Tourist To Non Imm O

[klinpree]

I have a tourist visa at the moment. I got this as it was free at Vientiane, I normally get a non Imm o due to being wed to Thai.

I have been offered a job but cannot work on a tourist visa. Is it possible to swap my tourist to a non O at immigration, or is it a trip to Laos.

Many Thanks for any info.

[beano2274]

To change from a Tourist Visa to a Non Immigrant O, you will need at least 21 days left on your Tourist visa.

Alternatively go to a Consulate like KL and get a Non Immigrant O multi entry.

[Mario2008]

You could change at immigration, but they will probably send you to Bangkok to do that. Also you will have to go back after 1 week to get the change approved.

If you don't life near Bangkok, it might be beter to go abroad.

[lopburi3]

Believe a change of status is only done as part of a one year extension of stay; which it would seem you may not qualify for if doing visa entries.

I would get the non immigrant O visa; then obtain the work permit; then, if income meets the 40k for spouse, extend you stay on that basis.

[frodo77]

My friend also has a tourist visa, and he wants to apply for the 1 year extension based on retirement. What is the procedure? Does he first change the tourist to non-immigrant O and then apply for the extension, or does he start the 1 year extension application with the tourist visa?

[lopburi3]

He has to visit Immigration with more than 21 days on his permitted to stay with proof of 800k in bank or letter of 65k income from Embassy or a combination to meet 800k per year. He fills out a form and pays 2,000 baht. This gets he a 90 day non immigrant entry - he later extends that entry for one year using the normal TM.7 paperwork and 1,900 baht.

[frodo77]

Thanks Lopburi, but to make sure I understand you correctly, this means he needs an Embassy letter for the change to Non O and then another letter for the extension 3 months later?

[lopburi3]

It could - others have had to do that - but they might allow copy. Nothing seems to be set in stone on Embassy letters. But unless they say otherwise and return the original it will be another letter.