Changing WP

[Neeranam]

My local immigration said it is impossible to change jobs and remain on the same extension of stay. 

 

The question I hope someone can answer is:-

Can I leave the country and get a new visa, with the letter from new job, come back and then go to the WP office hand my old WP and get a new one?

Or do I need to cancel my WP, then go for the new visa. 

I assume if I just leave the country, my extension is automatically cancelled.

I want there to be as little time in between WPs as possible, as I'm applying for naturalization as a Thai citizen.

 

[ubonjoe]

With a little cooperation between your current and new employer it is possible to change job without having to leave the country.

Your new employer would have to apply for your new work permit and obtain a work permit approval letter. The with a termination letter from your current employer to cancel your extension you could apply for a new extension by showing the approval letter and other supporting doucment from your new employer.

Then you could then cancel your current work permit and have the new one issued.

[elviajero]

27 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

My local immigration said it is impossible to change jobs and remain on the same extension of stay. 

They are right in that the extension is linked to your current job and is not transferable; but, as advised above, it’s possible to cancel the current extension and apply for the new one at the same time If you have all the right paperwork.

[blackcab]

As you are applying for citizenship, I strongly suggest you get all of the application documents pre-checked and accepted by immigration before you finalise any move.