Can my friend use border bounces to extend a non-B visa while their startup company is not yet set up?

Apr 25, 2023
2 years ago
Deanna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello group! Hopefully I can get some good answers here. I'm posting for a friend who isn't on facebook.

My friend got a job with a start up company here, and went out of Thailand to get a non B visa, and has already received a work permit. It has taken a while to get the company set up, and the current non B expires in 1.5 weeks.

My friend has heard that with work permit, you can do border bounces every 3 months and get Non B extensions. Is this still true? If so, where is the best/easiest Thai embassy to go to, and what paperwork would be required? What are the downsides if the border bounce visa (on work permit) needs to be renewed multiple times? The company building is still under construction.

Just looking for a back up plan in case the set up for the company takes longer.

Thanks in advance for answers!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry discusses the situation of a friend who has obtained a non-B visa and work permit for a startup in Thailand, seeking to understand if they can extend their visa through border bounces while the company setup is incomplete. Responses indicate that border bounces can only renew a visa if it's a multiple entry non-B visa, which is rare. If not, the friend should seek in-country extensions and may need specific documentation from the company to process this.
Umami *********
my visa runs to Kota Bharu was a rather strange feeling, empty bridge crossing to Malaysia, looked almost abandoned of activities, I was the only person there while giving the application, the were several open-air old-type brothels, heard males shouting go away, street lights none at that location, the hotel had a large dark nightclub was only me and the 2 Chinese chatting far away, no girls at all, but I got a nighttime visit of 2 of them, while the door was locked, somehow they manage to open the door when I was sleeping nicely, did not fit type to compare to normal runs elsewhere - super simple, the friendly/sexy employee girl even asked me, why not multiple entries on the Thai visa can be a plus, said okay I'll take that - a long time ago
Nigel *********
Bounce this back to your accountant.

Your friend May have a multiple entry non B ( as Brendon mentioned) these are pretty rare but are out there. The only place I know of who were offering them were Kota Bharu in Malaysia, but that was pre COVID).

Otherwise, they would likely be coming to an end of their first 90 days non b visa. This can be extended in country, but, as the startup is new, then your company probably doesn't have all the necessary documentation they immigration needs to process this. Your accountant needs to speak to immigration to see if there's a way forward.

Otherwise your friend needs to jump on a plane to a neighbouring country with a stack of papers to get a new 90 day non b.

Should take 2 days. Pre COVID I used Kuala Lumpur. Submit in the morning. Pickup next day in the afternoon. Be sure to check public holidays for both Thailand and host country as they observe them all ( only make that mistake once). You need to book an appointment at Kl which actually works well. Good luck
Paul *******
@Nigel ********
They were offered by a lot of consulates in Australia, Europe and the USA. Rarely in Asia. Not sure about now.
Deanna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel ********
Thank you! That's probably what her lawyer means. Is to get a new, 90 day Non B.

She has tons of company docs, but the office still being built. I'm sure knowing she can do this will give her piece of mind.
Brandon ************
Did your friend get a multiple entry non-B visa? It's very rare so I doubt this is what they got.

You cannot use a border bounce to get an extension on ANY visa. The only time you can use a border bounce to get more time is if you have a multiple entry visa, so you leave and re-enter to get a new entry stamp on the visa.

Your friend needs to take a bunch of paperwork from their company to immigration and apply for an extension like everyone else that's working in Thailand.
Deanna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Ahh. Ok. Thanks! I don't know about multiple entry. So, Non B can be extended? We were told it couldn't be extended.
Brandon ************
@Deanna ******
there are many reasons it might not be able to be extended. But most people extend their non-B every year for as long as they work.

If your friend cannot extend the only thing they can do is leave and apply for a new non-B visa. I'm not sure if leaving will invalidate their work permit and they'll need a new one though.
Deanna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks again. The Non B she is on was a temporary, 3 month Non B. It's the first one. Not sure if that makes any difference.
Brandon ************
@Deanna ******
that's how every non-B starts. With a 3 month non-B visa. Then you extend it.
Deanna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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