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How can I change my tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa in Thailand?
Visa Change ProcessNon-Immigrant B VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Application ProceduresVisa RunsEmbassy and Consulate Information
Jan 20, 2026
3 months ago
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys. I got a job offer and want to change my visa from tourist to Non- Immigrant B visa. How does the process look like? Can i just apply through thaievisa and leave the country once the visa is approved and reenter, or do i have to go out, apply at an embassy and come back? TIA.
TLDR : Answer Summary
To change your visa from a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa in Thailand, you typically need to apply through a Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand. While a change of status application within Thailand might be possible, it's not guaranteed and often requires extensive documentation from your employer. Many expats recommend applying at a consulate in Laos, specifically Vientiane, which is known for quick processing, although recent updates indicated temporary closures for payments. It's critical to gather all necessary documents and be aware of specific payment methods required at each location.
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Andac ******
ı got it yesterday .wish luck for everyone..
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andac *****
congrats! Where did you apply and how long did it take?Andac ******
ankara and took abaut 5 weeks check process
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Andac ******
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Brandon ************
Don't know if you saw or not, but Vientiane is closed for payments of visa applications for a week. So not a good option
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
where was this information?Brandon ************
TurquoiseRaccoon5840
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TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank u! are you aware about the payment options? Does it have to be paid at the consulate or can i just go to vientiante and pay online?Brandon ************
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 Pay in person at the embassy with cash is the ONLY option at both Savannakhet and Vientiene. The only other embassy in the world like that is Yangon, Myanmar. Everywhere else you must pay by credit card.
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
again thank you a lot for the info. Last question. Do you think the consulate processes visa on the weekends? As in they don't get new applications but just processes the ones they already have.Brandon ************
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 no they do not. Weekends they are closed
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
given the busyness of the vientiane consulate, do you think its better to go to penang or vientiane next week? I want to get it done next week.Brandon ************
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 Vietnam is probably better. Malaysia is known to be difficult. Based on the post I showed you I'm not sure that Vientiane is an option. But it might be the same everywhere
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Brandon ************
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Larry ***************
I've done this two times both times the companies I went to work for handled all the Visa paperwork for me. If the company wants you they'll take care of all of this paperwork. I didn't have to do anything just sign documents it was done pretty quickly.
Stephen *********
You have to leave. Designated embassy. Probably Laos. Make sure you have all documents
Nongnuch ********
you would need the original version from the website. First you need to find out if your Immigration is willing to accept the "change" processs, so you do not have to apply outside of Thailand
John **********
To apply for a Non-B you need documentation from your prospective employer. Where you apply depends on that documentation, it's normally addressed to a specific consulate if they don't provide the documentation to apply inside Thailand (that requires much more extensive documentation). To apply at a consulate outside of Thailand you must travel to a location serviced by that consulate and remain there while your application is being processed
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Yes that was the consensus i was under. Are you familiar with the payment method for the thaievisa? Does it have to be a thai bank account and does it have to be the applicants bank account? My employer said that you can apply while staying in thailand and just get out and get in with the new visaJohn **********
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 your employer was wrong, you can't do that. How you pay depends on where you go, most places you pay with a card during the application process. Laos you complete the application and then visit the consulate to pay in person
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
thanks for the info guys. So i need to get out and the show my stamp as proof of current location yes? Is malaysia better or laos for fast visa processing?Nongnuch ********
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 if you need to exit Thailand or not depends if your Immigration is willing to handle the "Change" or not. If not, your options are to apply online through the E-Visa system of a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. In order to be able to apply, you must prove that you are physically staying in the country where you apply in the E-Visa system
TurquoiseR**********
ORIGINAL POSTERNongnuch Kamdee yes i understand that. My employer and me have decided that it is better if i go out and comeback. People usually go to Laos, viantiane for visa runs. I am wondering whether that will be faster or just go to kuala lampur
Nongnuch ********
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 wait a day or two and see what kind of advice other people can give you regarding an advisable location to apply. Usually, the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane is know for their courteous and relaxed behaviour, and Vientiane is a nice place to stay out and wait while the application is processed
John **********
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 Laos is the usual choice. They process Non-B applications reasonably quickly
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John **********
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Nongnuch ********
TurquoiseRaccoon5840 the Thai E-visa fee must be paid by a credit card
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Nongnuch ********
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