I have been living in the Kingdom for many (6) years semi-retired on a Thai wife visa. An opportunity has arisen to get involved in some interesting work and a work permit is being included.

If I choose to no longer pursue this work option, how easy is it for me to revert back to my Thai Wife Visa?

Edited December 7, 200916 yr by thai thai

Same process as you do every year.

I take that to mean that I do not have to leave the country and re-apply for a visa (?)

If you are staying on the basis of having a Thai wife you can get a work permit, so you do not need to change anything. Just apply for the work permit.

In a worst case you would have to cross border/return or obtain a non immigrant O visa from Vientiane or other location in an overnight trip. But if not fired with no notice expect you would be able to convert back at Immigration or obtain 60 day extension to allow time to do so.

Missed that as keyed on the retired word and lost the 'semi' - for wife you do not even need to change anything - just get a work permit.

Cheers,

I guess the key point here is that the work permit is in process and I may find myself changing my mind about working, and want to revert back to my old status of Thai Wife Visa.

That is the lucky thing about being on an extension of stay based on having a Thai wife. You can get a workpermit on it and don't have to leave the country if you lose your job.

Si claro...!