I was discussing with a friend and he told me his school told him he could have received a Non-Immigrant B in Bangkok without leaving Thailand IF he would have had more time left on his current visa. I was under the impression you always had to leave the country to get a Non-Immigrant. Am I confused? Is the school/my friend confused?

Thanks for answering this question.

You can change/convert visas at immigration for specific reasons. For example: tourist visa to non-immigrant "O" visa to retirement extension of stay.

Edited April 2, 201016 yr by InterestedObserver

But only if you qualify for one year extension of stay. Many people would not qualify.

Can't change a retirement visa. Just spent three months trying and ended up having to go out of country.

Can't change a retirement visa. Just spent three months trying and ended up having to go out of country.

Change from what into what?