Do I need a police clearance for a Non-B visa at the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet?

Aug 7, 2018
6 years ago
Lourens ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I've been teaching in Thailand for nearly two years and recently moved from Udon Thani province to Nong Khai where I'm currently teaching. However, as I've moved to a new province I have to obtain a new work permit under the school I'm currently teaching at in Nong Khai. That means I have to do a visa run again to get a non-B visa either in Vientiane or Savannakhet, Laos. I was advised that, as my South African police clearance from 2016 has expired, I should go to Savannakhet rather than Vientiane because the Thai Consulate in the former city does not require a police clearance to issue a non-B visa whereas the latter does. Is this true? I've heard conflicting advice and would like to know what the true requirement is. Obviously I'd like to go to Vientiane as it's much closer to me.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat teaching in Thailand is unsure about the requirements for obtaining a Non-B visa after relocating to Nong Khai. They need to know if the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet requires a police clearance for the visa application, as they have received conflicting information. One comment confirms that Vientiane does require a police clearance for those teaching K-12, while another comment suggests that a Thai police clearance might suffice. Additionally, there's a reminder about canceling the previous work permit and any relevant immigration reporting.
Robert *******
Be aware that you also have to cancel your Work Permit from your old Employer and if you reported every 90 days at Immigration Office, the Extension Of Stay you had.
Lourens ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Robert. Yes I've got that sorted.
Tod *********
You'll definitely need a police clearance for a Non-B if you're teaching K-12 in vientiane.

BUT you can use the thai police clearance

I googled around but couldn't see IF a police clearance is required or not at the consulate in Savannakhet. Sorry :/
Lourens ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Lizzy!
Lizzy *********
@Lourens **********
according to a warrant officer in South Africa, a police clearance does not have an expiry date. The only time that it's not valid is when you commit a crime.
Tod *********
@Lourens **********
, different consulates (even in the same country) have different requirements for visas.
Lourens ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Tod, I'm teaching in Nong Khai Thailand. You are correct, a Thai police clearance is acceptable. However I don't understand why the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet doesn't require it but the one in Vientiane does.
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