Hi. I hope everyone is well.
I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not it’s possible to change a Non Ed visa to be a Non B one without leaving Thailand. I know the usual process is that you would have to change it from outside the country. But because of some covid restrictions, and the number of rising cases in Thailand, some might not be able to travel outside.
I was on an ED visa until last year. After I graduated, they gave me the Covid Extension because of the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic (I’m not sure if they just extended my ED visa or they changed it to a tourist visa). I eventually got a job offer and they did some paperwork for me as well. When I recently went to try change my visa to a non b they told me that because I came into the country with an Ed visa, so it’s difficult to change. They then advised me to try go get a work permit first then come apply for a Non B.
When my school consulted with the Ministry of Labor they said they can’t give me a work permit because of the ED visa. So now all parties involved are stuck and not sure what to do.
This is also new for the school that I want to work for. They haven’t seen a case like this before, so they don’t know how to proceed.
If there is anyone here with positive feedback on this issue, I’d really welcome it.
Thanks in advance for all responses.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on changing a Non-ED visa to a Non-B visa without exiting Thailand due to travel restrictions caused by COVID-19. They previously held a Non-ED visa, and after graduation, received a Covid Extension, but face difficulties in obtaining a work permit needed for the visa change. The school assisting with the job application is also unfamiliar with this situation, and they are looking for guidance on how to proceed.
