Korea To Thailand

[andyst]

Hi, I'm a newbie to this site and have found the information here to be quite useful and to be honest, a little daunting (immigration, visa runs etc.) I couldn't find information relating to my specific area of interest though, so I would really appreciate it if anyone with any knowledge could help me out.

I'm a British citizen who's nearing the end of a year teaching English in South Korea. I have made up my mind that I want to try to get a teaching job in Thailand after my contract in Korea expires. Going back to England simply isn't an option due to the enormous costs involved. I would like to fly straight into Thailand from Korea and look for a job from there.

My problem is: I'm so far from home and I've absolutely no idea about what visa to apply for, or even if it's possible to apply for the right type of visa from here. I've read that a common type of visa is the Non-Immigration type B visa - but is this possible to obtain in a foreign country? If I went into Thailand on a different type of visa, could I change it without having to go home? Also, is this legal?

I really want to do all of this above board and legally as much as possible because I have several reasons to want to stay in Thailand for a long time. Thanks.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You are unlikely to get a non-immigrant B visa in S. Korea without having at least a letter of offer of employment. Get a 60 day tourist visa before you leave. That visa can be converted to a non-imm B when you get a job.

[andyst]

Thanks for your help. How legal is your suggestion though? It's still a while away, but I'm already getting a bit worried when I read what some of the posters on this site say about the work permit. Is it really that common for an employer not to bother with the application for their employees?? Also, what's the likliehood of getting a reputable job within the 60 day visa period? Thanks again.

[lopburi3]

If you have the qualifications you should be able to find employment that will provide a work permit. You may have to pull teeth to get action but you should not work without it.

It is fine to come here on a tourist visa - you have no other real choice - and then convert it to B non immigrant type after you have a job offer.

[andyst]

I don't actually have qualifications as such (TEFL, CELTA etc), but I've got experience - I'm currently teaching in Korea. I've heard about the Thai peoples love of paperwork, but I was kinda hoping that my experience would count for something. Any thoughts?

[lopburi3]

In that case I would suggest you drop down to the Teaching in Thailand area and ask them for advise. It has become very important to have a degree here but not sure how important the teaching certifications are.

[andyst]

Sorry,I think I misunderstood you, I have a degree - just not a teaching related one (or even a BA). I graduated with a BEng in England and I have the certificates etc to show when required. How relevant it is to have the right type of degree usually? I've also read about a teaching licence being required for the WP. Do you have any ideas about how to get one?

Thanks for all your your help.

Edited July 27, 2005 by andyst

[lopburi3]

This exactly why I suggested you take this to the teaching forum. They will be able to provide you more detailed information. I was not saying you did not have a degree (only that having one is now very important) - and that I did not know how much importance they placed on TEFL and such.

[andyst]

Ok, sorry. Thanks a lot for your help. I really appreciate it.