Can I change an STV visa to a working visa while in Thailand?

Feb 6, 2021
4 years ago
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do you know how to change STV to working visa in Thailand? Does Anyone try it before?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is not possible to change a Special Tourist Visa (STV) to any other visa type, such as a working visa, while in Thailand. This is confirmed by multiple comments indicating that the STV cannot be converted to another visa category while in the country.
Bob **********
You can't change a STV visa in Thailand
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
how about if I wait until the issue date if this policy expired (30Sep)?
Bob **********
@Chanachai ****
you would be on overstay
Stuart *********
One of the rules of the STV is that it can’t be changed to any other visa type in country.
Stuart *********
Yes. Visa exemption which is 45 days now or tourist visa can be converted with the help of your employer.
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
how many time can I extend the visa in case I cannot find a job yet?
Stuart *********
@Chanachai ****
currently they are offering foreigner in Thailand a special “unable to travel due to Covid “ extension but the last date to apply for that is March 30th
Stuart *********
@Chanachai ****
either exemption or tourist visa can be extended one time only for a further 30 days.
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
how about extend using COVID (60days)? Can I entend using that scheme?
Stuart *********
@Chanachai ****
up until 30th March and once you had your “regular” 30 day extension. So assuming you’re not here already would take you past that deadline. Whether they will extend it further is pure speculation.
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
last question. If I get STV, can I just go with exemption 30 days instead by ignoring my STV?
Stuart *********
@Chanachai ****
nope. If you have a visa they won’t let you visa exempt (my guess, as I’ve never heard of it being done)
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
ok I will go with STV and spend time their till they change the rule! With hope 😞
Adam ******
@Chanachai ****
go back home and do it from there as the law ask you to dont trust no visa agent now sorry

you can call 1111 and ask anything
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam *****
I rang to immigration last month before applying STV and they said yes I can change the visa type but today I rang them again and they said no I cannot change! 😞
Lindsey **********
@Chanachai ****
if you come as a tourist and extend in country

Come without stv you can change it in country

I just did

But not if you enter as stv
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lindsey *********
Did you have a job before? Or you found the job after coming to Thailand.
Lindsey **********
@Chanachai ****
either is okay

What you looking for a job in ?
Benjamin ******
@Chanachai ****
no you can’t.
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thank you so much! For your information.
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thank you! And do you know if I am planning to work, should I get the exemption for 30 days and extending it later? Is it better?
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