Can I extend a 30-day visa waiver in Thailand while waiting for a work permit?

Visa Waiver Thailand Immigration Extension of Stay 30 Day Visa NON-B Visa Work Permit Paid Accommodation Health Insurance Requirements

Sep 4, 2022

2 years ago

Droid *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, can I enter Thailand on a 30 day visa waiver then renew for another 30 days in order for the school I will work at to  switch me to a work permit?   Also does anyone know if it is required to show proof of paid accommodation and health insurance to immigration in order to get the visa waiver?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You can enter Thailand on a 30-day visa waiver and then apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office for 1900 baht. There's no requirement for health insurance or proof of paid accommodation, but you should have an address for your stay ready. However, if you are transitioning to a work permit, you may need to work with your school and potentially make a visa run for a NON-B visa for teaching.

Ellie *******

Just a bit of a tip to support Thai visa-related terminology

2 years ago

Droid *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, very helpful to have this!

2 years ago

Reply to

Droid *********

Tod *********

Let's just make sure you can get a 30 day extension on your free entry stamp.

@Droid ********

because you used the term "visa waiver"

What is your nationality?

2 years ago

Droid *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I am currently in rural France and it would've been expensive to get to Thai Embassy in London to apply for a 60 day tourist visa. RU Demonstration school, where I hope to start work in Oct., seem to think the 30 day visa waiver and then the 30 day extension would be ok, then again they also told be I wouldn't have to do a visa run but that seems now not to be the case.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Droid ********

, okay coming from the UK, you're here on a 30 day VISA EXEMPT entry and that entry CAN get a 30 day extension at the immigration office for 1900baht

There are six countries which enter on a 30 day VISA WAIVER entry stamp and that cannot get extended. Hong Kong, Laos, Macao, Mongolia Russia & Vietnam

It was you using the word visa waiver is what made me ask about your nationality 😉

2 years ago

Droid *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I see my error, waiver is not the same as exempt. Thank you for the clarification, very kind of TVA people to take the time and explain stuff accurately.

2 years ago

Reply to

Droid *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Im from UK...

2 years ago

Reply to

Droid *********

James ********

If you enter Thailand on or after October 1, you will be STAMPED in for 45 days as a visa exempt entry. You can get one 30 day extension of stay for 1900 Thai baht from your local Thai immigration office where you have your TM30 address registered.

There is NO requirements for health insurance. Though it's wise to have a good travel insurance policy for your medical care needs.

You do not have to have proof of paid accomodation for your stay. However be prepared to show an address where you will be staying during the first few days from your arrival date into Thailand.

If you fly to Thailand Visa exempt... your airline may ask to see your flight departing Thailand within the 45 days from arrival.

As for the Non B visa AND Thai work permit, that depends on how much cooperation you get between the School, Thai immigration and Thai Foreign Ministry.

You may need to make a visa run to Vientiane Laos or Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City to get a Non B visa for teaching.

Be sure you check the REQUIREMENTS for the Non B visa... before you trek, if needed, to apply for the Non B visa.

Double check what you need to bring with you to fulfill the requirements for the Non B visa AND that of the Thai Education Ministry in obtaining your license to teach in Thailand.

Your school should be able to help you with that list of requirements needed.

2 years ago

Droid *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you very much for the information its extremely helpful, much appreciated.

2 years ago

Reply to

Droid *********

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