Should I go to Thailand as a tourist first before changing my visa after getting a job offer?

Jan 9, 2021
4 years ago
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dear all,

I have got a job offer in Thailand (successful interviews online). I must be in Thailand for signing up the role. Should I first go to Thailand as tourists, get the job and then change my visa?

Thanks in advance
1,960
views
5
likes
57
all likes
38
replies
0
images
19
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus among the comments indicates that it is not advisable to enter Thailand on a tourist visa with the intention of changing to a work visa later. Instead, it's suggested to secure the necessary documentation, including an offer letter from the employer, and apply for a Non-B visa before traveling to Thailand. This avoids complications and ensures compliance with Thai immigration rules.
Sahil ********
Ask your employer to send you a WP3 form along with the company documents and a formal contract so you can apply for a Non B visa at your nearest Thai Embassy, this visa shall support your work permit and will be extended on yearly basis after that. But don't move to Thailand until this process Is followed!
Andy **********
Absolutely get all the paperwork and visa sorted before you leave your native county
Brad *******
Get the Thai embassy in your country and do it right. Too many conflicts written here some are correct, others not. Best to deal direct with embassy in your country.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
Such an important question, if I were in your shoes I would also contact the Thai Embassy. Some individuals in this group have valuable information, but how will you know?
Lindsey **********
It can be changed in country with the correct papers from your employer
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lindsey *********
I am not sure dear.
Lindsey **********
Javid Amerian I just did it
Greg ********
@Lindsey *********
Pre-Covid it was standard practice to get a Non B outside Thailand and not convert inside. I have dine this twice.
Graham *********
Taxi
Danny ********
If you enter on tourist visa you will need to leave thailand to apply for a non B

So get it before you leave
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Danny *******
thank you very much 👍
Daniel ************
@Danny *******
can change inside the country -
Danny ********
@Daniel ***********
unless they have changed the rules due to covid No you can’t

You have to apply for NonB at a Thai Embassy outside Thailand
Daniel ************
@Danny *******
yes you can - there is a form as well for that - possible many years already
Danny ********
@Daniel ***********
first I’ve heard of that

But good to know 🙏
Brahim ******
You need a non B visa don't come before you get that kind of visa and all the paperwork to apply. If they ask you to fly first yourself that might be a clown job.
Kool *******
Get the offer letter from the company, on company letterhead, the rest of the documents the Thai embassy wants to issue you a type B visa, then get that. This way you know the company is serious about hiring you, and you are entering Thailand legally for what you want to do.
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
thanks 👍
Esing ********
@Kool ******
will be great if u cud share the things which thai embassy ask u to supply them.
Kool *******
@Eshing *******
as each Thai embassy can ask for different documents besides the job offer letter, contact the embassy close to you to ask what you need. That is the best I can tell you. The Thai embassy staff are not evil, and will help you, just do not try to argue with them. Give them what they want, and if the job is ligitimate, the company should give you everything you request to get your visa.
Esing ********
@Kool ******
OK, thanks, just share ur experiences after u go through it.
Sanjeev ******
Tourist visa will not convert non immigrant visa..ask employer for documents joining letter company tax certificates and other necessary documents then apply for visa in your country
Daniel ************
@Sanjeev *****
they do convert -
David *********
My understanding is you have to enter Thailand with a work permit
Greg ********
@David ********
Nope. You enter Thailand with a Non B and you get WP in Thailand.
Simon **********
Yes - had work permit 25 years but preferred multi entry non B as In travelled a lot. Now I have full year here which is renewable with WP
Simon **********
@Greg *******
That is correct - need to make sure you have all the right paperwork for a Non Imm B and think you have to get it in your own country
Greg ********
@Simon *********
It actually depends on your nationality where you can get the Non-B from with the paperwork provided by the company. As an example as a Brit I can get it n a neighbouring country and Singapore is the preferred choice. Last time I did this but before did Cambodia. Then certain nationalities can only get in home country - Indian nationality is an example of those. They cannot just pop down to Singapore. This of course was in normal Pre-pandemic times. I have no idea of current situation.
Simon **********
@Greg *******
I used to use various countries but understand only Penang left I am from UK . Before that I got in Savannah Khet and Yangon but neither were doing these for UK nationals last year
Greg ********
@Simon *********
For a Non-B related to a Work Permit?
Dimitris ************
May I ask you what kind of job it is?
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dimitris ************
Javid Amerian I pm you please see the messenger request
Dimitris ************
Javid Amerian thanks. I am in the same area. Can I pm you?
กรพัทธ์ *********
Tell​ them​ to​ give​ you​ non​ b​ paper​ from​ company​ you​ can​ get​ visa​ for​ 3​ months​ them​ they​ will​ extend​ here​
Gilles ***********
If you got the job so they can send you all the necessary documents and you can apply for Non-b in your country. Don't need to come as a tourist.
Nick ****
What kind of job is it?
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else