Answered6 years ago
Should I go to Thailand as a tourist first before changing my visa after getting a job offer?
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
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
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.
38 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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 *********
OP@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
So get it before you leave
Javid *********
OP@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
Danny ********
Daniel ************
@Danny *******
yes you can - there is a form as well for that - possible many years already
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 *********
OP@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 countryGreg ********
@Simon *********
For a Non-B related to a Work Permit? 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 *********
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.
Dimitris ************
May I ask you what kind of job it is?
Javid *********
OPDimitris ************
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 *********
OP@Nick *****
ITActivity
20 joined20
people
Related
25Is it possible to convert a Non-B visa to a Non-Ed visa without leaving Thailand?
3.9k111002mo
Can I apply for a 90-day entry visa at the UK embassy while in Indonesia?
1.6k14119mo
Will staying over 100 days in Thailand affect my application for a DTV visa from another country?
2.3k19151y
How should I apply for a Non-O retirement visa from Australia, online or through an agent in Thailand?
4.2k35401y
What should I do if I made a mistake on my Thai e-visa application?
1.7k5131y
Will a drink driving conviction affect my ability to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?
9.4k601171y
How can I cancel my DTV visa to apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa in Thailand?
3k21312y
What does 'first visa' refer to when applying for a Non-O spouse visa in Thailand?
451212y
How do I manage my Non-B visa and work permit while applying for a new visa in Thailand?
1.4k1232y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-B teaching visa and Non-O visa in Kuala Lumpur?
2k15153y
Should I apply for a work permit in Laos or return to Nigeria after being rejected in Thailand?
2.4k20183y
Do I need to book my SHA+ hotel and buy medical insurance before applying for a 60-day tourist visa to Thailand?
775515y
Can I apply for a 1-year Non-B visa with less than 6 months remaining on my passport?
852395y
Can I change my tourist visa to a business visa in Thailand after getting a job?
1.6k8185y
What is the process to obtain a work permit in Thailand?
6.3k45775y
What are the requirements for obtaining a visa to enter Thailand?
2k10245y
What additional income documentation is required for a Thai retirement visa application?
1.2k1036y
How can I extend my tourist visa by 30 days in Bangkok?
1.8k9216y
What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-B visa at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh?
43627y
Do I need to apply for a new non-B visa if I change companies in Thailand?
46928y
Do I need original documents or can I use scanned copies for a Non-B visa application from my country?
541229y
Can a retirement visa be converted to a work visa in Thailand?
1k749y
Where can I obtain a NON-B visa for Thailand while my work permit is in process?
713419y
What are the rules for obtaining a tourist visa after canceling a work visa in Thailand?
4.7k44249y
How can someone get a visa and work permit to work as a part-time English teacher in Chiang Mai?
857549y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served