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Should I go to Thailand as a tourist first before changing my visa after getting a job offer?
work visaNon-B visaThai immigration rulesexpat advicevisa application processThai embassy documentsemployment in Thailand
Jan 9, 2021
5 years ago
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDear 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
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
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.
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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
Reply to
Lindsey **********
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Greg ********
@Lindsey *********
Pre-Covid it was standard practice to get a Non B outside Thailand and not convert inside. I have dine this twice. Reply to
Greg ********
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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
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 alreadyDanny ********
Reply to
Danny ********
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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.Reply to
Esing ********
Reply
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 - Reply to
Daniel ************
Reply
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 countryGreg ********
@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 yearGreg ********
@Simon *********
For a Non-B related to a Work Permit? Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Dimitris ************
May I ask you what kind of job it is?
Javid *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDimitris ************
Javid Amerian I pm you please see the messenger request
Dimitris ************
Javid Amerian thanks. I am in the same area. Can I pm you?
Reply to
Dimitris ************
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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@Nick *****
ITReply to
Javid *********
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