Tourist Visa Or Non-B - What To Get On The Next Trip?

[TAWP]

Been offered a job and now need to get back onto a real Visa to receive the Work permit etc.

I read in the past in passing that one can transform a Tourist Visa (NOT exempt entry) to a Non-B at Immigrations in BKK.

I am thinking this might be a better thing to do as I read the list of required papers needed to retain a Non-B for work (already assigned work, not a Non-B for 'investment purposes' etc) is longer than expected and I rather try to keep my requests against the companies HR down to a minimum. A 60 day Tourist Visa is also cheaper (free) while a Non-B costs a small penny.

I am assuming the altering of the Tourist Visa at Immigrations later to a Non-B might cost something (1900?) too, but that it still will be cheaper.

Is this a better approach?

And is the paper required to retain a Non-B for a job one is about to start at less of a hassle than the papers one have to show the embassy outside?

I know Jacks Golf had the Tourist Visa package for 5k (price-reduced since the Visa in itself is free) while old news on their site mentions that the Non-B costs costs 9900 AND requires one additional day in Cambodia...ouch.

So for me the '60 day Tourist Visa' and then changing it inside the country makes more sense, but I am open to suggestions.

[lopburi3]

In most cases it can not be changed inside Thailand and requires more paperwork. You would have to immediately qualify for one year extension of stay as it is only done for that purpose and only provides a 90 day stay. It would also costs the same 2,000 baht as a normal visa which it seems you need in any case. The cost of a visa trip should be the same for any type of visa (only the visa cost would be different).

[TAWP]

As I mentioned, the prices I found now on their site quotes 5k for '60 day Tourist Visa' and 9900 for Non-B (and it requires an additional day in a casino-hotel).

[lopburi3]

That is a service fee and has nothing to do with a visa cost. Tourist visa is free and single entry non immigrant will be about 2k. Most people travel to Vientiane for a one night stay to obtain visas and do not use a visa agent from Bangkok for the trip. At Vientiane it is apply in morning and pick up next workday afternoon so the only cost difference is the 2k visa fee.

[TAWP]

Yes, I am fully aware that the prices quotes isn't the Visa cost per se. I however quote them since they are my two options I am choosing between. Flying to Vientiane is unfortunately not an option currently.

I was also informed in a PM that one might be able to convert even an exempt stamp to a Non-B. Is this still possible? Lots of hassle?

[lopburi3]

I already provided the requirements for change is that you qualify for one year extension of stay. As you mentioned not wanting to obtain paperwork for a visa I expect the paperwork for an extension of stay would be even more difficult for you to obtain from an inexperienced HR.

For change you need between 7-15 days or more remaining on permitted to stay, pay 2,000 baht for 90 day entry stamp. But this is not available for most initial employment so if HR has not suggested it or given you assurance that you can obtain one year extensions of stay it is likely not an option.

You do not have to fly to Vientiane - most people fly to Udon or take the train/bus.