Can I renew my Non-B visa in Thailand, and do I need a Thai lawyer for the WP3 form?

July 1, 2019
5 years ago
Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good morning!

I'm from the UK and have been running a business in Thailand for 2 years. Usually I return to the UK each summer and apply for my visa there but I am not going back this summer.

My 2nd Non-B visa expires on the 23rd July. I will be in Myanmar from the 7th-12th July. Do I need to get all paperwork sorted this week so I can apply while in Yangon, or can I do it once I get back and apply while in Bangkok?

Also, I swear I read somewhere the other day that you can apply for your B Visa online now, since last month. But now I can't find where I read that.

Also, do I really need a Thai lawyer to apply for the WP3 or can I do that myself?

Thank you for your help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a UK expat running a business in Thailand, inquired about renewing their Non-B visa while temporarily in Myanmar and whether they needed a Thai lawyer to apply for the WP3 form. Responses highlighted the ability to renew the visa at a local immigration office before traveling or upon returning to Thailand, advised that a Thai lawyer is not necessary for the WP3 form if they already have a valid work permit, and emphasized the varying requirements between different application locations. The user was informed about the need to compile proper documentation and encouraged to visit the immigration office before their travel.
James ********
It appears Tammi has the information needed. Also we appreciate your sharing of added information found. Thank You and Good Luck!

I close commenting.
Robert *******
If your Admitted to Stay date is till 23 July 2019, you have time enough to apply at your local Immigration Office for a 1 year Extension of Stay. You can do this before you travel to Myanmar on the 7th or when you come back between the 12th and 23th Jul. Best is not to wait till the last day, this if you miss a copy and have to come back it is easy to get in overstay.
Robert *******
Be aware that the list of requirements is much longer at your local Immigration Office than the longest list you could find at a Thai Consulate. I suggest you visit Immigration Office asap and ask the hand out to see if you can meet all these requirements.
Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh riiiiight! That's great! I'll do that then. Thank you :-)
Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just to update what I've learned through other means today, for anyone else who'd like to know (
@Jamie ********
)...

If I had done my research earlier I would have discovered I was able to apply for the B Visa (renewal) in Thailand, if outside of a month from expiry. But I left that too late so I do now have to exit the country and apply elsewhere, at far greater expense unfortunately - twat tax!

Also, the form WP3 does not appear to be an application for a work permit as much as it's an application for acceptance to apply for one! As I already have a valid Work Permit, this form is apparently not necessary as I can just submit a copy of the current permit.

Apart from some financial documents from my accountants, I was able to gather together everything else needed myself and will not need a Thai lawyer.

I also learned that not all lists of B visa required documents are the same. It seems to depend on where you are applying. The list Robert posted above from the Embassy in Myanmar is much shorter than previous lists I had found online but perhaps it's just less detailed.
Bill *********
@Tammi *******
pleased you got every thing sorted out ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
Robert *******
You ask for a WP3 form,which is the application form for a Work Permit. But okay, you have a work permit, take that with you when you visit the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar. As the WP3 Form or having a Work Permit are not mentioned in their requirements, I guess having it available as extra documents is always handy.
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Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ah I see, thank you
Bill *********
Robert Lagas, he states that he usually get his B Visa from the UK. But circumstances have slightly changed so I think he is asking a bonafide question. Sorry you cant help him with your reply ๐Ÿค”
Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Again, this is not what I was asking. I was asking only about the Form WP3, not the Work Permit itself, which I have had for 2 years and have to renew only in October. The list of document requirements for a Non B Visa includes a Form WP3. I really don't know why you seem to think I don't know I need a Work Permit!
Robert *******
I can help, but people working inside Thailand should know that a Work Permit is mandatory to work. I find it strange that people ask how to apply for this after running a business for 2 years.
Robert *******
You're a running a business in Thailand for 2 years and you really ask if you need a Thai lawyer to apply for a Work Permit before you can go and apply for the Non Immigrant B visa?
Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Actually we have just found a way to download the WP3 application online so no need to visit Ministry of Labour but thanks for your help anyway
Robert *******
The WP 3 form is the application form for a Work Permit? Better said: Work Permit application form 3 (short WP3), application for a work permit for a foreigner not residing inside Thailand. No, you do not need a Thai lawyer to apply for this. Ask your employer to visit the Ministry of Labor and ask for the hand out with the requirements to hire you as their employee.
Tammi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No that's not what I asked. I asked if I needed a Thai lawyer for the WP3 form which is needed for the B Visa application
Jamie *********
Following. Sorry I can't help.
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