I would like to know if anyone knows if I come over on a non-imm "O" visa then enroll in school and have the visa changed to a 1 year non-imm "B" while in country?

I imagine that the real answer lies in the consulate where you are receiving your non-imm ''O''!

If it's any help I came on a Non-Imm 'B' visa, (subsequently obtained and worked on a work permit), and then changed 'in country' to a Non-Imm O/A Retirement visa. So I would think the answer to your question is yes.

I note you said ".... then enroll in school and have the visa changed to a 1 year non-imm "B" while in country? I assume you mean either teach in school (Non-Imm B), or obtain a Non-Imm "Ed" visa, if you mean enroll as a student.

Thanks arjay I would be enrolling as TEFL student.

What type of 'O' visa is it? Marriage/Retirement or something else?

I don't understand what you mean by 'enroll in a school and have the visa changed to Non B'

You can only get a non-B if a company/organisation/school offers you work and sponsors you.

You probably can't get a study visa (type ED) if you are doing a TEFL, it depends on the institution (they have to be a registered organisation with one of the ministries). Also a tefl is usually only 4-6 weeks so it is difficult to get a Study visa for such a short period.

btw, If you come to Thailand on an 'O' visa you CAN get a work permit on it (as long as it isn't a retirement 'O' visa), so you don't need to change it to a B.

Finally, you can change a Non-O to a Non-B in-country (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), but again, it depends on what type of 'O' it is.

A lot of information I know. If you could give me/us more information about your 'plans', I am happy to help.

I have pm'd Thai 1 on about this. It seems that he is doing a TEFL, and the school will sponsor him for a Non-immigrant B.

I advised him that if he is going to ultimately find work, then to go with the Non-B (if he can get one before he leaves.)

btw, Non-B's are much much easier to get in your home country than they are in neighboring Thailand countries. The consulate in Viantiene in particular needs 2-3 weeks to process the non-B and you have to supply a stack of paperwork. AND it's only valid for 3 months single entry.

If you come to Thailand with a 12 month Non-B, you have a head start.