Is it possible to change a 30-day entry stamp to a Non-B visa at Bangkok immigration without leaving Thailand?

Non-B Visa Visa Rules Visa Conversion Thailand Immigration 30-Day Entry Stamp Visa Requirements Expat Guidance Thai Residency Work Permits

Aug 11, 2023

a year ago

Megan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi there ! 

I’m trying to find out if it’s possible to change a 30 day stamp ( which I recieved in ranong via visa run to Myanmar) into a Non-B visa at Bangkok immigration . I have all the documents needed , just want to find out if I can do so without having to leave the country . 

Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquiring about changing their 30-day entry stamp obtained in Ranong to a Non-B visa at Bangkok immigration. Responses indicate that this is possible if the user has the required days left on their current stamp and necessary documentation, including a police background check for South African passport holders. Application involves a fee and a waiting period for approval. However, confusion arose regarding communication with the employer for the required documentation and the recommendation to utilize the local immigration office, which the user stated does not facilitate such a visa conversion.

Tod *********

You most likely WILL need a police background check from the Special Branch which is on Sukhumvit Road by the Police hospital (or get one where you are in thailand now)

That is what I think S/A passport holders need in addition to the correct documentation, BUT

in Bangkok for sure you will need at minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp (so either the 30 day visa exempt entry OR the 30 day extension you got off that stamp)

a year ago

Megan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

yes I already did a police clearance here in the city I am in at the moment

a year ago

James ********

@Megan ********

may I ask .. WHY are you not using the Thai Immigration office where you live and have your Thai residence address registered with a TM30 ?

a year ago

Megan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

because at this immigration they do not change the stamp to a non b visa . It needs to be done at Bangkok head immigration. Then once I have my non-b visa in my passport I can then go to the immigration office in my town and receive my work permit

a year ago

James ********

@Megan ********

okay if that is what your local Thai Immigration office says to do. Good Luck 🍀

a year ago

Reply to

James ********

Tod *********

from this place

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a year ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Megan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am just trying to find out if possible with a South African passport I can do so . Without having to go up there to Bangkok without any information

a year ago

Megan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have tried to call them for over 2 weeks now and been put on hold for over an hour and no body answers

a year ago

Edward ********

Odd that your prospective employer could not provide guidance on this. Are you certain that the employer has provided all the relevant documentation? Close coordination with them will be needed.

a year ago

Megan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Edward *******

yes we are just not sure because Bangkok immigration doesn’t seem to give us all clear information . I am not living in Bangkok so I deal with a different immigration but they also will not speak for Bangkok as say if we can do it or not .

a year ago

Reply to

Megan *********

Tod *********

if you have the required days left on your current stamp you can.. There is an under review period (WHICH VARIES BY IMMIGRATION OFFICE) when you apply so you need that much time on your current stamp

The cost is 2000baht, you apply pay, get a receipt that says to come back when the under review period is over for the "results".

When that date comes up you go back to the office that you applied at and they stamp the Non-B visa and a new 90 day stamp into your passport

a year ago

James ********

@Tod ********

does this make any difference?

She replied... she's not living in Bangkok...

"Edward Jarvis yes we are just not sure because Bangkok immigration doesn’t seem to give us all clear information . I am not living in Bangkok so I deal with a different immigration but they also will not speak for Bangkok as say if we can do it or not ".

a year ago

Tod *********

but she said she's applying IN Bangkok, so the previous info was accurate for where she's applying, NOT where she's living

a year ago

Tod *********

well spotted

@James *******

I edited it to show that it varies by office

a year ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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