I am European and on a non-O extension based on marriage to another European (who is employed and has a non-B visa and a work permit). I was told that I could not get a work permit on my current visa and that I would have to change it to a non-B. Apparently, only non-O holders married to Thai nationals can get work permits. I was also told that in order to switch the visas I would have to leave the country and get the non-B elsewhere. Under normal circumstances this would indeed be the case. However I was wondering if there are any Covid-related provisions that would allow me to change my visa in Thailand. I know that these days those on non-B visas can change employers without leaving the country (which wasn't possible before Covid). Does anybody know if there are any current legal provisions that would allow me to avoid all the trouble involved in travelling outside the country, and get my visa changed in Thailand?

You could change the reason for your extension based upon being a family member of a person on extensions to working but the problem is getting a work permit application accepted at the Labor Ministry.

You could ask you intended employer to check with the local work permit offices about doing the application.

 

It has always been possible to change employers without leaving the country if done the correct way

Thanks, Joe. I will look into that.