Can I apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) without returning to the USA when my employment in Thailand ends?

Jun 16, 2018
6 years ago
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello folks. I current am on Non Immigrant B Visa multiple entry and work permit working for US company but with Thailand office. Family (wife and son) piggy backed onto that via my employment. Family and I have to report every 90 days or leave/come back via flight over border. Company handles the 90 day reports, we just hand over forms and passports.

>>>Employment ends end of this month. Company is using a service to cancel my work permit, they say I must leave country by end of month+ 7 days grace period

We have apartment with belongings.

I also have 1 year vietnam visa in passport

Goal: Stay here, continue looking for next tech job. Family is currently back in USA (our country of residency, returning 26th June)

Questions:

1. Can we get a SETV “tourist” 60 day + later 30 day extension WITHOUT the cost of returning to USA to apply for it? Not Thailand but close by country?

2. If 1 is true, then can we simply go to HCMC Vietnam or do you recommend another place?

3. If 1 is not true ( have to go back to USA), then since family is ALREADY in USA, can they apply there for new SETV visa despite currently they are in US, and despite the work permit not yet cancelled?

Attached pictures of my passport pages

Thank you for tips, trying to minimize costs but go by the book....
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant B Visa and work permit, which are set to end soon. They are seeking options to stay in Thailand and continue job hunting, especially for their family currently in the USA. The main inquiries pertain to applying for a SETV without returning to the USA, potential travel to neighboring countries like Vietnam for the visa application, and requirements for proof of onward travel. Community responses suggest that a border run to apply for the SETV is feasible, especially in Vientiane, Laos, and confirm that family members can also apply for a new visa from the USA, provided they cancel their extensions. There is also information shared about documentation and requirements needed for visa applications in various locations.
Tod *********
@Ke**
is sorted. Thanx one and all for the advice.

He's gonna go next week, cancel his work permit and his two year extension, They'll stamp him in to the 30th as that's his last day on his termination paperwork.

His family will get back on the 26th & they will go cancel their extensions once they're here, also getting stamped in until the 30th because they're "piggy-backed" on his 2 year Non-B extension.

Then they'll all go to Vientiane to snap up single entry tourist visas.

Again, thanx to everyone who offered advice. (y)

I believe we're done :)
Anthony *************
You should remove the photo as it identifies your passport number. Can you not do a boarder run and come back?
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I thought I removed the number. Will remove the photos when i get back to a pc thx
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thats my question. I can do anything just looking for guidance on what to do in this situation
Alex *********
Poor Tod, they are keeping you busy
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod helping also this group is great and thanks for
@Mar***
for recommending this group. Im a bit nervous about making a mistake during this transition
Martin ********
Tod Daniels any input on this one?
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod helping also already fyi
@Mar***
Luke ******
If you want it hassle free, apply at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos. No proofs required, only application form, photos, and 1000 baht fee per person.

If you are planning to travel to HCMC or Hanoi and get your SETV there, certain other things will be required.
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Lu**
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I really think Vientiane is going to be the best option from what you say and I've read on here. Awesome. New place to visit for us.
Robert *******
OK, Employment stops end of the month, I guess this is 30 Jun. So wait till family is here in Thailand, coming 26th. Than cancel your WP on day 30 in advance, visit Immigration to cancel all Extensions on day 30 in advance and go all to neighbor country to apply for new Tourist Visa.
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Robert ******
. Last question - proof of onward travel, again, can that be to adjoining country, example Vietnam, or does it need to be country of residence, in our case, USA? Thank you so much
Robert *******
Nope, can be to any country by plane, bus or train as long as the destination is outside Thailand.
Robert *******
You can apply in any Thai Embassy or Consulate for the Tourist Visa, some ask for three proofs: funds, accommodation and onward travel. others are more lenient. You can search this page for the easy one's or visit the website of the consulate where you go. You may also ask here and you will get answers of people who visited it their with tips.
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Robert ******
. My other question above however, is, can we get the SETV from any country i.e Vietnam, or are we forced to go back to USA to obtain it?
Keef ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am here in Bangkok, while family is still in US thru 26th
Robert *******
After your Extension of Stay is cancelled, you can go abroad and apply for a new Single Entry Tourist Visa to stay inside Thailand looking for a new job.
Robert *******
If your Family is at the moment in the US and also having an Extension of Stay based on your work, they also have to cancel this at Immigration. This would be difficult as being abroad, so I would say let them call a Thai Embassy or Consulate in their area and explain the situation. Normally the Embassy or Consulate will not provide a new visa when their current visa or Extension of Stay is still valid.
Robert *******
Okay, your Extension of Stay (not a Visa) is based on working for a BOI company. The day your WP get cancelled, you also have to cancel this Extension of Stay. You can do both in advance to organize travel arrangements, there is NO 7 day grace period. If you cancel on last day and you can not travel you have the option to directly apply for a new Extension of Stay, if you do not meet any requirements it will be NON approved and you get 7 days to leave the country, this application still cost 1.900 Thb.
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