Current visa situation: Got a 3 month Non B visa about 16 months ago. Applied for a received my work permit. At the end of the 3 month Non B applied for and received a 1 year extension of stay. I have in the last few weeks received a further 1 year extension.

What I would like to do: Convert my current Non B 1 year extension of stay to a Non O 1 year extension without having to leave the country (I do meet the current requirements for Non O visa) Once that is done I would then surrender my work permit as I really do need it any more.

As I understand it from topics here on TV if I surrender my WP whilst on Non B extension I would immediately have to leave the country a get a new visa. All I'm really doing is trying to avoid the hassle of a visa run.

Doable or not?

You don't need a O visa. What you will be doing is changing the reason for your extension.

You don't have to turn in your work permit anymore that changed earlier this year. Your employer will need to notify the labor department that you are no longer working.

On the day that your job ends you will need to make the trip to immigration and make the change.

You didn't say what the reason for your extension will be so I can't you any advise on what you will need.

Edited December 5, 200817 yr by ubonjoe

You don't need a O visa. What you will be doing is changing the reason for your extension.

You don't have to turn in your work permit anymore that changed earlier this year. Your employer will need to notify the labor department that you are no longer working.

On the day that your job ends you will need to make the trip to immigration and make the change.

You didn't say what the reason for your extension will be so I can't you any advise on what you will need.

Thanks joe. To clarify: I really only have a work permit( wife's company) and Non B extension to avoid visa runs So, WP not really needed anyway and surrendering will save me money on tax etc. Would be changing reason for extension from work to Thai wife/ child. My understanding from your post is that this would be acceptable and can be done locally at immigration office?

Yes changing to an extension based upon marriage is not a problem. You could of done it before and still had a work permit.

Will see out this tax year then get it changed. Thanks for your help udonjoe

The important thing is first to get your new extension of stay to live with Thai wife and only then terminate your employment.

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Maestro

you can simply return the wp, wait the end of the visa, end then extend it with reason of thai wife.

but you need to show how you will support yourself, ie:

1- 400,000 in bank account or

2- 40,000 a month from abroad or

wife supporting you (dont know if this is still applicable with the new rules), but in that case she still has to pay monthly tax same as you before.

i would go with option 1

total cost for visa 1 yr: 1900 bht

you can simply return the wp, wait the end of the visa, end then extend it with reason of thai wife.

but you need to show how you will support yourself, ie:

1- 400,000 in bank account or

2- 40,000 a month from abroad or

wife supporting you (dont know if this is still applicable with the new rules), but in that case she still has to pay monthly tax same as you before.

i would go with option 1

total cost for visa 1 yr: 1900 bht

Not any more. It has to be the Man's income/money.