Can I extend my work visa in Thailand or switch to a tourist visa after my work permit expires?

May 31, 2020
4 years ago
Nyx ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! I am hoping you can clarify an issue for me that I can't seem to get a definite answer on.

I'm currently employed (Canadian citizen) and have a work permit until June 30. Does the visa extension also cover me until July 31, or do (and CAN) I flip to a tourist visa in July? Ideally I would like to stay in Thailand for another 6 months.

Any insight and advice would be so very much appreciated! TIA~!🙏
2,810
views
7
likes
66
all likes
16
replies
1
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is a Canadian citizen currently holding a work permit until June 30 and is seeking clarification on whether their visa extension would also last until July 31, or if they can switch to a tourist visa in July. Community comments suggest that if the user holds a Non-B visa, they may be allowed to stay until July 31 through an amnesty program. If they stop working and are on an extension of stay based on their employment, they must cancel their work permit and extension before switching visas. It is advised to check with official immigration sources for definitive answers.
Yvon ******
Ask immigration....
Gary *******
What a bunch of

self righteous and argumentative some of you are!!! Must have some sad lives? If you purposely troll and look to insight an argument to a question posted buy a guy looking for advise or guidance from a group set up to do just that? What it says on the tin???
Gary *******
@Nyx ***************
sorry I should have said young lady not guy lol
Alwyne ********
Mate give my grind Nissan at Cambodia travel he will help you
Allan ************
Is that a real name?
Tod *********
Okay, how about we approach this step by stept and put your "Ideally I'd like to stay, blah-blah, blah" on the back burner for now..

Just so you're clear having a work permit doesn't let you stay IN thailand it lets you WORK in thailand. :O

SO we need to see if you're on a Non-B VISA or if you're on an extension of stay based on employment from the immigration office.

IF you are on the original 90 day entry of the VISA you don't do anything and when that entry stamp runs out you'll switch over to the amnesty and be allowed to stay until no longer than the 31st of July.

BUT

If you're on an extension of stay from the immigration office and you stop working you need to go cancel your work permit (yes it's YOUR work permit) then you need to take that receipt and the termination paperwork from your company to the immigration office where you cancel your extension of stay. and then after that you'll go automatically on the amnesty and be allowed to stay until no longer than the 31st of July ..
Niko ******
@Tod ********
this was a perfect clear detail of the situation I have been speaking with a Visa agent today confirming all of this
Tod *********
As far as wanting to stay another 6 months, how about you concentrate on gettint sorted so you can take advantage of the existing amesty and stay until July 31st, AND watch the news for the borders and thai consulates in nearby countries opening back up? THEN you can make a plan of how to further your stay. :)
Frank *******
I don't understand you people, instead of asking here and get different answers, why don't you go on the official website of the relevant authorities?
Daniel ***********
It says don’t mix the two
George ********
@Ra ******
a member 3 whole days and throwing his weight around 55
Vivek ********
@Ra ******
I am out of thailand had my extension to be collected on 30 th april but couldnt collect it asked the thai embassy got the mail advice to ask immigration and when my friend asked them they told him to ask ministry no one had any idea both didnt knew anything.Ultimately asked my ministry of external affairs to intervene they could only get the reply through our high commissioner in bangkok from ministry as well as immigration such is the sorry state of affairs in thailand.
Daniel ***********
Roy ***********
@Ra ******
Immigration websites in Thailand are not always clear to everybody. Sometimes only in Thai, multi- interpretable, not updated.
Tod *********
What part of the group's name don't you understand?
Ryan ********
6 month Multiple entry visa has to be issued in Canada. Since you're already there, you'll probably be exempt until july 31st. but then required to exit the country and re-enter. but if you want a 6month ME visa you have to come back to canada to get that.
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else