Unanswered6 years ago

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

Visa Exemption Non-O Visa Immigration Rules Visa Application Process Thailand Visa Types Visa Change Procedures

Dani *******

asked Aug 28, 2020

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Has anyone been able to change from visa exemption to Non-O? Specifically to work in a foundation.

I am staying at a foundation and they would like to help although they don't have much idea...

Today I called the IO but they said I cannot do it from within the country, that I have to leave... Apparently it should be possible to do it within the country, as one of the documents to be provided is "Form TM.87for the foreigner, who enters the kingdom of Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in the kingdom with a permit of stay for a period of 15 days, 30 days, 90 days and want to applies for non-immigrant visa"

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Summary so far

The user seeks clarification on whether it's possible to change from a visa exemption to a Non-O visa for work purposes while staying in Thailand. They were informed by an Immigration Office (IO) representative that this change requires leaving the country, contradicting their understanding that it could be done within Thailand with the correct documentation. Comments from others suggest that it generally requires departing Thailand, although there may be exceptions based on individual circumstances, such as previous visa status.

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Nueng ***********

It can be depending on your previous visa before amnesty period also letter from the embassy or any other Thailand government department. If you have it then you can.

6 years ago

Stan *******

No, you can't do it without leaving the country. It's already been on here dozens of times, if you'd searched the group first.

6 years ago

Darren *******

Presumably you're on the amnesty right now and not a visa exemption so I don't think that form applies to you.

6 years ago

Dani *******

Apparently some people got the stamp, I saw some pictures

@Kool ******

6 years ago

Dani *******

Apparently now they are giving you a stamp valid until 26sept that somehow formalizes your situation and may allow you to get a visa (?)

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69-new-from-us-embassy-official-extension-stamp-to-change-to-long-term-visa/#comments

6 years ago

Kool *******

@Dani ******

, this is strange, as I get all US embassy press releases, and in country news, and this was not one of them. The last announcement I received concerning visa extension was July 29th, and just informs of the amnesty extension until Sept 26. They do call it the automatic visa extension, with no amnesty wording. I think someone has misinformed people. The current notice I have received is only about the literacy program the US embassy is contributing to in Thailand. Nothing in reference to that supposed letter from the embassy, from the 25th. Anything like this to make it official would have to be published in the Royal Gazette, and in ten years of working with the embassy, I have never known them to pass on "verbal" communications with any government ministry.

6 years ago

Darren *******

@Dani ******

first I've heard of it but I'm guessing if you can get that stamp then yes you should be able to switch in country.

6 years ago