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Can I get a new NON-O volunteer visa in Vientiane without a work permit after a denial in Chiang Mai?

Non-O VisaVolunteer VisaVisa ExtensionWork PermitChiang MaiVientianeThailand ImmigrationVisa Application Process
Aug 3, 2018
6 years ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
background info:

Denied extension for a volunteer visa in Chiang Mai on Tuesday due to not being given a work permit by the Employment office. Immigration was unmoving and as far as I know, I'm one of the first to lose their visa. Sucks as it was my 1-year extension and I had everything besides that ready.

My question, same as last time:

Will I be able to get a new non-O volunteer visa in Vientiane despite not having a work permit? I have copies of my old one showing it expired, receipt as proof of applying for the extension, as well as the letter telling me I was screwed... I mean, that they weren't giving them out anymore. Immigration didn't accept anything, but I'm wondering how it will fare in Vientiane.

Thoughts? I would love to continue volunteering where I work as I've been there 15 months officially so far. I'm planning to apply for the non-O and if they refuse to give it, then just wait out the shitshow in Chiang Mai by getting a tourist visa for now.

Tod Daniels - hoping you have some thoughts this time as it was closed without anything useful last time when I asked
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user was denied an extension for their volunteer visa in Chiang Mai due to not having a work permit. They are now inquiring if they can obtain a new non-O volunteer visa from the Thai consulate in Vientiane without a work permit. Community members offer suggestions based on recent experiences, noting that some consulates might be more flexible with requirements than others, particularly after recent rule changes. The user is advised to keep trying and report back on the outcome of their application.
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Robert *******
And with this last comment of the poster, he has all the answers he need. Keep us informed with any changes in policy or if people do get new Non Immigrant O visa based on being a Volunteer.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Updating those interested.

I was pretty sure they would see I had a visa that should still be good and sure enough, they asked for a work permit. I tried explaining the situation in Chiang Mai and since I was the first person/time they'd heard of it, I handed them the letter from Employment Office saying no more work permits are given to volunteers next. They took it to make a copy and went to another building I'm assuming to talk to someone about it. Came back, handed back my letter and I was able to pick up my non-O visa the next day for work with the same foundation.

I asked the man as he handed back my letter if other people in the same situation had the same letter and came to get a non-O like I was if they would be okay and he said yes, but who knows. I just know it worked for me and I wish anyone else similar success so we can keep volunteering here.

Cheers.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For sure. The visa obtaining was the easiest part of my trip... I probably won't be going back again.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
Thank you for that update. I know it has been a concern for the people in Chiang Mai volunteering and needing to get a visa.

I appreciate you taking time to post (y)
6 years ago
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Tod *********
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think my question has been answered in that Vientiane I probably have a slim chance, but for others in a similar situation in Chiang Mai, that Hong Kong and Yangon are possibly the only embassies without the work permit (or intent) requirement for a non-O application.
6 years ago
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Kerri ********
Report back and let us know if you get the visa in Vientiane, Good luck!
6 years ago
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Kerri ********
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Trevor ******
They just changed the rules to its very flexible now you don't even have to write down anything bout where you work can be self employee teaching online etc was in bangkok post n they announces it on the news also
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Trevor *****
, while you're right the rules did change, NO one knows how the interpretation OR the enforcement of those rules is going to work. Even the Ministry of Labour and the Immigration Offices don't know.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
It is not that easy as you describe. Otherwise there were no poblems in Chang Mai about getting WP's and NO Extensions of Stay due of not having the WP.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
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Tod *********
Also we need to keep in mind that this is ONLY happening in Chiang Mai, it is NOT affecting people on volunteer visa/extensions in any other area.
6 years ago
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Peter ******
Let's hope it doesn't spread elsewhere.
6 years ago
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Peter ******
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Tod *********
I think you're going to have to go to a thai consulate that doesn't require a WP.3 (receipt of having applied for a work permit) OR you're not gonna get a new Non-O visa.

AFAIK; the only consulate that doesn't require proof of a work permit or having applied for a work permit is the one in Hong Kong.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I sent you a message Tod, cheers
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Tod for the answer, that's kinda what I had figured, but good to know about Hong Kong for all the potential other people I know affected by this. I'll just hope they agree to give me the non-O in Vientiane, but realize it's a slim chance.

And yes, Robert, while it's not about Vientiane, it does help to know as I didn't think any of the Thai embassies in Asia would skip over the work permit or intent of work permit requirement.

Question is answered, cheers!
6 years ago
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Robert *******
On the pdf from Yangon Myanmar Thai Embassy, just a few basic requirements. Not sure if this answers the question:
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7.pdf
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Zayid ******
 yep.
6 years ago
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Zayid *******
A friend coming through Wellington, New Zealand on the same visa doesn't require a wp either. But will he need one to apply for one year extension? (Outside CM)
6 years ago
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Zayid *******
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Zayid *******
Following...
6 years ago
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Robert *******
It seems like get all the papers again and apply for a new Non Immigrant O visa at a Thai Consulate or Embassy. I understand the problems but when two offices play hard ball there is nothing we can do.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think I was being polite in my response when my question was being misinterpreted and not being answered more than once. But cheers for your concern.
6 years ago
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James ********
John Briggs... FYI...Robert Lagas is an experienced and most helpful expat in matters of Thai visas. May I suggest a kinder reply to him and others as well that are trying to help you. We all are aware of your situation and of others in the same predicament in Chiang Mai. Hopefully a good outcome will follow. Good luck !
6 years ago
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Jonathan *******
I understand that your frustrated but both Robert and Steve and valued members of this page and give excellent advice. I believe Robert is a moderator too. There is no need to be snippy cause you didn't get the answer you want. A few comment say similar and you answer the same. May be try asking the question again.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'll wait for Tod and hope they understand the question.
6 years ago
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Steve *******
John Briggs Correct me if Im wrong but your question was about getting the visa in vientiane? Myself and Robert have given you our thoughts on this. Maybe you should keep asking untill you get the answer you want to hear.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I asked for thoughts in regards to my question, not things that are outside that framing. I'll wait for Tod.
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@John *******
 You asked for "thoughts" and that's what you're getting. As for getting the visa in Vientiane, that would be down to the Consulate and them alone. Those are my thoughts.
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Once again, not answering my question. I'll wait for Tod, if you please.
6 years ago
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John ********
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Kerri ********
Following & hoping this mess gets sorted soon!
6 years ago
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm a bit of a cynic right now and untrusting of immigration, but they estimated 1-2 months to have a solution.
6 years ago
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John ********
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I add: my non-O ran out Monday, but because it was a holiday I was there Tuesday. Had to get a 7-day extension as it was already a 9 hour day at immigration and 5pm by the time they told me to get bent.
6 years ago
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John ********
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