem I found that seems to be applicable to applying for an ed-visa through an Australian Consulate or Embassy. Whilst my school is prepared to supply me with the two documents you described in your post, the problem lays with the more important 3rd original letter from the Thai education commission / ministry accepting me as a student. It appears it is best sourced through the school whilst in country. Without it, the approval in Australia will be denied according to advise from my local consulate. To organize it off shore would cause delays due to having to provide a copy of every page in my passport and previous visa's, an address substantiated by a lease, ownership or spouse etc (which I don't have at this stage but will have the opportunity to do so once I'm back) and passport size photos. These all need to be originally signed before submission to obtain the commissions letter. School had thought I could also apply with the first two documents alone so as to fly back in with a current ed-visa and avoid having to go to Laos to have it processed. They have since advised me to do what you have suggested in regard to gaining a 30 day visa exemption and obtain the new ed-visa through due process once I have returned to Thailand.

Thanks for your help.