Can I cancel my work permit and business visa in advance while transitioning to a non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

Question

I currently hold a work permit and business visa, both of them expiring begin next year.
I’ll stop working on the 1st of October and are aware that both have to be cancelled in order for me to obtain a new visa (I’ll be going for a non-o retirement, applying outside Thailand)

Does anyone know whether it’s possible to cancel WP and visa in advance?
Could I also leave Thailand let’s say 1-2 days prior to the 1st of October without implications?
Any advise or recommendation would be greatly appreciated 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user seeks advice on cancelling their work permit and business visa in advance as they plan to apply for a non-O retirement visa outside of Thailand. Comments from the community indicate that it is indeed possible to convert visa types from a business-related extension to a retirement extension within Thailand, negating the need to leave the country. Options for cancellations and applying for new visas are discussed, emphasizing the importance of checking specific requirements with local immigration offices.

Lennys******* · Answer

How is everyone’s take on cancelling visa and wp?

My accountant said, just leave the country without re-entry permit and all is automatically cancelled 🤔

Lennys******* · Answer

That’s all very valuable input, I was under the impression I would need to leave the country.

In an ideal scenario I’d rather convert it here in Thailand and yes, I meet all the requirements for an extension of stay based on retirement

John ********** · Answer

I'm going to assume that you are actually on an extension of stay rather than a visa, check your passport. If so cancel your work permit then your extension of stay and immediately apply for a new extension of stay based on retirement. You will, of course, have to meet the requirements for an extension based on retirement, check with your local immigration office as to what they require

Rob ******* · Answer

You don't need to leave Thailand. After your company cancels your work permit ahead of time you can convert your extension of stay from 'based on business' to 'based on over 50' as long as you meet the requirements. I did it earlier this year.

Paul ******************** · Answer

Why don't you just convert it to a retirement extension of stay in Thailand

Luc **************** · Answer

Don't need to leave the country, I change my BV for a non o retirement visa, because you already have everting like a bank account and a residence.

Lennys******* · Answer

Interesting!

Thanks for sharing, I’ll contact them as that might be an option.

Stephanie ****** · Answer

I paid 20kbaht to Thai Visa Centre to go from a NonB to a 1 year Retirement so I didnt have to leave the country. It was so easy and so worth it. I got the cancellation stamp, paid the fee, couriered over my passport and in 2 days had my Retirement stamp and passport back. I didnt want to lose time at work or the time and funds flying out and staying a hotel and then having to go to Immigration. So worth it.

Can I cancel my work permit and business visa in advance while transitioning to a non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

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