Can I extend my visa exempt stay in Thailand and transition to a work visa given my employment situation and marriage to a Thai national?

Question

I am reposting this as my first post probably wasn't very clear and didn't have all the relevant info but I didn't want to delete it, so here goes.

I entered Thailand from China on 18 July on a 30 day exempt and got a 30 day extension the following day, allowing me to stay until September 19, thereabouts. However I left Thailand on 3 September to return to my job in China and flew to HK to do my quarantine, but due to the current COVID restrictions in China I could not re-enter China, I therefore flew back to Thailand today (7 September) and entered on another Visa exempt.

1) can I get another extension?

2) my old work have offered me my job back and I have a Thai wife, what are my options to get a visa so I can get my work permit? Can I get a letter offering me employment then get a visa from Chang Wattana for 3 months in order to process my WP?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user entered Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption, received an extension, and is now seeking further clarification on extending their stay and transitioning to a work visa, considering their employment offer and marriage to a Thai national. Responses confirm the possibility of extending the visa and detail the options for work permits through a Non-B visa sponsored by an employer or a Non-O visa based on marriage.

Colin ******** · Answer

Yes, my school need me to get the extension in order for me to get my WP and visa.

Brandon ************ · Answer

Yes you can get a 30 day extension on your visa exempt.

To be able to work, you need a visa that allows work, as well as a work permit.

You can work on a Non-B visa that is sponsored from your company.  Whether you can convert from visa exempt to Non-B inside of Thailand is between your employer and immigration.  If they can meet the requirements then it's possible, but requires a lot more paperwork than you going to a neighboring country and getting a Non-B visa there.

You can also work on a Non-O based on marriage. Which option you go is up to you. Employers usually prefer you to get a Non-B that way they can hold your ability to stay in the country over your head, so if they fire you then you have to leave.  But if you have the marriage visa and a work permit, they cannot threaten you with that.

Can I extend my visa exempt stay in Thailand and transition to a work visa given my employment situation and marriage to a Thai national?

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