ED Visa conversion to extension based on retirement

[MrBlueSky]

I am lucky enough to retire aged 49 years of age when I shall be leaving the UK for Thailand. I am planning to study Thai at a language school. I understand that the school will provide me with the paperwork to apply for an Ed Visa in the UK which will be valid for an initial 3 months and extensions can then be applied for whilst I am here. After 4 months of being in Thailand I will meet the criteria to apply for a 1-year extension based on retirement. Will I be able to do this at Immigration easily or not at all? I have read conflicting advice about whether I would be able to this from an Ed Visa.

[jacksam]

Just a side thought. You only need 4 months. Putting aside the ed visa ( which has Hassel and cost) maybe consider a setv then extend and maybe even visa exempt stamp. You could then go somewhere like Vientiane and obtain non imm O based on retirement. Gives you 90 days. In last 30 (45 some places like bkk) you apply for your first 12 month permission of stay. By then you will have address etc and everything in place to meet other requirements such as dosh in Thai bank. Welcome son

[ubonjoe]

I cannot say with any certainty you will be able change the reason for the extension to retirement or not. It will depend upon the immigration office where you apply for the extension.