Do I need a new Non-B Visa to work in Thailand with a new employer?

Question

Dear Admin, Community,

I am currently employed in a software development company based outside Thailande. One of our clients is an IT company based in Thailand.

Over the past five years, I have been traveling to Thailand for meetings on a Non-B Visa. Our client used to assist with the required documentation for the visa. Currently, I hold a one-year business visa that remains valid until March 2024.

Recently, I have secured a job opportunity in Thailand. The prospective employer has informed me that in order to obtain a work permit, I need to apply for a new non-B Visa through their company. I have a few inquiries regarding this process :

- Do I really need a new visa ? (New employer under BOI, old one no) 
- Can I initiate the application for a new Non-B Visa while my current one is still valid? Or would I need to cancel my existing visa?
 - in cas of cancellation, how ?

I appreciate your forthcoming response.

Thank you

PS: Latest non-B visa and stamps attached.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarity on whether they need a new Non-B Visa to work in Thailand after securing a job with a local company. They currently hold a valid one-year Non-B Visa for business purposes. Comments suggest that since the work permit requires a Non-B Visa specifically for employment, the user may need to apply for a new visa. However, a valid visa cannot be canceled while active; the user should contact their employer's immigration office for guidance on possibly voiding their existing visa or consider entering Thailand on a tourist visa to switch processes.

Yassine ******* · Answer

Thank you Ellie.

When you say that i need to change for non-b for employment, you are referring to an extension of stay ? Or the non-b visa itself can be for business or employment (how you distinguish from the photo) ?

If you are referring to an extension of stay, why i cannot apply for an extension while entering the country using my current valid Non-B visa (It anyways does not mention the employer name)?

Ellie ******* · Answer

you have multiple entry non-B visa for business. you need to change your visa to Non-B for employment to get the proper work permit.

the problem is, a visa itself cannot be canceled and a new visa cannot be issued while the current visa is still valid. the existing visa can be voided/canceled only by the issued consulate basically. but no downside to contact your employer’s local immigration office to see if they can void your valid visa or not.

maybe you have to go to the embassy in rabat to get your visa voided, then enter Thailand on tourist status to proceed proper visa application. the very worst possibility is your visa cannot be cancelled, you have to wait until your visa gets expired (Mar 2024 - less likely IMHO, but no guaranteed) to proceed the visa application with your new employer.

talk with your new employer and the local immigration well.

Do I need a new Non-B Visa to work in Thailand with a new employer?

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