Can I change a visa exemption to a Non-O volunteer visa in Thailand?

Thailand Volunteer Visa Visa Exemption Non-O Visa Visa Change Process Social Development Office Immigration Regulations

Jul 21, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Volunteer Visa Question

We have a volunteer who arrived with visa exemption. When we applied to change it to non-O (volunteer) visa (TM87), we were told it can't be done anymore... because of the requirement to get approval from the Social Development office first.

Has anyone here recently obtain their volunteer visa after having arrived with visa exemption? I'd like to compare notes. Maybe it's dependent on the province.

Or perhaps an agent can get the change done.

The alternative is to send the volunteer back out the country to obtain a 90-day non-O visa - an unnecessary extra cost!

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses challenges faced by a volunteer in Thailand who tried to change their visa exemption status to a Non-O visa (specifically for volunteering) but was told it can't be done without prior approval from the Social Development office. Other users shared experiences suggesting that obtaining a volunteer visa has become difficult due to stricter regulations and potential abuse of the system.

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Rina *****

Gary Orman Gary Orman Hi Sir, did you get a work around on this in a Legal way? I have the same question and trying to research the process for this. Thanks.

2 years ago

Nigel *********

It was abused and now pretty much suspended. No news when it will be re instated.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

Can’t help directly but can only say that from posts here the volunteer visa is pretty much null and void. They’ve cracked down on it big time. Even agents won’t touch them with a barge pole.

If you’re a legitimate volunteer organisation then perhaps there’s a work around to get volunteers to work with you, but for your average Joe Bloggs trying to get one to “volunteer “ at a establishment he doesn’t know and won’t actually work at it’s not going to happen.

2 years ago

Gary *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

We're a legitimate bone fide foundation, with volunteers on non-O visas and work permits. We have a new volunteer joining us long-term; and have hit against what seems to be a stricter policy of verification.

So any ideas of a workaround for the first step of obtaining the initial non-O would be very welcome. We are already familiar with the process of extending the visa when the time comes.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Gary ******

Sorry. I got from your question that you were the organisation trying to get the visa for a worker, but usually on here we get the “worker” trying to get a bogus visa. Obviously the clamp down has affected organisations such as yourselves who legitimately have volunteers. Perhaps the only route may be getting the initial non o overseas at a nearby consulate. I really have no idea if this is a viable alternative or not. Perhaps others on here will have direct experience and can help. Perhaps someone at the ministry of labour can advise what’s the best route to take for you.

2 years ago

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Stuart *********

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