Is it possible to change from a Non-B visa to a Non-O visa based on child custody while retaining my work permit in Thailand?

Jun 21, 2021
3 years ago
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone know if it is possible to change from a non B visa to a non O (based on child custody) while keeping my work permit ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The possibility of changing from a Non-B visa to a Non-O visa, based on child custody of half-Thai children, is contingent on your local immigration office's policies. You can still hold a work permit while applying for a Non-O visa based on raising half-Thai children if you meet the requirements. However, you must apply for the new visa extension before your current visa expires, and ensure you meet the financial requirements (like having 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account). Communication with the Ministry of Labour is essential for work permit queries, as they are responsible for issuing permits, not the immigration office.
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Tod *********
@Arn ********
first off your current extension is good until Sept 24th 2021. Secondly the immigration office doesn't issue work permits so you shouldn't even be talking to them about it at all period. They issue visas and extensions of stays. The Ministry of Labour issues work permits so they are who you need to talk to.

And lastly, you're NOT switching to any "visa" you're changing the reason for your extension from employment to one based on raising half thai children that you have legal parental rights to. People do that all the time. When this current extension starts to run out (in Phuket you can apply for a new extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp) you will go in and apply for a new yearly extension based on raising half thai children by having the 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only.
Ellie *******
You can hold work permit with Non-O raising half Thai child. But if you can change the reason of extension to that depends on your local immigration office. If your local immigratioin office says they don't issue in-country non-O visa nor allow to change the reason of extension to that, you may not be able to change your extension from employment to raising hald Thai child based. If local immigration office allows and you can meet all requirement, you can change the reason.
Benjamin ******
By non-o child custody, is this an one year extension of stay based on raising half Thai child? If you meet the requirements for this extension of stay, then you can continue holding your work permit
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
yes , a one year extension based on raising my half Thai kid . At Samui immigrationthey told me Can Not
Benjamin ******
@Arn ********
what visa did you originally used to enter Thailand? And who was it that told you that you can’t. Was it one of the volunteers or an actual immigration officer?
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
I used a non immigrant B to enter the country and last year I got 4 Thai staff in my company to get a non B for one year but having a small business and in this special time I really don't need that much staff . It's ridiculous to have to pay taxes for staff that don't really work .

The immigration officer I had on the phone was a proper officer I guess .
Benjamin ******
@Arn ********
On a one year extension of stay based on raising half-Thai children, you CAN have a work permit, *IF* the business meets the qualifications to issue you a work permit.

>r I got 4 Thai staff in my company to get a non B for one year but having a small business and in this special time I really don't need that much staff

Your business must have four staff members to every one foreigner. If your business does not meet the requirements to issue you a work permit, then you can not hold a work permit. However, once the business meets the requirements to issue a foreigner a work permit, then you can be issued a work permit on a Non-O visa based on raising half-Thai children/ one year extension of stay based on raising half-Thai child.
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
ok I understand . But according to the immigration officer I will have to leave the country to change from a non B to a non O visa and that is not easy to do in my situation
Benjamin ******
@Arn ********
>I will have to leave the country to change from a non B to a non O visa

That's not making sense to me, and I'm starting to get confused. Can you post a picture of this Non-B visa that's in your passport (with the confidential information removed)
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Benjamin ******
@Arn ********
By chance, did you ever take the visa amnesty that the Thai government was offering between March to September, 2020?
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I entered at the end of January 2020
Arn *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry , yes I did
Wannikea *********
@Arn ********
this answer, "yes I did", you took amnesty?
Benjamin ******
@Arn ********
When did you originally enter Thailand?
Nigel *********
@Arn ********
as far as I know, rasibg half Thai child does not prevent you from working. The work permit has nothing to do with immigration. It's a matter for the labour deparent.
Olivier *********
@A**
, if you have parental authority, it should be possible. It's not only being the father.
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