I am planning to travel to Thailand, initially I will be taking a padi divemaster course (whilst also learning to speak more Thai), I will

then return to Bangkok, in the hope of working as a graphic designer (preferable in TV). My last job in the UK was Head of Graphics for

a small (award winning) TV station, so I have a broad TV skill base.

I am aware that to get a work permit I would need a non-immigrant visa. If I were to obtain one of these, which category would I have to

apply for and which relevent forms would I need to supply for such an application?

Also it mentions that I would have to leave the country every three months. Would I also, as with a tourist visa, have gain an extension via an imigration office after every two months within a three month block? The embassies never mention this and I nearly got caught out earlier

this year and would've had to a pay a large overstay fine or face prison if I hadn't realised (I still had to pay 1900B to 'boost' my tourist visa

up to it's full three months)?

Once you finish your diving course, you might want to add some intensive Thai language lessons, to back up (or correct) the Thai you learn in the boat and bars.

I would then suggest looking for the job on a tourist visa.

You can wow them with you TV and Thai language skills.

Once you have a firm job offer, in writing, then you can fly to Penang and get a Non Imm B (business) visa. That in turn will allow your new employer to get the owrk permit for you.

Apparently it is now possible to change an on-entry visa to non-O or non-B in Immigration, without having to leave the country. Yes, I know it's new.

Apparently it is now possible to change an on-entry visa to non-O or non-B in Immigration, without having to leave the country.  Yes, I know it's new.

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A proper visa, including tourist, can sometimes be converted by immigration but it is not official policy and have never heard of "on-entry visa".

I was in a meeting with the superintendant of Immigration in Pattaya yesterday where he confirmed this was the case.

Either way, it's worth a try before going off to Penang isn't it?

I am not sure about the relevance of the visa change message to the original post??