Job Discussion Forums

[JPM]

Hi all

In two or three weeks I shall fly into Bangkok from Europe to start as a volunteer Head English Teacher at a wat. I intend to stay there for a year.

But what kind of visa do I need?

Sure, as a UK passport-holder, I could (I think) enter on the 30-day visa waiver. I know I would need to show Proof Of Onward Transit. If I did this, is it possible for me and the folks at the wat to change my tourist status to gettting a visa that's good for a year, all whilst being in Thailand?

Otherwise, I suppose I should arrange a Non-Immigrant Visa at my local Embassy (in Warsaw). But what kind? The B-type looks most likely but there seems to be an awful lot of paperwork required (from the wat, mainly). As shown here ...

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489

Am I missing something here? Please advise what you think is best for my situation. Thanks a lot.

P.S. If I buy a return ticket, is it usually possible to change the date of return, if required?

J.

[tttompatz]

Unpaid work at a wat = non immigrant "O".
Paid work and study = "B"
Study only = education visa.

In all cases you need paperwork from the wat before you can get the visa (they will officially be your "sponsor" / employer while you are in the country.

Yes, as long as you have 21 days remaining on your entry (30 day on arrival or 60 day tourist visa), change your status from tourist to "B" or "O" while in the country.

It would be in your best interest to get a double entry tourist visa while you are abroad. It will take the time pressure of dealing with immigration in the first 7 days away and give you time to get everything done.

.

[JPM]

Thanks a lot tttompatz

So it's the non-immigrant O for me, then.

You're a star

J.