Is a switch from new single entry tourist visa to non-b without leaving Thailand allowed at the moment?

[ob12]

Hi guys,

 

Was wondering if anyone could help me with this...

 

I'm a British citizen currently in London and tentatively planning a trip (back) to Thailand. I was in Thailand on an ED visa earlier this year, trying to learn the language in preparation for eventually living and working out there full time. As a qualified English language teacher, I had originally planned to start looking for work in Thai schools and convert my ED to a non-B in time for the October 2020 school semester.  However, I decided to return to London in March due to the pandemic and have been  pretty much locked out since. 

 

Now, I'm thinking about returning (more than happy to do 14 day quarantine) but I would prefer to go out there on a tourist visa and then look for work rather than look for work from the UK (a lot of companies are saying they will only hire candidates, currently resident in Thailand) In pre-covid times, I know there was the possibility of going out there on a tourist visa, securing work then leaving the country for a few days and coming back on the non-b to start and eventually obtain a work permit.  Was wondering in these times of the 'new normal' whether it would be possible to convert a tourist visa to a non-b without having to leave the country?   Any relevant info on this would be appreciated. Thanks

[ubonjoe]

If you have a tourist visa entry you can apply for a change of visa status to get a 90 day non-b visa entry based upon qualifying for a extension of stay based upon teaching at immigration. You have to do it before you have less than 15 days remaining on the 60 day entry from it or the 30 day extension.

Requirements are here. https://bangkokimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/02.pdf

[ob12]

OK. Thanks for the info ubonjoe. Much appreciated. Probably won't go for a couple months yet but knowing I can convert the tourist to non-b without leaving country is handy for planning