Answered3 years ago

Can I convert my visa to a tourist visa while staying in Thailand if my job ends soon, especially since I work for a BOI company?

Visa Rules Thailand Immigration BOI Companies Tourist Visa Visa Extension Expat Guide

Daisy ********

asked Feb 9, 2024

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Hi All

I handed in my notice and my last day of working is 22nd February. My company seems to think the standard is a 7 day extension then I need to leave thailand, nothing else is possible.

Is there a way I can convert this to a tourist visa or some other kind of grace period? Or do I need to leave by air and get a tourist visa on return

It's a BOI company if that makes a difference.

Ideally I want to stay a couple of months extra in Thailand 

Thank you!

Answer summary

The user is inquiring about options for extending their stay in Thailand after resigning from a job at a BOI company. They mention the company's belief that they only have a 7-day grace period before they must leave the country. Responses indicate that, due to the BOI status, a grace period of up to 21 days may apply, but the user cannot convert to a tourist visa while remaining in Thailand. They would need to exit the country and apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy in a neighboring country. One suggestion includes going to the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane or Savannakhet for a single-entry tourist visa, which can be extended for more time while in Thailand.

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Dave ***********

Hi Daisy. It's most likely easier for you to go to the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane or Savannakhet on 22nd February and apply for a single entry 60 day Tourist visa. It costs 1,000 baht This can be extended for another 30 days at your local Immigration office in Thailand for the cost of 1,900 baht. if you need a bit more time in Thailand beyond 2 months.

Just some advice, Savannakhet is more difficult to get to, but you do not need to book an appointment to go to the Thai Embassy for the visa application, and you get your visa back the next day - avoid going to the Embassy on Mondays - it is very busy. Tuesdays, hardly any queue.

Vientiane is easier to get to, as you can fly there, but you have to book an appointment in advance via the Royal Thai Embassy of Vientiane website. Also you can only pick up your passport 2 days later.

3 years ago

Daisy ********

@Dave **********

this is very useful also, thank you! I will probably do this

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Dave **********

, one thing is, OP doesn't have to leave on 22 Feb as she is working for BOI company.

3 years ago

Dave ***********

@Ellie ******

Hi Ellie. Yes I understand that. The lady could get a 7, 14 or 21 day extension. My suggestion was to possibly make it easier for her, without the uncertainty of what length of extension she might get - and serve the purpose of her desire to stay on in Thailand for another 2 months, or more.

I have been in the same situation myself, so I do understand it.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

Yep, BOI company makes it different. You will be granted 7 days grace period for free as your employer is a BOI company. This period could be 0-21 days, but if your employer says so, most likely it'd be 7 days and you are done.

There is no way to "convert" to tourist status inside Thailand. You need to leave Thailand and re-enter on visa-exempt/visa-waiver/Single Entry Tourist Visa that you need to apply for at the Thai embassy in a neighbouring country.

You may be able to apply for whatever extension to get an additional 7 days to leave the kingdom stamp (that we don't recommend unless it is essential), but you have to leave by air with that stamp.

If you just leave within the grace period, you can either cross one of the land borders or fly out.

3 years ago

Daisy ********

@Ellie ******

thank you so much! Do you know where there is online documentation regarding the 0-21 days grace period?

3 years ago

Tim ***********

@Daisy *******

I just did the same at Chamchuri immigration. I got 21 days. No charge

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Tim **********

, it may or may not be same as OP's situation. It could be any of 0, 7, 14, or 21 days.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Daisy *******

, AFAIK, no documents about that is provided to public. You need to contact BOI directly. I know the case two foreign employees got different length of grace period on different timing but with the same employer.

3 years ago