Legally no. You must have a work permit, even if you were volunteering your time. This is the case with any visa, or visa extension. Some allow working, and some don't, but those that do require a work permit.

@Christopher *****

you are wanting to get a type O extension based on working spouse from your current type B visa extension. You should be able to do that inside Thailand, as long as your wife's teaching job allows dependents. Not all do.

@Christopher *****

the spouse extension is all about what type of teaching. If your spouse is teaching at the university level then you could get a spouse extension, but if it is just teaching English then there is no spouse extension available.

Be very aware that just because an embassy has sold you a tourist visa does not automatically mean immigration will let you into the country.

@Rastislav *******

understand that Thai embassies are pretty advanced, if they want to be, and can easily check your passport entries into most any country. If you are applying from your home country, but your passport number doesn't show you being there, it will be refused. They do know about VPNs.

@Graeme *****

you can not get a new type OA visa inside Thailand, but you can extend it inside Thailand after you have it, and in that case you must have the bt800,000 in a Thai bank. If you get a new type OA in your home country then you need the equivalent to bt800,000 in your home country bank. There is no extending it outside of Thailand. You simply get a new visa, but you can extend it inside Thailand.

If you were to stay in these surrounding countries for a week, or so, instead of just crossing and coming back, and go to a different country each time, it can work as you'd be following a pattern of an actual tourist instead of trying to stay in Thailand long term on a tourist visa extension. Lots of people base out of Thailand when visiting all the other countries around here. Immigration is pretty smart on all the tricks, and they also profile and stereotype.

@Robert *************

umm, you do not need the TM30 to get a residency certificate in Bangkok. You must have filed at least one 90 day report. You can not do this if you do not have a current TM30 on file. Other immigration offices in other provinces will accept a TM30, and a lease, but not inBangkok , and you must file for one in the district office closest to your residence on file. Also, in Bangkok they mail it to you, and takes up to 10 days. Keep in mind you also need it to get your Thai drivers licenses, if you haven't gotten them yet. One each for car, and motorbike.

@Rayne *******

be fully aware that you must have an appointment at the embassy, or counselate in order to apply in Laos. There are no walk-ins allowed anymore. That is the first step, and from my understanding appointments are all booked up for about a month in advance.

@Steven ********

enjoy Thailand. It's a great place to live.