Answered4 months ago
Can I convert my tourist visa to a work visa in Chiang Mai or do I need to go to Bangkok?
I live in CHIANG MAI and I need to *convert* my tourist visa to a work visa. Can I do this at Chiang Mai Immigration or do I have to go to BKK?
Answer summary
Converting a tourist visa to a work visa in Chiang Mai can be challenging and may require significant assistance from your employer. While some commenters suggest that it might be possible with the right paperwork, the general consensus is that it often needs to be done outside Thailand, typically in a neighboring country. Your employer plays a crucial role in this process, and it's advisable to discuss the situation with them. They may prefer to handle the visa application from abroad to minimize paperwork. Legal expertise could also be beneficial to navigate this process.
16 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Graeme *******
So came here as a tourist and now you have employment.
Gerard ********
This could end badly.
Jean ************
The employer can do it in Chiang Mai. But most likely they will send you to a neighboring country, and that's not so bad.
Nigel *******
Yes can do
Steve *******
Most likely you'll have to apply in a neighbouring Country
JoyfulPer**********
You do this outside of the country or your employer can do it. Get a good lawyer to help you.
Garry *********
Your employer has to arrange the appropriate visa and work permit. Visa comes first and then the work permit.
John *********
Spoof alert
Daniel ********
Unless you’re some kind of highly skilled or educated person, I am not sure how you would get one. They do not issue them for jobs Thai people can do.
Ole ***************
Your employer do all work for you, and remember before you get your blue book from department of employment, you can not do any work, and the work is always limited to the one stated in the blue book.
Ant ***********
If your employer is in Thailand - he needs to do most of the work for you !
Jean-yves **********
Vous ne pouvez pas demander un visa en Thaïlande, vous devez sortir et le faire dans un autre pays.
Stuart *********
Absolutely not true. It can be incredibly difficult to do it in country but it can be done. Almost all scenarios would be easier to do abroad but it could be done.
GiftedPass***********
Legally it should be done outside of Thailand, but.......
John **********
If your planned employer can supply the extensive paperwork required to do so you should be able to but many employers prefer you to get a Non-B visa outside of Thailand as the paperwork required is much less. Speak to your employer and see what they say
Dante **
You have to do it in Chiang Mai with significant cooperation and guidance from your employer. Essentially they have to do it.
Activity
17 joined17
people
Related
25Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa while in Thailand on a tourist visa?
3.5k27471mo
How can I convert my tourist visa to a Non-B and Non-O visa for myself and my family in Thailand?
231122mo
Can I change from DTV to Non-B visa while in Thailand?
6482108mo
Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa?
9.7k611619mo
Can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa without a certified passport copy?
5k36651y
How can I convert my non-visa tourist entry to a retirement visa in Thailand?
682432y
Can I switch my tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand if my wife is a teacher?
599162y
Is it worth opening a local bank account in Thailand for a long-term stay?
1.3k872y
Should I apply for a 90-day visa before heading to Bangkok or request an extension while there?
4.8k39442y
Can I convert a tourist visa to a non-B visa in Thailand for a job at an international school?
1.4k1133y
How can I get a work permit and work visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
4.6k36463y
Can I convert my 60-day tourist visa to a 90-day Non-O visa in Nong Khai?
838383y
Should I apply for a work permit in Laos or return to Nigeria after being rejected in Thailand?
2.4k20183y
What should I do if my tourist visa in Thailand expires while my passport is with immigration for a new visa?
2k13213y
How can tourists open a bank account in Thailand, and do they need a guarantor?
3.8k30354y
Why was a TM30 required for my tourist visa extension in Chiang Mai, and how can I prepare for it in the future?
8492135y
Can I obtain a Thai residence certificate on a tourist visa without filing a 90-day report?
2.4k22115y
Should we convert our tourist visa to a working visa in Thailand or apply from the Netherlands?
683346y
Can you convert a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?
2.2k11306y
Can I convert a tourist visa to a retirement or working visa in Thailand?
1.1k2186y
Do you need a return flight ticket for a Thai visa application?
3.6k37116y
What are the best visa options for my family to move to Thailand for work at a dive school?
1.7k10208y
Can I change my tourist visa to a work visa in Thailand without returning to my home country?
1.2k868y
Can I convert my tourist visa to a working visa in Thailand?
601249y
What are the rules for obtaining a tourist visa after canceling a work visa in Thailand?
4.7k44249y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served