I have a job offer in Thailand and need to change from my tourist visa to a non-imm B and subsequently a WP. The job is BOI approved already and company can issue all correct papers. I know I can go back to my home country (UK) but I need to start fairly quickly so don't really see the point of going all that way. Where is easiest place to fulfil all requirements.... or can it be done in Thailand ?

How long do you have left on your permission to stay on your tourist visa?

If you have more then 21 days left you can convert your torist visa into a Non-B, provided that you have all the paperwork in order for the 1 year extension on a non-B and have applied for a WP. Since the company is BOI approved, thry the one stop centre.

If not, you can go to any neighboring country with proof of having applied for the WP, the WP3 receipt, and a letter from the comapny and you will get a non-B there.

How long do you have left on your permission to stay on your tourist visa?

If you have more then 21 days left you can convert your torist visa into a Non-B, provided that you have all the paperwork in order for the 1 year extension on a non-B and have applied for a WP. Since the company is BOI approved, thry the one stop centre.

If not, you can go to any neighboring country with proof of having applied for the WP, the WP3 receipt, and a letter from the comapny and you will get a non-B there.

Interesting stuff. I don't have 21 days right now but I do have the option to extend for another 30. So you believe if I extend for another 30 days I should be able to apply for the non-imm B here in Thailand - where is the one stop centre; I'm in Pattaya and the job is in ban Phe Rayong.

Thanks

Not sure if they are still there:

The Immigration Bureau and the Department of Employment now offer a 3-working hours One-Stop issuance of one-year and two-year visa extensions and work permits at 3rd-5th Floors, Krisda Plaza, 207 Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok 10310 (across from Nikko Hotel); telephone 693-9333/-9, fax 693-9340.

better call them first and see if there is an office in Rayong, your company might also know.

Edit: with a 30 day extension it shouldn't be a problem.

I've just talked to Siam legal and got the same info.

Another question - whilst waiting for the 21 days can I commence working ?

They moved from there years ago. They are located on floor 16 of Rasa Tower 2, Phalolyothin Road just North of Central Plaza, Latphao. It is just before Soi 19

You do with more than 21 days. You do not wait until then. You can not work without a work permit.

So come on guys where's the best place to go - I've been to penang twice recently so fancy going somewhere else. How about Vientiene; I haven't been for years so a trip there would be a pleasant change - I've heard reasonable reports about the immigration there, would you recommend ?

That should work - but be aware it is crowded due to them issuing 2 entry tourist visas so arrive early.

Lopburi is saying you have to make the application for a conversion of a tourist visa to a non-immigrant before you only have 21 days or les left. With an extension that won't be a problem.

Try the one stop service first, you need to get a WP application first anyway. Without the WP3 receipt, that proofs you have applied for a WP, you can't apply in a neighbouring country. Any neigbouring country will do, but as said it is not necesarry in your case.