How can I transition from a tourist visa to a working visa in Thailand while job hunting?

Nov 19, 2019
5 years ago
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. Would really appreciate some assistance. Im hoping to tour around Thailand Feb,Mar and April next year and then look for work and hopefully extend my stay after the tourist visa has run its course. Planning on heading to Thailand in February on 60 day single entry visa. Then extending it for the 30 days and using that time period during April to look for english teaching work in Chiang Mai. If I do get work, Should I run into any issues with extending my tourist visa to a working visa? Is this plan as bulletproof as I think or can any one see any cracks in it ? Thank you very much !
923
views
2
likes
26
all likes
14
replies
0
images
5
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to enter Thailand on a 60-day single-entry tourist visa, extend it for an additional 30 days, and then seek English teaching work in Chiang Mai. They are concerned about potential issues transitioning to a working visa after their tourist visa expires. Community responses suggest that the plan is feasible, advising on visa options and necessary qualifications for teaching jobs.
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Fingers crossed
@D**
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you ✌
Dan ******
Best of luck
Dan ******
Presumably you have the necessary academic qualifications to land a meaningful teaching job here.
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you very much
@Rob***
.
Robert *******
The Single Entry Tourist Visa gives you 60 days of stay and a Extension of Stay of 30 days, total 90 days. If you like to go sight seeing in Thailand during Feb, Mar and April these 90 days are used and finding a job, getting all the documents needed could be done fast but not in less than 1 morning. Better option for you is the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, valid for 6 months and during these 6 months on each entry you get 60 days of Stay. Gives you more flexibility to do sight seeing and find a job
Benjamin ******
I don't see any problems with your plan. You also have two visa exampts by land as well (each one good for 30 days and extension for another 30).

But...

1. Make sure you have your degree certified before you arrive if you are from the UK

2. If you are from a non-native English speaking country, get a TOEIC of at least 600 points or more (south African included).

3. Make sure you have a bachelor's degree. Getting one from Khao San road doesn't count.
Benjamin ******
Stephen Fein yes, he would. he would leave Thailand to get a non-b visa in Laos
Stephen ******
...but wouldn't he need a non-immigrant B visa to apply for a work permit?
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ya Im aware its around that figure. Hoping to stay and find work in Chiang Mai area. Ive read the standard of living is much cheaper up there ?
Benjamin ******
I used to teach in government schools. You'll be far more prepared than most of your coworkers. You do realize you'll make about 800 British Pounds or thereabouts, right???
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bachelors in business and masters in applied Psychology! Im doing an online tefl and have a certificate for 1 day in class training. And Im gona try get some experiencing shadowing in a language centre here at home before I travel. Figured I chance my arm finding work with online training before spending a grand or two on CELTA/4 week intensive Tefl !
Benjamin ******
Good! In education? If so, hit up the international schools. But TEFL is worthless, unless it's classroom based.
Bryan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
@Benj****
. Ive a bachelors, masters, Irish native and almost tefl qualified !
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice