Convert 30-day Visa Exempt to Non-B...Possible Inside Thailand...?

[PJ33]

Hi guys

After 2 years on an ED visa, I did an in-out flight and came back in on a 30-day visa exempt in Jan, which I already extended at immigration for a further 30 days.

In the mean time, I have been offered a job at a Thai company (51% Thai owned), that employs 4 Thai staff and will also employ me. It's a legitimate, operational business, so I can get a work permit. My job is in a line of business that is not excluded to foreigners.The plan is to apply for the work permit as soon as I have the non-B visa, allowing me to stay 1 year at a time without exiting Thailand.

My accountant/lawyer is advising me to exit Thailand to apply for the non-B in a neighbouring country at a consulate/embassy - probably Penang. However, I have read quite a few online accounts saying it is possible to do this conversion from 30-day exempt to a non-B at immigration inside Thailand.

I really do not wish to exit Thailand if I can avoid it and so I'd like to tap into the knowledge of you guys. So, assuming my accountant has all the documents in order for a non-B application, here are my questions:

1). Is it even possible to convert to a non-B visa in Thailand...?

2). If so, has anyone got any experience of converting from visa exempt to Non-B inside Thailand and what was your experience...?

3). Are there any additional documents needed inside Thailand or is it the same process whether inside Thailand or in a neighbouring country?

4). Anything else I did not consider....?

Thank you in advance :-)

PJ

[sunnyjim5]

It is possible if there are at least 15 days remaining of your permission to stay.

You will need substantial documentation from the company together with evidence that a work-permit has been applied for.

Just as matter of interest why do you speak of "my accountant/lawyer" ?

These matters are usually handled by the company or their retained lawyer.

The work permit must be applied for by the company prior to a "B" visa being issued. Evidence of this application is essential to obtain a "B" visa.

[bobthomas]

You fail to mention by what auspices you will apply for the Visa. How will you qualify for a non- O Visa? The company you speak of probably has little to no experience in such matters, but likely they can offer you the required documents you will need and more than likely you will have better luck if you apply for the visa outside of Thailand.

uncle

Bob

[Evolare]

You have to leave the country apply for a NON-B visa for working and re-enter the country on that visa and then you can apply for a workpermit as you have returned to the country you can not convert a tourist visa to a non immigrant visa.

[ThaiWai]

Of course TIT but...when I got my WP and Non B, I applied for the WP first at which time I was given a "receipt" then that is presented at an embassy/consulate outside Thailand along with the other paperwork for your Non B and when you return you show the Non B at the labor office and then they give you the WP. Then you present all of that with your social security card and receipts at Immigration who will give you a thirty day consideration stamp followed presumably by the 1 year extension stamp (minus the 1 month the spent considering your application).

[ubonjoe]

You have to leave the country apply for a NON-B visa for working and re-enter the country on that visa and then you can apply for a workpermit as you have returned to the country you can not convert a tourist visa to a non immigrant visa.

A non-b visa is not required to apply for a work permit. A non-b visa will not be issued at any nearby embassy or consulate without a work permit approval letter unless a person is a teacher.