Work Permit on visa based on marriage

[danny42]

I've lived and worked as a teacher in Thailand for fifteen years. I've also been married to a Thai for fourteen of those years. Due to paperwork issues (lack of a BA), my job title was changed by the Labour Office and they were happy to issue me with a WP and the Immigration were happy to issue me with a visa based on this new job position. This went on for four years. Last year Immigration said that they wouldn't honour this WP, offered me a 'special' visa for 9000 baht!! This year I plan to change my visa to a marriage based one (I have the documents and the money in the bank) and then go to the Labour Office, with the school's documents and apply for a new WP. Does this make sense? Feedback appreciated.

[ubonjoe]

You would change the reason for your extension of stay (a visa cannot be changed).

Others have done it.

[danny42]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I understand that I'm just changing the reason for my extension of stay. I'm just a bit nervous about changing my visa first (to a marriage based one and depriving someone of their tea money) and then going on to get my WP. I have a life here with my wife, daughter, teaching, farm etc.... The Visa/WP time of year always gets a bit stressful! Have a good festive season.

[danny42]

Do I need to leave the country to change change the reason for extension to marriage?

[ubonjoe]

You will not need to leave the country. 

You will need to a letter from the school requesting your current extension be canceled and then apply for an extension based upon marriage,

[danny42]

Thank you.

Take care.