Yes, it is technically possible to obtain a business visa while currently on a visa exemption in Thailand. However, many users suggest that the process can be quite complicated due to extensive paperwork required for in-country conversion. It is often recommended to apply at a nearby embassy instead, where the paperwork requirements are less burdensome. If you have the necessary documentation and possibly someone to assist with the process, you can successfully apply for a business visa. Users also indicate that the right circumstances, such as having a valid business and an employer, can facilitate the application.
Chulala **********
Teaching or you have employer here
Richard ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the info.
Edward ******
Yes possible if the required Documents provided.
Mark **********
If you know someone that can help you with the paperwork I found immigration was hugely helpful. Very inexpensive to setup on your own if you have a business ready
Daniel ************
with the right papers - yes -
Troy *******
Anyone can get a "business visa" from any agent for around 50k - they are the new replacement for the dodgy old "volunteer visa"s.
I was offered this too. I wonder how long it'll take for someone official at immigration to catch on though like they did the volunteer visas. My Elite application was rejected so I'm sitting on the sidelines as a tourist for now and see what happens.
volunteer visa lasted many years, there will be a replacement after this one too. Thailands infrastructure is built upon corruption, no one's giving up a payday in any foreseeable future.
it's not "encourage" it's the literal fabric of the infrastructure. The elite visa is official and I dare say, they boys who get visa paydays get virtually nothing from the elite visas, thus the easy rejection if they can push you around a few expensive dodgy visas for a few years first.
I didn't look at it like that but it makes sense đź‘Ť But why the sudden end and scrutiny of the volunteer visas? Why not let those continue if the new dodgy business visas are the same deal?
simple: volunteer agency's were complaining that volunteers were never volunteering. Hence the change to "business visa" it gives you a year to get your biz sorted inorder to stay long-term and pay them annual or monthly visa fees.
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Troy *******
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Stuart *********
Technically it is possible. However the amount of paperwork that’s needed for an in country conversion is quite often impossible for a company to provide. Most will prefer that you visit a nearby embassy and apply there as the paperwork requirement is far far less onerous.
Depending on the company setup and position you’re going to hold it may be impossible to do in country anyway.