Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa and change it to a Non-B visa while in the country?

Visa Types Non-B Visa Tourist Visa Thai Immigration Work Permit Expats in Thailand

Jun 9, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I need a little advice please. I am coming from abroad and have a job lined up Thailand. Can I come in on a tourist visa, and then get that changed to a Non-B? If so, can I do it within Thailand, will I need to leave the country or is it just not possible anymore? Thank you in advance for your help!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation revolves around whether an individual can enter Thailand on a tourist visa and subsequently apply for a Non-B work visa within the country. It highlights that the ability to obtain a Non-B visa from within Thailand depends on the employer's documentation and Thai immigration policies. Additionally, it's noted that some employers may require those on tourist visas to leave the country to obtain a Non-B visa from a local consulate.

Tod *********

@Dan ********

even if your employer gave you perfect documentation you aren't gonna get a non-B visa from the ANY of the thai embassies/consulates in china. 😕 They are just one way to deal with (or that's the reports we've gotten over the years)

I don't even know if you can get a tourist visa from one of them not being a chinese national but you can try.

As people pointed out, whether or not you can get an in country Non-B visa issued depends entirely on your employer's ability to supply the correct documentation to you to take to the immigration office and apply.

the reason schools send people out of the country (which is fine to do now) to get a Non-B at a thai consulate nearby is because the required documentation is less stringently checked

2 years ago

James ********

Whether you can getting Non B issued within Thailand will depend on your employer, Thai immigration and your obtaining the Thai work permit.

Are you going to be a teacher?

2 years ago

Dan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Thank you for your response, yes a teacher

2 years ago

Ryan ********

@Dan ********

optimally you would arrive on a NON-B obtained outside Thailand. I doubt your school will go for this but it’s good to ask.

It’s important to get a work permit as absolutely fast as possible. Also keep in mind that the ministry of education and the teachers council have to get you a teachers license and they always have “new” requirements. That takes times and money.

A lot of schools will give you “no problem!” as an answer to every question, right until you are on a bus to the Cambodian border because they were lazy.

Study the current requirements for your teachers license and work permit so that you know what to expect.

If you do get a work permit, it’s yours though you do have to cancel it if you lose your job (if you ever want another one). You have a right to keep it, though many schools like to get possessive about them. If they don’t give it to you ask them very politely every day until you get it.

If they ask why then say that you need to show it to an embassy or open a bank account or something. Then “forget” to give it back to them. Do not lose it.

Good luck, enjoy teaching. make sure you don’t upset the Thai teacher you work with even if she is a real piece of work.

2 years ago

James ********

What's your home country?

I assume you will be flying to Thailand from it.

2 years ago

Dan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

it'll be from China

2 years ago

James ********

@Dan ********

that possibly is difficult to obtain the Non B

from the Thai Embassy in China.

Have you asked them if they will issue a Non B to teach ?

Thai Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam will issue a Non B for teaching with needed documents.

Possibly wise to consider a trip to Vietnam vs Thailand to get the Non B for teaching. Then proceed to BKK.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

@Dan ********

if at all possible...with the cooperation of your employer school...

I strongly suggest you get the Non B visa as teacher before you come to Thailand.

Otherwise you may have to go to a Thai Embassy in a nearby country to obtain it.

2 years ago

Dan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Ok, that makes sense with the uncertainty of current times with regards to cross border traveling. Thank you.

2 years ago

James ********

@Dan ********

Land borders are now open. But getting the Non B first is best for you.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********