Working In Television

[booma]

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)?

[astral]

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.

[Phil Conners]

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.

[lopburi3]

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.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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".

[Phil Conners]

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?

[astral]

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