How can I switch from a non-B visa to a tourist visa after my work permit expires in Thailand?

Apr 17, 2024
8 months ago
Matty ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey guys,

I currently have a work permit and non-b visa. I was a teacher this past year and decided not to renew my contract and to look for a higher paying job. My work permit expires at the end of April which will then void my non-b visa. If Iโ€™m able to find a job before April ends, the school will help to transfer my work permit and visa. If Iโ€™m not able to find a job by then, I will have to switch back to a tourist visa. For my tourist visa, do I just leave Thailand and get a visa on arrival? Is there anything else that I need to do? Any feedback is greatly appreciated ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is looking to switch from a Non-B visa to a tourist visa after their work permit expires. They need to cancel their current work permit and visa extension by obtaining necessary documentation from their employer. If they do not find a new job before the expiration, they can leave Thailand and return to receive a 30-day visa exemption, instead of a visa on arrival.
Brandon ************
For both case you're going to need to cancel your work permit and work extension before you convert or leave.

This means you'll need to get documentation from your work stating your last day of work and taking that to cancel your work permit, then take that same letter and your cancelled work permit to your immigration office and get your extension cancelled. If you do not cancel your extension, even if you leave Thailand, you will be unable to get another long-term visa or extension until you do so, and will be charged 500 baht per day (maximum 20,000 baht) for failing to do so.

If you find a new job you would cancel your extension and apply for the new extension at the same time, so you just go from one extension to the next.

If you do not find a job then you can go about a week before the date on your paperwork and get everything cancelled, and immigration will stamp you back in until the date on your paperwork so you have time to leave. You would then leave and when you return you would get visa exempt (not visa on arrival) for 30 days if you return without a visa.
Matty ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks for the info!๐Ÿค™๐Ÿฝ
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