16/07/2026
Changing a Tourist Visa to a Non-B Visa for Foreigners Working in Chonburi and Rayong
Chonburi and Rayong are the heart of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), acting as major industrial and business hubs that attract a large number of foreign professionals. Often, foreigners enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa or via Visa Exemption for business visits or job interviews. Once a hiring agreement is made, a common question arises: "Do I need to fly back abroad to apply for a work visa?"
The good news is that you can change your visa type to a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) right here in Thailand, provided you meet the conditions set by the Immigration Bureau. Below is a guide to the steps and requirements for employers and foreigners in the Chonburi-Rayong area.
📌 Crucial Conditions to Know Before You Start
Before initiating the Change of Visa Type process, there are strict requirements you must verify:
Remaining Visa Validity: The foreign applicant must have at least 15 days remaining on their current visa or entry stamp. If there are fewer than 15 days left, the application cannot be filed inside Thailand. Instead, the foreigner must leave the country to apply for a Non-B visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Employer Qualifications (For Non-BOI Companies):
Must have a fully paid-up registered capital of at least 2 million THB per foreign employee.
Must maintain an employment ratio of 4 Thai employees to 1 foreign employee.
📝 Steps to Change Visa Type (Tourist to Non-B)
The process takes place at the local Immigration Office where the company is located (e.g., Chonburi, Pattaya, Sriracha, or Rayong Immigration). The steps are as follows:
1. Document Preparation (Employer & Employee)
Changing a visa type requires extensive paperwork, and all documents must be highly accurate.
Foreigner’s Personal Documents: Passport (original and copies), passport-sized photos, certified educational certificates and resume, and a medical certificate.
Company Documents: Company Affidavit (updated within the last 6 months), VAT Registration (PP.20), List of Shareholders (BOJ.5), latest financial statements, Social Security contribution records (SSO. 1-10) for the past 3 months, a company map, and photos of the workplace (clearly showing the company signboard and employees working).
Specific Supporting Documents: A formal letter explaining the necessity of hiring this specific foreigner.
2. Filing the Application at Immigration
The foreigner must appear in person at the Immigration Office to submit the application along with the appropriate form:
Form TM.86: For those who entered via Visa Exemption (30 or 90 days).
Form TM.87: For those who entered on a Tourist Visa (TR).
Fee: 2,000 THB.
3. Processing and Approval Time
After submitting the complete set of documents, Immigration will stamp the passport as "Under Consideration," granting a 30-day extension to stay. Once the period is over and the application is approved, the foreigner will receive a 90-day Non-B visa (starting from the initial application date).
4. Applying for a Work Permit
Once the Non-B visa is granted, the employer must promptly take the foreigner to the Chonburi or Rayong Provincial Employment Office to apply for a Work Permit. This must be completed before the 90-day visa expires. Afterward, they can proceed to extend the visa for a full 1-year period.
💡 Special Privileges for BOI-Promoted Companies in the EEC
If your company in Chonburi or Rayong is promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) or registered with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), the entire process becomes significantly easier and faster!
Reduced Paperwork: Exempt from the 2-million THB registered capital requirement and the 4:1 Thai-to-foreigner employee ratio.
One-Stop Service: You can use the Single Window for Visa and Work Permit system to file applications online. The physical visa stamping and work permit collection can be done at a One-Stop Service Center (such as Chamchuri Square in Bangkok or other designated local centers), drastically reducing processing time.
Conclusion
Converting a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa (Non-B) in industrial zones like Chonburi and Rayong is entirely possible without having to fly out of the country. However, the most critical factors are "time" and "document readiness." Employers should begin the process immediately upon deciding to hire, ensuring there is ample time to prepare and submit the paperwork before the foreigner's visa drops below the 15-day mark.
Recommendation: Regulations set by the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Employment are subject to change, and specific minor requirements may vary slightly depending on the local office. Always verify with your local branch before proceeding.
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