Hello

So far I've been working in Khon Kaen as a teacher. With a Non-O visa (on someone's suggestion at the beginning), and had a work permit without any problems.

Now I found a new job in Bangkok with computers. As I read now the foreigner should have a Non-B visa and cannot work with a Non-O visa.

What does that mean regarding visa and work permit?

1. Is it true that I must "convert" my Non-O visa to a Non-B visa?

2. Is it possible to change from Non-O to Non-B at the Immigration Office (without leaving the country)?

3. Usually when resigning the foreigner has to surrender his work permit.

a) Do I have to give it back to the Department of Labor in Khon Kaen and then make a new work permit booklet in Bangkok?

Or can I keep the work permit booklet and the people at the Department of Labor in Khon Kaen just make a "resigning note"?

4. I read that within 7 days after resigning I have to leave the country. Do that mean I must change my visa/work permit within those 7 days?

Thanks to anyone who knows how it works...!!!

1. Who says where that you can not work on an O type visa? You have been doing it. But are you married to a Thai? That is the advantage of the O visa when extensions are involved. If your new employer says you must convert I suspect you will have to do so - but if married I would not do so without a fight.

2. If you have the paperwork for the new job it may be possible at a cost of 2,000 baht.

3. Work permit should be surrendered AFAIK. You are moving to a different area so a new body to deal with.

4. Do you have a one year extension of stay or are you making 90 day visa runs? If extension of stay and it is based on your employment rather than marriage support Thai wife the answer is yes you must leave the country as your permission to stay was tied to that job. If you are using 90 day visa entry you have until your normal visa run time.