This is a question about what types of visas can be converted to other types of visas.

When I first came here on a tourist visa four years ago, my school was able to convert it to a B visa at Chaengwatthana immigration without me having to leave the country. There were a few extra visits between immigration and labor but aside from that, it didn't seem to be too much of a hassle.

Last year I turned 50 and I've now decided to drop out of the wonderful world of teaching in Thailand and become a proper retiree. I will be getting the non-O in Penang early next week.

If I decide to start teaching again at some point in the future, is there a similar sort of "conversion" that can be done to take me from retirement to teaching again, without having to leave the country?

Thanks.

A conversion can only be done from a tourist visa or visa exempt entry. You cannot change non-immigrant visa classes.

Once you go on an extension of stay based upon retirement you will have to go out for a non-b if you you want to teach again. If you were not going to be working as a teacher it would be even harder because you would have to go out for a visa exempt entry or tourist visa to even be able to apply for a work permit.

Nice to know, thanks.