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.....
TLDR : 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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.