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Can I convert a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa while in Thailand?
Visa ConversionNon Immigrant B VisaTourist VisaImmigration Rules ThailandPre-employment Checkup ThailandTransportation in RayongLiving in RayongApartment Rental in ThailandExpat Community in Rayong
Jul 20, 2017
9 years ago
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi there,
I am in Bangkok and just got a technical writer offer in Rayong.
Couple of questions that need your guys advice on :
1. Can my tourist visa be converted to Non Immigrant B visa at Chaengwattana Immigration?
If so, will they grant a single or multiple entry Non Immigrant B Visa?
2. I been asked to do a pre-employment checkup on my account.
Is it a norm in Thailand for the employee and not the company to cover this?
3. Been relying on public transport BTS, taxis etc to get around in Bangkok.
No international driver license.
Any suggestions on getting around in Rayong?
The company is somewhere between Siracha and Pluak Daeng.
4. Any suggestions for a mover / apartment for rent website?
Thanks in advance guys! ^_*
I am in Bangkok and just got a technical writer offer in Rayong.
Couple of questions that need your guys advice on :
1. Can my tourist visa be converted to Non Immigrant B visa at Chaengwattana Immigration?
If so, will they grant a single or multiple entry Non Immigrant B Visa?
2. I been asked to do a pre-employment checkup on my account.
Is it a norm in Thailand for the employee and not the company to cover this?
3. Been relying on public transport BTS, taxis etc to get around in Bangkok.
No international driver license.
Any suggestions on getting around in Rayong?
The company is somewhere between Siracha and Pluak Daeng.
4. Any suggestions for a mover / apartment for rent website?
Thanks in advance guys! ^_*
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about converting their tourist visa to a Non Immigrant B visa while in Bangkok, asking whether the conversion can be done at Chaengwattana Immigration and what type of visa would be granted. They also seek clarification about the norm of personal responsibility for pre-employment health checks in Thailand, options for transportation without an international driverβs license in Rayong, and recommendations for mover and apartment rental websites. Many comments suggest confirming visa procedures with the employer, as converting a tourist visa may require leaving Thailand, and highlight the transportation options available in Rayong.
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Stephen ********
You cannot convert a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa at The Immigration Office on Chaengwattana Road. You will have to apply for one at an embassy outside of Thailand. The company will need to supply their business registration information, roster of employees, tax information, a map showing the location, as well as completing a form and providing a letter addressed to the embassy, copy of the owner's national I.D. card, etc. I am forgetting some items, but the company should be able to find it from the Ministry of Labour's and from Immigration's websites. Once you have the visa you will then have to apply for a work permit from The Ministry of Labour which requires much of the same information. Once the work permit is issued then you can go to Immigration in Rayong and get an extension of stay.
This is a basic layout of the procedure, as I say the details of which forms the exact documents from the company elude me for the moment.
This is a basic layout of the procedure, as I say the details of which forms the exact documents from the company elude me for the moment.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERTod Daniels can I convert mine tourist to Non Immigrant B like what U mentioned at Rayong?
Robert *******
You're welcome. Titel of WP 3 form is Application form Work Permit for Alien Abroad. Seen in Krabi Labor office: Foreigner is smoking cigarette next to his car and Thai staff enters to apply for the WP with intention to give him the WP3 form and letter so he can go abroad to apply for Non B visa. Manager put application in trash bin and told staff to send foreigner abroad and apply again, do not abuse our system. I found it harse but as I say many times: Be careful out there.
Joe ***********
Thank you -- just trying to help clear up the murky waters on this subject
Robert *******
@J*
. In case the employee does not have the correct Visa, the Employer has to use WP application form 3 (W.P.3, not W.P.1). After application is filled correctly Labor office will issue a WP3 application in progress form and a letter that after getting correct Visa WP will be issued. With those 2 papers you get a Non Immigrant B visa at Consulate or Embassy or change your Visa status at local Immigration Office.Joe ***********
My comments are concerning how to 'dovetail' - put in proper sequence applications for both a WP and B Visa -- when a B-Visa can be applied for with a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry but a W.P.1 form says it requires a Non Immigrant Visa to apply for a WP ... The processes for a WP and B Visa are at some point intertwined one required for the other... Any clarification on this?
Joe ***********
On the W.P.1 Application Form to a Work Permit -- For First time application or reapplication due to expiring ... Qualifications for an Application: 'Only a Non Immigrant Visa is acceptable'.
I have read many times that a Tourist Visa would be allowed for applying for a WP - but it is not what is in print. So here we go with another inconsistency. Seems a WP cannot be even applied for with a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry.
I have read many times that a Tourist Visa would be allowed for applying for a WP - but it is not what is in print. So here we go with another inconsistency. Seems a WP cannot be even applied for with a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry.
Stephen ********
I stand corrected. Trying to navigate all the rules is a tangled thicket, and that was the information that I eventually came out of it with, though I don't recall from where. As an offshoot question: is it also possible to convert a Non-O to a Non-B at Immigration?
Tod *********
I don't know where you're getting your information
You do NOT need a Non-B to apply for a work permit, and you can indeed go from a tourist visa or a 30 day visa exempt entry to a 90 day Non-B inside the country at Chaengwattana and indeed most immigration offices.
Here's one from last year out at Chaengwattana;
@Ste****
, BUT you are incorrect. :/ You do NOT need a Non-B to apply for a work permit, and you can indeed go from a tourist visa or a 30 day visa exempt entry to a 90 day Non-B inside the country at Chaengwattana and indeed most immigration offices.
Here's one from last year out at Chaengwattana;
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks
@Stephen *******
!Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHope everything fine when I reenter. Get the goosebumps from reports of those denied entry. anyone knows if 20k is needed for Non Immigrant B entry?
Reply to
Lisa ********
Reply
Charmaine *********
No a tourist visa is just that
You must get new employer to do the paper work to be granted a non b
Then into a work permit, they should pay it but often think you may leave so they ask you to pay it as insurance to them and you staying with company
That's my experience
You must get new employer to do the paper work to be granted a non b
Then into a work permit, they should pay it but often think you may leave so they ask you to pay it as insurance to them and you staying with company
That's my experience
Tod *********
there is no obligation for a company to pay for either your work permit, or you getting the correct visa to be employed. That's between the company and you.
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Mike *******
If you are from the UK you can apply for international by post. And ask someone to post it to you. Remember you can only use an international for 90 days.
Wim **************
She's from the U.S LA
Reply to
Wim **************
Reply
Paul **********
You most definitely need your own transport for Rayong and the surrounding areas. Song-taews shut down by 8pm. Minivans are available till around 10 and motorcycle taxis are not recommended in the late night.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks Wim van Leeuwen! Yeah, I really do need help from the company. Rayong seems like no man's land π₯π₯
Wim **************
@Lisa *******
For the whole route you should ask the company.Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI add on the smile with a "nid noi". Spoken like a true farang π²π
Paul **********
On a more serious note, they are used to seeing farangs every now and then. But you will still get the odd stare.
Paul **********
Yes. They will. Don't forget to smile back π
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThat comes the next question......housing! this I really need my company to figure out. Bet there will b lots of funny stares when they see this farang girl going around their neighborhood.
Paul **********
Finding accommodation will be a bit of a headache. Since it's predominantly a Thai area most online ads will be in Thai. We found a row house to rent by driving around and looking for rental signboards on properties. Again... Ask your co-workers for help. My advantage was that my fiancΓ©e is Thai.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERU sure shes a ms?? ππ
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERCool Paul,thanks! π€
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm cool with expats couples but not sure if "shes" cool with me around. Need to do stuff, not nurse a beer belly with the older guys. lol All right Paul, will quit the night and head for the temples there ππππππ
Paul **********
Sadly no. We left in 2015. After filtering out the people you don't wanna hang out with I'm pretty sure you will still find a few single expats scattered around the place. Your best bet is your co-workers who can speak English who will introduce you to other Thais. Unlike Bangkok, Rayong is mostly a Thai denominated province.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSure do
@Paul *********
! U guys still there?Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERCool til it says "small" expat community. Filter the guys who are into Thai girls, expat couples, retired expats etc. What does that leave a single expat farang girl?? π€ππ²
Paul **********
@Lisa *******
feel free to PM me for any other questions you may have. βΊοΈPaul **********
Night scene in Rayong is quiet on weekdays, weekends it's got its own buzz. 2 malls in the city, both with theaters. Lots of restaurants in the malls and on the beach. One discotheque that I know of... Could be more. And a small expat community...
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROk, freak me out if it does πππ
Paul **********
Not ANYONE. Company employees only.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPaul Nazareth ANYONE can board that bus?? Any idea where I can pick up info on the whole route?
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERU guys had each other there! Whats on for the Rayong night scene? Bottoms up container trucks whizzing by?? That goes down history for sure! πππ
Paul **********
The company bus is very rarely owned directly by the company and most are running under contract to the company. There is no contract or payment required from you. Just be at the stop on time. βΊοΈ
Paul **********
Yeah, Rayong city is in the centre of multiple industrial zones. When we were living there, my fiancΓ©e was picked up and dropped off by the company bus. There are song-taews out there but the routes are limited and the frequency is low. Given the traffic that you saw I'd recommend a personal 4 wheeler rather than 2 for safety's sake.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe interview trip was an eye opener. The place is one huge industrial land. Vehicles whizzing past were container trucks and cars. No song-taews like those in Bangkok.Yes definitely gonna speak to company about the contract that U mentioned. Keeping my fingers crossed ^_^
Paul **********
I would also suggest that you speak with the company regarding pick-up and drop by their 'contract bus' if they have one. 90% of the large companies have this.
Reply to
Paul **********
Reply
Tim ******
Can I convert from a non o to a non b?
Lloyd ********
You can change the reason for extension, not convert a Non-O to any other Non-Imm visa.
Noel *************
I don't think you can convert it but I was originally on a Non-O and applied for a Non-B at renewal time and was granted it. All done at Chaengwattana.
Lloyd ********
No you can't
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
Suggest you do a new post so that other people could help to answer.
Reply to
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
Reply
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks Patcharee Na-rangsi! The company is working on the work permit details now. I just want to do some ground work, this time its Rayong! Likely that getting a Non Immigrant B at Laos is heading my way. No driver license, so I guess my options will be public for now. Maybe a nice little scooter will do! ^_^
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGonna look around a little before i get test done as Patcharee Na-rangsi said. Thanks Wim van Leeuwen and Patcharee Na-rangsi for all your advice. U guys are awesome! πππ€ππππππ
Wim **************
To bad nobody is answering good luck.
Wim **************
Maybe you can go with her or give the address I saw your'e from Rayong ?
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
I would suggest to not hurry to get the license now!
Be there after some times.Learn how is the route there.Once you got the work permit.Please ask a Thai person to go with you to process.
Best.
Be there after some times.Learn how is the route there.Once you got the work permit.Please ask a Thai person to go with you to process.
Best.
Wim **************
Hi lisa this is the main office in BKK maybe you can contact them for the correct address in Rayong I couldn't get it. On this web are also the info what to do and bring with you to apply.
Wim **************
drivers license back
Driving in Thailand's main page
Getting a Thai drivers license
about Thai car and motorcycle license plates
Where to apply for a driving licence in Thailand
Getting a Thai license renewed or extended
Travel tips on where to go next
Thai traffic signs:
Warning Signs
Regulatory Signs
Where to apply for a Thai driving license
the department of land transportation is the thai version of the DMV
The Thai equivalent of the US department of Motor vehicles is called the Department of Land Transportation. The department of Land Transportation is the government organization that is, amongst many other things, responsible for the issuing of both the regular Thai drivers licenses and international Thai driving licence's.
The department of Land transportation's head office is based in the Chachutjak district of Bangkok, opposite the well know weekend market. You can visit this location to get a driver's licence or you can visit the DLT station in your district or province. Below is a list of the Bangkok offices and the districts they cover.
Head office
1032 Phaholyothin Road
Lardyao, Chatuchak district.
tel: 02-272-5322, 02-272-5493.
Covers the districts: Pomprarb Satruphai, Samphanthawong, Patumwan, Bangrak, Dusit, Phayathai, Bangsue, Huay kwang, Bangkhen, Bangkapi, Don muang, Chatuchak, Din daeng, Lardprao, Saimhai and Rachathevee.
Bangkok Area 1:
Soi Wat Hua Krabu at km 4.5,
Bangkunthian Thaithalae,
Thakarm, Bangkhunthien district,
Bangkok
tel: 02-415-7337
Covers the districts: Bangkhunthian, Bang bon, Jomthong, Thonburi, Klongsarn, Radburana, Thungkru, Bangkolaem, Yannawa and Sathorn.
Bangkok Area 2:
51 Moo 5 Suanphak Road
Chimplee Talingchan
Bangkok
tel: 02-882-1620 to 35.
Covers the districts: Talingchan, Bangplad, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Phasichareon, Nongkhaem and Pranakorn.
Bangkok Area 3:
opposite Soi Sukhumvit
Bangjak Prakhanong,
Bangkok
tel: 02-332-9688 to 96
Covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana.
Bangkok Area 4:
Kokpad NongJork
Bangkok
tel: 02-543-2010 to 12
Covers the districts: Minburi, Nongjok, Lard krabang, Bungkum, Saphansoong and Kannajao.
This website is listed on
Driving in Thailand's main page
Getting a Thai drivers license
about Thai car and motorcycle license plates
Where to apply for a driving licence in Thailand
Getting a Thai license renewed or extended
Travel tips on where to go next
Thai traffic signs:
Warning Signs
Regulatory Signs
Where to apply for a Thai driving license
the department of land transportation is the thai version of the DMV
The Thai equivalent of the US department of Motor vehicles is called the Department of Land Transportation. The department of Land Transportation is the government organization that is, amongst many other things, responsible for the issuing of both the regular Thai drivers licenses and international Thai driving licence's.
The department of Land transportation's head office is based in the Chachutjak district of Bangkok, opposite the well know weekend market. You can visit this location to get a driver's licence or you can visit the DLT station in your district or province. Below is a list of the Bangkok offices and the districts they cover.
Head office
1032 Phaholyothin Road
Lardyao, Chatuchak district.
tel: 02-272-5322, 02-272-5493.
Covers the districts: Pomprarb Satruphai, Samphanthawong, Patumwan, Bangrak, Dusit, Phayathai, Bangsue, Huay kwang, Bangkhen, Bangkapi, Don muang, Chatuchak, Din daeng, Lardprao, Saimhai and Rachathevee.
Bangkok Area 1:
Soi Wat Hua Krabu at km 4.5,
Bangkunthian Thaithalae,
Thakarm, Bangkhunthien district,
Bangkok
*****
tel: 02-415-7337
Covers the districts: Bangkhunthian, Bang bon, Jomthong, Thonburi, Klongsarn, Radburana, Thungkru, Bangkolaem, Yannawa and Sathorn.
Bangkok Area 2:
51 Moo 5 Suanphak Road
Chimplee Talingchan
Bangkok
*****
tel: 02-882-1620 to 35.
Covers the districts: Talingchan, Bangplad, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Phasichareon, Nongkhaem and Pranakorn.
Bangkok Area 3:
opposite Soi Sukhumvit
****
, Bangjak Prakhanong,
Bangkok
tel: 02-332-9688 to 96
Covers the districts: Prakhanong, Pravate, Suan luang, Klong toey and Wattana.
Bangkok Area 4:
******
Liabwaree RoadKokpad NongJork
Bangkok
*****
tel: 02-543-2010 to 12
Covers the districts: Minburi, Nongjok, Lard krabang, Bungkum, Saphansoong and Kannajao.
This website is listed on
****************************
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThats great
@Wim *************
! Thanks! πππ€Wim **************
If I'm at home tomorrow I can give you the adress.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDo U have like a map
@Wim *************
?Wim **************
If you come from Mapthaput not the 36 road but city then it is on the Sukumvit after the road from busstation number 2.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wim *************
wheres the place to go in Rayong for the driving test?Wim **************
Same with a car 555
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAwesome! Bike before a license πππ
Wim **************
Yeah this is Thailand even if you fail the test you can go on it back home and the next day you can try again.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wim *************
Bring a bike?? No bike license, how does the bike comes about? π²Wim **************
It's not so difficult to get take the papers you need and go early in the morning to the office for a driving test ( bring a motorbike with you ) and in the morning for a written exam after you pass you get your motorbike licence for 250 baht.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI will be writing technical manuals for the company. No license for motorbike either. There goes my dream of owning a scooter π
Wim **************
Even for a little scooter/motorbike you need a Thai driverslicence.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROk! ^_^
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
@Lisa *******
Better you send me PM for personal info.thnxLisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPatcharee Na-rangsi how's safety there for a female? Other than the interview, never been around there.
Lisa ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI hope so. No Laos if I can. Lol
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
Hope the company has good connection with immigration so that it can be easy for you.
Reply to
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
Reply
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
As I'm aware but need to confirm with your employer.You need to convert from TR to Non-B in Rayong not in Changwattana! Changwattana is for people who are working in BKK only!
Latest I heard the immigration office in Rayong denied to convert TR to Non-B so you may need to go to Lao and apply the Non-B from there.
How to get around in Rayong?
-The public van(really unsafe but most of people are using)
-Local shuttle bus(Song-Taew)
-Motorbike taxi
-Best is to get your own vehicle π
Latest I heard the immigration office in Rayong denied to convert TR to Non-B so you may need to go to Lao and apply the Non-B from there.
How to get around in Rayong?
-The public van(really unsafe but most of people are using)
-Local shuttle bus(Song-Taew)
-Motorbike taxi
-Best is to get your own vehicle π
Reply to
ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈ£ΰΈ΅ **********
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