Can I change my Ed visa to Non-B in Bangkok or do I really need to exit Thailand to apply for a Tourist visa first?

Question

Hi Everyone,
i am actually on Ed visa. I got a new  job and need to change to Non-B.
The HR of the company told me, I can"t change  my Ed to Non-B in Bangkok and that I need to go out of Thailand to apply for a Tr visa.  The Tr can be changed  to Non-B in Bangkok then. 
I remember, about a year and a half ago, we couldn't change the Tr to Non-B in Bangkok and that i had to apply for my Non-B in Vientiane...
Are the rules changed? or the HR is wrong? or i get old and my memory is defficient?
Thanks for your answers

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on whether they can change their Education (Ed) visa to a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa in Bangkok, or if they need to first leave Thailand to apply for a Tourist (Tr) visa. Previous experiences suggest changes in visa policy may have occurred. Responses indicate that changing directly from an Ed visa to a Non-B visa is typically not allowed. The standard process may require applying for a Tourist visa before being able to apply for a Non-B visa, although some companies may assist with obtaining a Non-B visa directly in Thailand.

Tod ********* · Answer

Except a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant Type visa you CANNOT switch from one type to another. :/

As [mention redacted], (y) correctly pointed out you can go from an extension based on education to an extension for another reason.

You take paperwork from your school AND paperwork from your company (along with proof you've applied for a work permit) and go to the immigration office.

You would cancel your extension based on education and immediately apply for a new extension based on employment. It takes some coordination and making sure all your documentation is correct, BUT it can be done.

Keep in mind you can't hold a work permit or legally work on your ED visa.

Perhaps it's just as easy to go get the 90 day single entry Non-B visa from a thai consulate like your employer is saying.

Danny ********* · Answer

If you happen to be on an extension of stay based on ed, you can cancel the extension and apply for an extension of stay based on work.

Jonathan ********** · Answer

I believe the agent working for the company will loose a commision if i apply directly for non-b in vientiane

Saurabh ***************** · Answer

Some cos can get u a Non B here  in Bkk itself , but it takes a lot more paperwork. However , it's more easy for cos to send their future employees out of Thailand with paperwork and get it thmselves. Your HR is right , no Non Immi visa is directly converted to other . You need a T  visa which will be again changed to Non B inside or outside , depending on cmpny's profile and paperwork.

Jonathan ********** · Answer

that s what i thought... seems legit to me !

Robert ******* · Answer

Why not take the company papers and directly apply for a Non Immigrant B visa?

Can I change my Ed visa to Non-B in Bangkok or do I really need to exit Thailand to apply for a Tourist visa first?

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