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Can I switch my visa type from a Non-B to a DTV while living in Thailand, and what steps should I take?

Mar 10, 2025
24 days ago
Currently on non b - employed by Thai company the past few years. Visa expires this month. I also have enough of an online business that will allow me to qualify for DTV. I only took the non b because I didn’t want to do border runs and just allow myself to nest. Im nester! 😊

sooo… can I just leave Thailand when the visa is set to expire, and submit my application/materials? Is having had a non b visa any type of red flag?

Should I switch to tourist visa for a few months and then apply?

Thank you for your insights!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently on a Non-B visa and is seeking advice on leaving Thailand as the visa nears expiration to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). Responses suggest that it is necessary to cancel the work permit associated with the Non-B visa before leaving Thailand and applying for the DTV. Some users mention that being employed by a Thai company could complicate matters but imply that as long as the employment isn't mentioned upon application, it may not be an obstacle. They advise completing the current visa and work permit cancellation process to avoid issues at the border.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Nikki *******
Finish out your current non B .. the work permit is attached so it is automatically cancelled.. then go out to do the DTV ☺️
David ********
You school needs to cancel your work permit. You them leave Thailand and your non b will be canceled also. The visa is tied to the work permit. You then apply for your DTV and there will be no problem. That's how l did it. DTV in Vientiane 3 days pick up new DTV and bus to udon Thani same day no questions asked from immagration at border. Stamp 180 days
Angelo ***********
You can not "just leave". They probably would not even let you out at the border. You have to cancel the "Non B visa". That is funnily done with an "extension of stay" form, where you give as reason "visa termination/cancelation". Then you get a 7 days extension.

Yes, some nitpickers will point out "the vis already USED. You are on an extension of stay, based on an Non B visa" - no worries, the immigration office knows what you mean with "cancel work visa, please!"

Regarding the work permit, I do not know. It is basically automatically void, when the visa/extension is canceled. However you are (and your employer is) supposed to inform the administrations in less than 10 or so days. You have to check that.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Angelo **********
thank you! I’m a bit perplexed but def taking everyone’s advice. My lawyer had said last summer when I travelled out of the country that I needed to get a re-entry permit and if I didn’t that my visa would cancel upon my return and I would be issued a tourist visa. As well in my current process she has mentioned nothing of making a point to cancel. Only to leave and come back on tourist visa. However I will certainly take everyone’s advice here and follow up with her. Just sharing what I have been told for my own clarity on things and maybe it helps someone in a similar process. 😊
Brandon ************
@Angelo **********
you don't cancel it with an extension application. You cancel it with the letter from your employer and your cancelled work permit. They will then mark your extension as cancelled in your passport and stamp you back in until the work end date on your letter from your employer.

You only apply for the extension denied 7 day stamp if you need more time.
Angelo ***********
@Brandon ***********
Well, then tell that the immigration office in Bangkok. I had to cancel mine with an "extension of stay" form. ...
Brandon ************
@Angelo **********
I have cancelled an extension at Bangkok immigration and had to submit no such form. Just used a letter
Angelo ***********
@Brandon ***********
Well, I was there in person. So they gave me the form.
Anonymous ******************
As long as you're not tempted to work for a Thai entity and are prepared to answer immigration questions honestly (if any), that shouldn't be an issue.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 636 def not tempted. I prefer working online. Only took the position originally because I was here during the pandemic and after the visa mess the first few years it was a more stable option to take the employment- plus it was before I built my business up online. So yeah now just looking for more ease with this switch. Thank you! 🙏🏽
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant Thinking about the same!
John **********
I assume you're not actually on a visa but an extension of stay. Cancel your work permit, take the documentation from that and cancel your extension of stay, then leave Thailand and go and apply for the DTV in your chosen location
Tim ********
@John *********
I did that exact same thing. My school cancelled my WP. I canceled my non-B. Left. Applied for the DTV in Laos. Easy.
Tammi *****
@Tim *******
How long did Laos take?
Tim ********
@Tammi ****
also, Thailand checked that I had canceled my existing visa at the airport. It had zero impact on my DTV application.
Tim ********
@Tammi ****
it was in person at the time. It took 3 days.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
thank you! I’ll double check the status and proceed. On another note and to buy myself a little more time. I could potentially leave and re-enter on a tourist visa. My lawyer said everything will cancel as soon as it expires. Do you think this would be more problematic than your previous suggestion?
Brandon ************
Anonymous participant it doesn't cancel when you leave. You signed something when you got your extension that said you would notify immigration if your status changed. You'll stop working and that's a change in your status. Even if you just leave, the embassy can deny your visa application because you didn't cancel your work extension first, and immigration can refuse you future service until you cancel it and then charge you 500 baht per day for not doing so.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you so much! Much more clear now to cancel.
Stephen ********
I'm no expert, but I think being employed by a thai company is going to be a problem. I'm sure someone will be alone soon that knows better

Edit.

After reading your post again, I take it you won't be mentioning the Thai company when applying so probably all be fine. Will your bank statement show thai income?