Process for Obtaining a Thai Tourist Visa, Non-B visa and Work Permit

The User Friendly Way

Updated:25 April 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive Thai Visa Application Guide, designed to navigate you through the intricate Thailand Work Permit Process with ease. Updated regularly to reflect the latest changes, this guide is your go-to resource for all things related to obtaining a Non-B Visa in Thailand. Whether you are planning to teach, work, or extend your stay in the Land of Smiles, our step-by-step approach ensures you are well-informed and prepared for every part of the application process. Read our detailed guide to make your Thai visa process as smooth and straightforward as possible

Please read the information below very carefully and follow all the details on the page. Remember that it is your responsibility to supply us with all the necessary signed documents and needed photocopies.

If you would like to teach after completing your Essential TEFL course you will need to follow this step-by-step guide to obtain your Non-Immigrant (Non-B) Visa and your Work Permit. Carefully read and follow each step as best you can. Remember, we are always here to help.

Essential Steps for Securing Your Non-B Visa and Work Permit in Thailand

All teachers wishing to apply for a Non-B Visa and Work Permit have to notarize their bachelor degree certificate then send it to the Thai Embassy in their home country. It is highly recommended that you notarize your bachelor’s degree before traveling to Thailand.

There are companies which can complete the process for you. 

These steps may vary from country to country so please : contact us to get the most up-to-date information. 

Process for Obtaining a Thai Visa

Essential Educational Staffing has to apply for your Teachers License before the process of obtaining your Non-Immigrant (Non-B) Visa commences. It is important that you have original certificates of all your qualifications so that Essential Educational Staffing can complete all required documentation in a timely manner. This normally takes around two (2) weeks to be completed. You will likely need to extend your visa as outlined below.

• Carefully follow and complete all the document requirements that you will receive from us at Essential Educational Staffing.
• You will need to obtain a Visa on arrival at the airport that allows you to remain in Thailand for thirty (30) days.
• You must have at least fifteen (15) days remaining on your Visa when applying for a Non-Immigrant (Non-B) Visa.
• You can apply for an extension of thirty (30) days at Immigration in Bangkok at a cost of 1,900 Baht. This Visa can be extended for a thirty (30) day period only once. Or, depending on your nationality, you can go to Laos and apply for a 60 day visa at the Thai Embassy there. This visa can be extended for a 30 day period only once.

We understand that this process might seem extensive and daunting but it is the only way to complete the paperwork correctly and legally. Following this guide, and with our assistance, you will be able to start working, get settled and avoid any problems the first time. If any of these steps or processes are not followed, you would be ineligible to work in the Kingdom of Thailand. No school in Thailand is permitted to support ineligible applicants for working visas and permits.

Finally, as mentioned before, we are here to assist you. If you have any doubts, please contact us so we can clarify any questions or concerns you might have. Try not to read the many versions of what online ‘netizens’ say or write. We only employ and assist eligible applicants, there is no other legal way. The key to avoiding disappointment is preparation. 

Interested in teaching in Thailand? Check out our TEFL Jobs in Thailand for guaranteed teaching job opportunities.

Thai Visa Run Options

Sometimes it may be necessary for you to leave the country during this process.

The best nearby countries to go to are Singapore or Malaysia, as they both offer free visas on arrival. All other neighboring countries require a visa fee.

Same day returns are a good idea, but make sure that you give yourself at least four (4) hours between flights.

Flights can be booked at one of the following:

• www.skyscanner.net
• www.airasia.com
• www.nokair.com

The best airlines to use are:

• Airasia (you can book online and pay at 7/11 and many other sites)
• Nokair (you can book online and pay at 7/11 and many other sites)

Both airlines use Don Muang International Airport Terminal 1.

Find out what it's like Living in Bangkok, including cultural, social, and practical tips.

What about a re-entry permit if I want to leave Thailand during my holidays and return?

Below are the instructions needed regarding the purchasing of a Re-Entry Permit at the airport.

• You will need to check in for your flight.
• You will then need to enter passport control.
• The Re-Entry Permit Desk is located in this area.
• Please check with immigration staff before entering.

You will need the following documents:

• A passport size recent photograph. (recent means within the last 2 or 3 months)
• If you have a departure card, makke one photocopy
• One photocopy of the photograph page of your passport.
• One photocopy of your current visa.
• Fee for a Single Re-Entry Permit in 1,000 Baht (Multiple Re-Entry Permit is 3,800 Baht). 
• Every photocopy must be signed in BLUE pen.

We would highly recommend that your Re-entry Permit application is completed and obtained at Immigration well before your flight and that obtaining it at the airport is done as a last resort. If you do not get a re-entry permit you could be disallowed from leaving the country until you have either a valid re-entry permit or you have cancelled your current visa. Both of these will take time and planning. Without following the rules, it could mean you miss your flight or incur greater costs than you expected. You are responsible for these costs.

90 Day Report

Where to do your 90 Day Report in Bangkok?

All foreigners living in Thailand need to report their address to the local Immigration Office every 90 days they are in the country. This can be done by visiting your local immigration office in person, by post, or online.

In person:

In person, your 90 day reports can only be processed at Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office.

You need to have your:

• Passport
• Completed form TM47
• Your notification receipt

Google Map to Chaeng Wattana Immigration

Online

Thai Immigration Online Services

The new 90 Day Report site seems to be working. Give it a try well before the due date. If it’s your first time to report, you must report in-person. 

Unfortunately, if it isn’t working there is nothing we can do. It will not be accepted as an excuse for overstay. 

Note that you will have to use Internet Explorer web browser on a PC or notebook. 

You will need to following:

• Passport
• Photo page 
• Current visa
• Last extension of stay
• Last entry stamp
• Flight No