Answered6 years ago

Can a retired expat change their visa from a retirement visa to a non-B visa in Thailand?

visa rules Thailand immigration non-B visa retirement visa teaching in Thailand visa conversion issues

Glyn *********

asked Nov 19, 2020

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Update....I posted last week on our enquiry of moving from retirement visa to a non b visa.

After visit to Rayong Immigration the answer was that the person must return to home country and apply for a non b there. Then return to Thailand to join us as a teacher. 

Obviously totally impractical and far too expensive with flights quarantine etc.    

Shame about this as finding teachers has become a relatively impossible task now in Thailand. I am sure there are many retired expats who would be willing to help teach English but cannot do so on retirement visas ....

Thanks Tod Daniels for your advice in my original post.....

Answer summary

A recent inquiry into transitioning from a retirement visa to a non-B visa for teaching in Thailand revealed that Rayong Immigration requires individuals to return to their home country to apply for the non-B visa, which is seen as impractical and costly. This situation has become a barrier for many retired expatriates willing to teach English in Thailand, despite a need for teachers in the country. Other expats shared similar experiences regarding difficulties in changing their visa status locally.

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Michael ********

I had a similar problem in Bangkok. They ended up issuing me an extension of stay stamp for my school. Good luck. (But technically not a non b).

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Michael *******

So you got an extension of stay based on employment as a teacher at a government school, from an extension of stay based on retirement?

Michael ********

employment

Benjamin ******

So you went from an extension of stay based on retirement to an extension of stay based on employment?

6 years ago

Wayne *******

Good post Glyn. Interesting for the uninformed like myself.

6 years ago

Glyn *********

@Wayne ******

thanks I'm trying to recruit a native English speaker in our vocational college but becoming impossible.....

6 years ago

John ********

I have experienced the same ; have non O based on retirement, instrument engineer , and positions available in Chonburi yard but cannot convert the visa over . Companies need people, people are here, but no compromise

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

Thanks for the updates. Remember, this is only for Rayong Immigration.

6 years ago