I managed to find a job and obtain a work permit while I’m preparing to divorce my wife. I want to understand whether I can get a 7-day extension to stay before I leave, or if it’s possible to change the reason for my stay, since the company that hired me is BOI-approved and I have a valid work permit and work ID.

I searched online and even asked ChatGPT, but everyone seems to give different answers. From what I understand, a BOI work permit is easier to process than a standard Non-B work permit (the blue book, which I used to have). Is it possible to change to a Non-B visa or switch the reason for stay to “work” on the same day instead of leaving the country?

I am from Iran, and due to the current tensions, I need to be very careful about my timelines and when I leave and re-enter the country.

Do you have any solid suggestions?

Hi, we are leaving Thailand end of June when my employment contact is terminated.

My BOI work permit and extension of stay are currently valid until end of June 2026.

Is there any issue to simply let them expire next year. Our HR says there is no need to cancel, but I have my doubts. Thanks for any advice.

I am currently on an extension of stay (initially a non-B visa) based on my work permit (BOI). My job will end in late June, and my employer will cancel my work permit at that time. Then I change to a non-O retirement visa (CW, Bangkok).

I seems that some people managed to change their extension from work to retirement. So, I contacted immigration via email and received confirmation that this change is possible. They even sent me the application forms.

Knowing that time is critical once my work permit is canceled, I completed the forms and visited the immigration office today to ensure my documents were in order. However, the officer at the non-O retirement counter informed me that the extension cannot be converted. I have to leave the country, return as a tourist, and then apply for a new non-O retirement visa.

Well, that's not the news I was hoping for, but probably no choice. I wanted to check with the group: has anyone else experienced this? Did you have to leave the country, or were you able to convert a work extension to a retirement extension in the country?

Hi I would like to know, BOI WP holders can get certificate of residence from one stop or need to go to Division 1 at Chaeng Wattana. Also, could anyone share their experience, documents required and how long does it take to obtain?

Update:

Just got new work permit today but didn't get visa due to one missing document.

Current visa expires on 6th. The officer said I can still come back until Sept 26 without going out of the country.... Still feeling worried 😥

Has anyone successfully got it in a situation similar to this?

Original:

Hi all,

I need some help/advice with visa/work permit for job transfer.

My work permit is scheduled via BOI system to be cancelled on Monday (31st August 2020). They said I can stay only until 6th September 2020. On Monday, I'm going to cancel my current visa, get 7 days extension and apply new work permit. New company is not under BOI.

What happens if my work permit application doesn't get approved within 7 days of extension?

Do I still need to leave the country in order to re-apply work permit?

Or I can re-apply work permit while holding an automatic amnesty visa?

If you quit your job your work permit will be cancelled and also your visa attached to it. Before you could get 7 day extension and use this to leave the country and get tourist visa.

For the moment the BOI that will provide my next work permit/visa is delayed. Someone know what to do in the mean time for visa?

I have a Boi work permit and today when come back from outside, I ve got this stamp, somebody can explain me, what the Non RE mean and if I have to do something special?

Tha ks a lot in advance