Hello there, fairly new to Thailand and unsure of visa laws.
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A friend and I came to Thailand in September on a tourist visa. We have been doing extensions and visa runs (just came back from one last night). A friend who lives here said there would be no problems, that it's quite easy to switch visas and get work and housing, etc., but I'm quickly learning she was omitting a lot of important details that we're not sure how to handle at all, but we are stuck here for now at least until we get a bit more money.
First, housing: we signed a 1 year contract for a house in October. I didn't know the landlord or I had to report to immigration the address. What should I do about this?
Second, employment: we both just got offers at different schools. Mine has said paperwork takes about a month (they should have started last week, but I'm not sure how they are handling it since they tell me nothing) more. They aren't being very clear about anything else, so I'm not sure what to expect, especially considering my housing situation.
Third, switching work visas: assuming the job isn't to my liking, what course should one take, visa-wise, if they want to change jobs?
Any info/help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
TLDR : Answer Summary
A newcomer to Thailand is seeking guidance on several immigration and visa-related issues after arriving on a tourist visa. They are concerned about their housing situation, as they signed a long-term rental agreement without notifying immigration of their address, which is required. They are also looking for clarity on their employment status, specifically regarding obtaining work permits for teaching positions and what to do if they wish to change jobs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding local immigration laws, especially the TM30 reporting requirement, and the potential risks of working without proper documentation.
