What type of visa am I currently on and do I need to leave Thailand to obtain a work permit?

Jan 26, 2021
4 years ago
Sven ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I had a Smart Visa that ran out so I had to get it cancelled to be able to get the 60 covid visa extension. I am now on the 60 day covid extension but I am wondering what visa am I classed as being on now? The reason I ask is that I have been offered a job and need to get a work permit. But I have been told that I have to leave the country because I need to be in Thailand on a Non Immigration visa first to get a work permit. Is that correct?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
You are currently on a 60-day extension of stay due to COVID-19, not a visa, and this extension does not permit you to work. To obtain a work permit, you typically need to be on a Non-Immigrant visa, which often requires leaving Thailand to secure it, although options might be limited due to current border closures.
Benjamin ******
>but I am wondering what visa am I classed as being on now

You do not have a visa right now, you have a 60 day extension of stay based on COVID-19. This extension of stay does not allow you to work.

>But I have been told that I have to leave the country because I need to be in Thailand on a Non Immigration visa first to get a work permit

That would be between you, your employer, and your immigration office. Some can get the visa or extension of stay, and some can't.

The criteria to get a Non-B visa inside Thailand is much higher then getting it outside of Thailand, which is why most businesses send their employees out of Thailand (generally to Laos) to get the visa. However, the borders to Thailand are now closed, and that's no longer an option.
Sven ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Thank you very much for the information. very much appreciated
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