Can I convert my tourist visa to a work visa in Thailand before it expires?

Tourist Visa Work Visa Visa Conversion Thailand Immigration Chiang Mai Visa Extension Multiple Entry Visa

October 30, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a six-month multiple entry tourist visa, which stipulates (if I don't extend a stay) that each stay is a maximum of 60 days. This, my first stay, is due to end on November 12th.

I have an interview for a teaching job in a Chiang Mai school tomorrow, and they say they help sort the work visa and work permit.

If I get the job, is there any chance I would have my tourist visa 'converted' to a work visa in the next 10 days or so, before my current stamp runs out, or should I do a visa run (or extend) right now? 

In fact, can I even change from tourist to work visa while in country or do I need to leave and return at any point?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about converting their six-month multiple entry tourist visa, which allows stays of up to 60 days, to a work visa after receiving a job offer in Chiang Mai. They want to know if this conversion can be completed within 10 days before their current visa expires on November 12. Based on community feedback, it is clarified that doing a conversion within this timeframe is not feasible as at least 15 working days are needed. Hence, they either need to extend their tourist visa or perform a visa run to obtain a new entry. The options include applying for a 30-day extension for 1900 baht or utilizing the existing multiple entry visa for a fresh 60-day stay before applying for a Non-B visa.

Tod *********

In Chiang Mai you need a MINIMUM of 15 WORKING days to do a conversion from a free 30 day entry stamp, a 60 day tourist visa or a 30 day extension from one of those to a 90 day Non-Immigrant type visa.

SO if you have a stamp that expires on Nov 12 you DO NOT have enough time on this current stamp to do the switch.

That means you either go to the immigration office get a 30 day extension on this 60 day entry for 1900baht

OR

you bounce out and back giving you a new 60 day entry on the 6 month METV you hold

THEN

apply for the in country Non-B visa at the Chiang Mai immigration office for 2000baht

a year ago

Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Understood - thanks loads for your prompt help.

a year ago

Reply to

Steven ***********

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