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Can I extend my stay in Thailand or change my visa reason while preparing for divorce?
TH Visa RulesNon-B VisaWork PermitBOI Work PermitImmigration ProcessExpat AdviceDivorce Impact on Visa Status
Feb 16, 2026
2 months ago
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI managed to find a job and obtain a work permit while I’m preparing to divorce my wife. I want to understand whether I can get a 7-day extension to stay before I leave, or if it’s possible to change the reason for my stay, since the company that hired me is BOI-approved and I have a valid work permit and work ID.
I searched online and even asked ChatGPT, but everyone seems to give different answers. From what I understand, a BOI work permit is easier to process than a standard Non-B work permit (the blue book, which I used to have). Is it possible to change to a Non-B visa or switch the reason for stay to “work” on the same day instead of leaving the country?
I am from Iran, and due to the current tensions, I need to be very careful about my timelines and when I leave and re-enter the country.
Do you have any solid suggestions?
I searched online and even asked ChatGPT, but everyone seems to give different answers. From what I understand, a BOI work permit is easier to process than a standard Non-B work permit (the blue book, which I used to have). Is it possible to change to a Non-B visa or switch the reason for stay to “work” on the same day instead of leaving the country?
I am from Iran, and due to the current tensions, I need to be very careful about my timelines and when I leave and re-enter the country.
Do you have any solid suggestions?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is navigating the complexities of changing their visa status in Thailand amid a divorce. They are currently on a marriage extension but have secured a job with a BOI-approved company and obtained a work permit. The user is seeking clarification on whether they can switch their visa reason to work or get a short extension to stay, especially given their sensitive situation as an Iranian national. Community responses suggest contacting local immigration for guidance, especially concerning paperwork required for such changes.
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Roger **********
Best you front up to your nearest immigration or even better hire an Agent/Solicitor
John **********
The day of your divorce is the day your permission to stay will finish. In theory you could change the reason for your extension of stay that day to one based on working but it will depend on whether the company is able to provide the paperwork or not. Best to speak to the company in the first instance
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Thanks this is helpfulReply to
Alireza *********
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Greg ***********
okay, you are on a 1-year extension based on marriage. Visit your Immigration and ask them if the allow you to change the "reason" the extension was issued on, to another reason, this being an extension based on a BOI job and a work permit that got already issued (which is okay when someone has an extension besed on marriage to a Thai wife). maybe they will tell you to wait until up from 30 days away from your extension to expire, before you can do the "change of reason". In case your divorce get signed by a court order before your extension expires, it would make your extension invalid on the same day and you would not be able to apply for the change of reason and would be given 7-days grace period to leave the kingdom. So beware and avoid any pitfall
Simon ******
Yes, I have done it but changing the reason from working to dependants (non O)
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander My marriage is done in Samut Prakan so I should go to that immigration right?
Greg ***********
Alireza Bashiri Samut Prakan is known for being a bit difficult to deal with Immigration. But well if you are TM30 registered there you must use this office
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander Yes it is very slow and non-responsive
Greg ***********
Alireza Bashiri maybe get help from an agent, visit Immigration together with their representative? Thai Visa Centre is based in Bangkok, they are the admins of this group
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Greg ***********
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Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander Thanks this is helpful
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Alireza *********
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Brett *****
Heard of talking to immigration
Trustworthy************
Brett Lee he has now! Instead of being condescending try being compassionate!
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Trustworthy************
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Mark ********
Chat GPT😂😂😂😂
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes ChatGPT has deep research and searches online posts reddit conversations and other sites for updated details.. what's so funny I don't get it?
Mark ********
If you want legit advice pay for it or go to immigration... Don't be tight.
Trustworthy************
Mark Taylor it’s a start - show some compassion!
Mark ********
TrustworthyFlamingo4178 WTF are you😂 In these situations facebook is not the answer. Chat GPT is not the answer. He is simply behaving like a stereotype.
Trustworthy************
Mark Taylor now, now! No swearing or you’ll be sent to do timeout!
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Trustworthy************
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Mark ********
Alireza Bashiri You just answered it,it takes in everything right or wrong and uses an algorhytm to give you whatever which can often be wrong😂😂 AI is still shit...
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Mark ********
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Colin **********
Are you currently on visa exempt? Or what?
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERColin Chaffers Yes I have. Non-O visa and I am on marriage extension until 31 July 2026 but I am going through a divorce and I need advice.
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Alireza *********
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David *******
Is your wife Thai ?
Alireza *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid Brown Yes Thai.
Reply to
Alireza *********
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