Changing a visa

[theprice01]

Hi,
i did a search of the forum but nothing related came up. I'm in the process of being asked to job interviews...however im still on a 1year education visa, is it possible to change the visa to a work permit at immigration or is it ok to have both a visa & a permit running concurrently.

A few friends who live in the north work but dont have a work permit... i dont want to take the risk.

[dtaai-maai]

My advice is wait until you get a job, then let your employer find out about the appropriate action.

The first time I worked here (10 yrs ago - as a teacher at a government university) I was on a tourist visa and had to go to the Thai Consulate in Penang and get a Non-Immigrant visa.
The second time (7 yrs ago), I was again on a tourist visa, but it was dealt with (quite legitimately) in a single visit to Immigration in Bangkok.

It's pretty stupid to work here without a work permit.

[barrys]

... is it possible to change the visa to a work permit at immigration or is it ok to have both a visa & a permit running concurrently.

Everyone needs a visa at all times (unless entering and exiting on the 30-day waiver).
A work permit is a totally different animal - this has to be applied for at the labour office.
You have to have the visa first and the type of visa you need depends on the work you actually take up.

You should also be aware that the two (visa and work permit) run in tandem, so as soon as one of them expires, the other becomes invalid automatically.

[theprice01]

Thanks Barry & D-M. Will look into that. im avoiding any employer that says 'dont worry about it' lol, its not them who would be deported. thanks again