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Can I Change My Tourist Visa to a Volunteer Visa in Thailand?

Volunteer Visa Amnesty Visa Visa Change

Jun 17, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello 😁

Just wondering if anyone knows any information regarding changing from a tourist visa (amnesty visa) to a volunteer visa as I want to start a workaway.

Thanks in advance 🙏🌞

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To change from a tourist visa (amnesty visa) to a volunteer visa in Thailand, you must leave the country and apply for a Non-O visa based on volunteering. Once you obtain the Non-O visa and return to Thailand, you can then apply for an extension of stay. The amnesty currently in effect does not allow you to convert to a volunteer visa directly while in Thailand.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Benjamin ******

I'm going to close comments; it appears the OP has the information he needs, and the thread is going off topic. Good luck!

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Vladimir ********

In my opinion everyone who now on “amnesty” must leave by the end of July. Probably there will be some exceptions but in most cases if you on amnesty that means you are not non-immigrant visa or permission of stay holder, but just a tourist who was not able to leave the Kingdom because of border closures and flight restrictions

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Bobby ********

@Vladimir *******

. This is mostly correct, although there will be some classes of O visas (and possibly ED) which require either border bounces or visa runs. However, you are correct all of these visas and extensions have EXPIRED. There is no Amnesty Visa, it is actually a visa amnesty, and people with expired visas are now on overstay, but fines/penalties will be waived under the amnesty. Tourists are now scrambling for some way to stay, but they'd be better advised to be looking for ways to get home

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Bobby ********

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Bobby ********

What exactly is a "workaway"? I've not heard this expression in terms of visas in Thailand?

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Marlene ***********

Thats true :) often for free accommodation with food.

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Benjamin ******

Workaway is a global volunteer agency that connects volunteers with volunteer organizations - to my knowledge.

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Benjamin ******

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Stephen *********************

I think many people get the "amnesty" wrong. Its not a visa or permission of stay, they are in effect just writing off the inevitable overstay that x person will have when they leave the country. Hence the word amnesty.

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Benjamin ******

@Christian *******

I wouldn't expect anything from the Thai government, and assuming that something will occur is dangerous. Unless we have PR or a Thai passport, we are either tourists or non-immigrants.

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Benjamin ******

Exactly! The purpose of the amnesty is to waive the 500THB a day fine and potential jail time because people can not leave Thailand and return home because of the COVID-19 virus. The amnesty is in effect NO LATER THAN (*NOT* Until) July 31; that means they can remove the amnesty at any time.

What happens after amnesty? Nobody knows.

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Dayna *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

this is kind of the reason for wanting to start a workaway, being here on amnesty is uncertain and would rather have a volunteer visa , will have to look further into it cause it is seeming complicated

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Benjamin ******

I *BELIEVE* some universities can convert an amnesty to an extension of stay based on studying, if you are in a bachelor, master, or doctoral program. I also understand you can get an elite visa as well.

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Benjamin ******

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Stephen *********************

You will probably have to leave the country when the borders are open and obtain a new Non Immigrant visa from a neighbouring consulate or embassy. Then extend on that once you are back.

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Benjamin ******

Once you are on amnesty, you can not convert to an extension of stay based on being a volunteer. You will have to leave Thailand, purchase a Non-O visa based on being a volunteer, and then return for your extension of stay.

I understand Workaway is a global volunteer agency that connects volunteers with charities. Either Workaway or the charity can provide the paperwork needed for the visa and extension of stay - contact them for the documents.

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Dayna *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

thanks very much for the fast reply.. at the moment it seems not many borders are open in order to leave Thailand ?

We will ask the hosts from work away what they think is best mabey

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Benjamin ******

I understand the Laos border is open, and most people can return to their country's passport. However, once you leave Thailand, as of right now, you can not return. The Thai consulates are not selling visas either at this time.

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Henry *********

@Benjamin *****

Is the Laos border open?

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Benjamin ******

@Henry ********

I understand it is. You need a visa to enter Laos though - AND once you leave Thailand *YOU CAN NOT RETURN*

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Benjamin ******

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