Can I obtain a work permit in Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and a 60-day extension for family reasons?

Dec 26, 2021
3 years ago
Roberto ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, Merry Christmas.

This question has probably already been asked, but I would like to double check with you guys: this time I came to Thailand with a 30 days visa exemption stamp and got a 60 days extension at the immigration; would I be able to obtain a work permit considering these conditions?

Note: I'm not sure this makes any difference or it could help me make the next move, but I am here for family reasons, visiting my wife's family.

TIA for your time and replies,

Have a great Sunday.

Rob
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses whether a person holding a 30-day visa exemption stamp and a subsequent 60-day extension in Thailand can obtain a work permit. Comments clarify that, under current rules, such a visa status does not permit work; they suggest converting to a Non-Immigrant B visa (for employment) or an Immigrant O visa (based on marriage to a Thai national) as valid options for securing a work permit.
Sander **********
How did you obtain the 60 days extra?😃 I thought It was only 30 days for visa exempt…
Roberto ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sander *********
As
@Benjamin *****
said, I got the 60 days extension based on unable to travel because of Covid.
Graham ******
Visiting Thai family is a 60 day extension
Benjamin ******
@Sander *********
If he applied and received a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. SOME immigration offices MAY give them out without first acquiring a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism
Nigel *********
If you're visiting your wife's family then does that mean that you are married to a Thai? If so then path of least resistance would be buy non o based on marriage visa that you can then extend for one year. This visa permits work if supported by a wp
Roberto ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *********************
Yes I am married to a Thai, this time I didn't get a visa since there was a crazy long waiting list at the embassy in Italy. I'll do some research on how to convert my visa, thank you so much !!
Nigel *********
@Roberto *******
you can buy non o marriage in Thailand 2000thb. Gives you time to season money then extend for 1year.
Roberto ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *********************
wow that is great news, will go to the Immigration office asap. Thank you 🙏🏼
Benjamin ******
@Roberto *******
You will need more then 2K THB for an in-country Non-O visa based on marriage. Expect the following:

1. The applicant’s passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) stapled in the passport.

2. If entered on a tourist visa, a TM 86 visa change request form, and if entered on a visa on arrival, visa exempt, or bilateral agreement, a TM 87 visa change request form.

3. A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. A marriage certificate with a certified translation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if the certificate was not issued in Thailand.

5. A front and back copy of the Thai spouse ID card, the original and copy of the Thai house book, and an updated Kor Ror 2 showing the marriage is still current, acquired from the local amphur office.

6. For male foreigners married to a Thai female only: Financial requirements must be met. These requirements are:

- 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account OR;

- 40,000 THB in income OR;

- A letter from the embassy saying the applicant has a monthly income of 40,000 THB or more a month. If the embassy offers the income letter, the income method can not be used.

Female foreigners married to Thai males do not need to show income or proof of savings.

7. Photographs of the applicant and the spouse outside the home with the house number visible, and throughout the home.

8. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

9. A processing fee of 2,000 THB.
Roberto ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
that's a detailed answer, thank you for your help. 🙏🏼
Nigel *********
@Benjamin *****
Well, yes, all that and maybe more,, best he goes and has a chat with his local immigration office and get the list of requirements from them..
Robert *******
NO. Your employer needs to apply for the Work Permit at the Ministry of Labor.

To get the Work Permit you must have an official stay inside Thailand that allows you to work with a work permit.

Visa Exempt Entry is employment prohibited,

Your only option is to convert your stay into a Non Immigrant B visa based on employment if your employer can meet the requirements OR

Immigrant O visa based on marriage with Thai National if you can meet the requirements.
Roberto ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your reply, one extra question if I may: in order to convert my stay, will I have to leave the country or is there a way I can do it from here ? Appreciate your help.
Robert *******
@Roberto *******
Depending if the office you use, is allowed to do conversion from Visa Exempt Entry or Tourist visa into a Non Immigrant visa.

Call or visit your local Immigration Office and ask if they can do this and what the requirements are.
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