I need to get a work permit for a short-time job. I currently hold a retirement visa. I understand that one must have a non-immigrant visa to get a work permit. The retirement visa is a non-immigrant visa - but it specifically does not allow the holder to work. So is the first step to give up the retirement visa and then apply for a work permit? If that is necessary, can the switch in visa be handled inside Thailand, or will it require a trip abroad? And finally, when the job ends, will I need to leave the country to get a retirement visa again?

Thanks.

The problem is applying for the work permit. If the labor office will not do it with a retirement extension you have to leave and get a tourist visa then apply for the work permit and then go out again with paperwork from company, work permit approval letter and apply for a non-b visa then get work permit.

Going from work to retirement will be easier if you get a letter from company stating your last day of work is the same day that you apply for retirement extension.

Edited September 30, 201312 yr by ubonjoe