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What is the best visa option for working in Thailand if I currently have no job?

Caleb *****
asked Dec 2, 2021
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Hi there, I am looking to come back to Bangkok and work there. I don't have a job as of yet. I would like to know what you think is my best option for getting a visa which allows me to stay for a year and work? Can I arrive on a toursit visa and then find a job when I'm there? Last time when I came I had to get the Non-B visa before I arrived due to covid. Can I now just come to the country on a tourist visa on arrival and then convert to a visa which allows me to work when I am there? And is there any process in getting a tourist visa or is it simply that I arrive and get the visa, assuming I have a COE? I am a Canadian citizen btw.
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on obtaining a long-term work visa for Thailand without a job offer. They inquire about the possibility of arriving on a tourist visa and then transitioning to a work visa. The comments clarify that tourists can either apply for a tourist visa before traveling for a 60-day stay or enter visa-exempt for 30 days. However, obtaining a work visa (Non-B) from within Thailand requires a job offer and depends on the employer's cooperation with the immigration process. It's highlighted that working under a tourist visa is not allowed, and options like Thailand Elite do not permit working.
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Robert *******
Robert *******
CoE is old school, it is now called a Thailand pass.

You can not get a tourist visa on arrival as this is a mix of different ways to enter Thailand.

Or you apply before you travel for a Tourist Visa which gives you 60 days on entry or you come without visa and use the 30 day Visa Exempt Scheme.

Both one time possible to extend with 30 days.

Best option is to let your future employer send the documents to apply for a Non Immigrant B, than come to Thailand, pick up your work permit and go to work.
Caleb *****
Caleb *****
OP
So if I apply for a tourist visa before I arrive I get 60 days +30 extension, but visa exempt scheme I get 30 days + 30 extension is that right?
Benjamin ******
Benjamin ******
@Caleb ****
correct!
Ellie *******
Ellie *******
Whether the application for in-country Non-B (based on employment) from the entry stamp on a SETV or visa-exempt is possible or not? It is possible.

But it totally depends on your future employer and the local immigration office they deal with IF you really can apply for in-country Non-B. So before you know who is your employer, the answer is totally UNKNOWN.

You will have only 89days max with SETV entry + tourism extension. If you want to enter Thailand on a Tourism basis and you want to get Non-B inside the country, you need to complete these within the first 74days at the longest (because there is a requirement you need to have a certain number of remaining days with your current stamp), such as finding the employer who can go on the in-country process and get a contract to be employed by them.

There is no option for you to stay for a year based on tourism unless you get Thailand Elite (but with that, you cannot work).
Caleb *****
Caleb *****
OP
@Ellie ******
OK that's good to know. I have also read that to get an SETV I will need a return ticket to fly out of Thailand? Is that correct?
Ellie *******
Ellie *******
@Caleb ****
That depends on the requirement at the Thai embassy/consulate you are applying for SETV at.
Lloyd ********
Lloyd ********
@Ellie ******
you can not change the STV in country to anything, so I would advise against getting that visa .
Ellie *******
Ellie *******
@Lloyd *******
STV cannot, but Single Entry Tourist Visa would be possible, I believe...?
Lloyd ********
Lloyd ********
@Ellie ******
555 I should put my glasses on.

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