Can I convert a Non-O dependent visa or Covid extension to a Non-B visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

@Joseph **********

they can't be sending teachers to Lao because the country isn't open to individuals, you can't walk in or fly in unless it's as James outlined. 😕

Cambodia is where people are getting their Non-B visas right now, not Lao

As people pointed out it's gonna come down to the company issuing the documentation AND the immigration office you're dealing with as far as if you can go from being a dependent (which I think you mean trailing spouse).

Now as far as I know a "trailing spouse" extension can't be switched to ANYTHING ELSE inside the country, and other than a covid extension, when you lose your extension she loses hers automatically.

You need to be talking to the immigration office and the company that she's gonna work for to see what they say but my guess is no it can't be done without leaving and comin' back on visa exempt or tourist visa entries to start the in country Non-B process (IF that office issues them)

I guess that will depend on the company providing the non-b and whether they are able to provide immigration with sufficient information/assurances to get an in country non-b. Think you need to have the company talk to immigration.

For added information...from an earlier attempt to post on this forum :

FYI...he does work as a volunteer for a legitimate NGO in the Chiang Mai area. But his contract is ending soon.

"Permission to post

Admin, this may have been covered before. Sorry for any repetition.

Good afternoon everyone! My contract with the foundation I am working for is coming to an end, and my Thai visa expires on April 27. As far as I know, I have no recourse to apply for the Covid extension for the following reasons:

1. The U.S. Embassy no longer gives letters for Covid extensions.

2. The United States is open, thus I don’t fall under the category of not being able to return home.

3. I am currently under a non-immigrant O volunteer visa, and as I understand, those under non-immigrant visas cannot avail of the Covid extension.

I could cancel my visa and then try for the extension, but again, there isn’t a guarantee that it would be granted. If my visa is cancelled, my wife will automatically lose her visa (she has a dependent visa).

I cannot legally teach in Thailand because I do not have a Bachelors degree. Not willing to circumvent the law in that way.

I could volunteer under another foundation, but the visa is quite expensive (40,000 baht). That and I cannot receive salary under that scenario.

Look, I am not desperate to stay in Thailand. If I have to leave, I have to leave. That’s fine. Just seeing if I have any options."