Can you change a Non-O retirement visa to a Non-O volunteer visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

It really depends on the number of days left on current visa, city you are in and (most importantly) the 'nationality' of applicant too !!!

@Udi *******

, I would say to find out you are going to have to make a trip to the Chiang Mai immigration office.

I will add that most people I know who end up getting Non-O's for volunteering inside the country have done so from 30 day visa exempt entry or a 60 day tourist visa entry.

Based on our experience you need to go out and get non o visa under volunteer position as you need to get a work permit. The ministry of labor won't issue a work permit under retirement category.

You wouldn't be changing ANY visa :/ You are most likely on a yearly extension of stay based on being over 50 (retirement) that you get from the immigration office every year for 1900baht.

You would be changing the reason for your extension. In Bangkok the way you would do it would be to go in, cancel your extension based on being over 50, and immediately apply for a new extension by supplying the required documentation.

I dunno about CHiang Mai but I know someone who does.

@Shayne *********

, can you weigh in on this thread? Can they go from a retirement extension to one based on volunteering in Chiang Mai or will they have to go out and get a new Non-O ?

That really depends on the Immigration Office in your area. Krabi sent every body with Non O retirement abroad to change.