Unanswered6 years ago
How can I obtain a Non-B visa and work permit for Thailand while stuck abroad?
Hi I am sorry but I am new to this group, I have question that you might be able to help with. I am going to live on Koh Samui, but due to situation now I am stuck in New Zealand,I have a registered company in Thailand that was registered right before Covid. My idea was to get a non immigration B visa and return and get a work permit to start my company. Seems I can’t get back to Thailand without the work permit and can’t get the work permit unless I’m in Thailand
Summary so far
The user is inquiring about the process to secure a Non-B visa and a work permit for returning to Koh Samui, Thailand, while currently stuck in New Zealand due to COVID-19 restrictions. They have a registered company in Thailand but are facing challenges on how to transition from New Zealand to Thailand and obtain the required documents. The discussion includes advice on contacting the Thai consulate, understanding visa regulations, and challenges around obtaining a work permit without being in Thailand.
40 repliesnewest first
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Cherry ****************
In general and if you have all document ready. You can have a staff apply for your work permit in Thailand for you. Within 2 weeks you should receive an approval of WP3 form. Your staff must courier this approval to you. Then you can take it for a NonB visa application in your country. Once you are back into Thailand, you can complete your work permit process (another 2 weeks).
Note, the approval of WP3 form is only valid for 1 month.
Note, the approval of WP3 form is only valid for 1 month.
Karin ******
You need a letter by BOI or ministry of labour first, that you are eligible to work in Thailand. You need that letter to be able to apply for the entry letter at this point and in general to apply for the work permit once in Thailand.
Cherry ****************
@Karin *****
The letter comes with the approval of WP3 form.Cherry ****************
@Karin *****
I see, I believe you will get one as soon as it is more flexible to fly. As I mentioned, the approval is only valid for a month. If you cannot fly in before its expired, the company will need to reprocess it. Karin ******
@Cherry ***************
still in Germany Cherry ****************
@Karin *****
Are you now in Thailand or overseas?Karin ******
@Cherry ***************
yes, corona lock down hit right before my company could get the letter for me. I was supposed to move and start my job end of March. Since then my company and I are waiting for me to be able to get in. I don't even have my own apartment, it's 4 months of waiting, trying to stay positive and patient and a lot of uncertainty. Tbh, I just wanna be able to do my work and have my own space again 😅 Cherry ****************
@Karin *****
So it is your 1st time applying a WP under this BOI company? For renewal, I don't think you need a letter anymore. It is always easy process to renew, unless the company has some report delayed to the other government department. I can be wrong though, I do not have direct experience with BOI, only observed info from others.Karin ******
@Cherry ***************
well, the extended emergency decree is the problem atm. My company can't get the letter for me ☹️ very nerve wrenchingCherry ****************
@Karin *****
Yes, BOI is different (special), more flexi than others 😊Karin ******
@Cherry ***************
okay. I get a BOI wp so I think it's a bit different, no? At least that's what my consulate told me
Stephanie *******
@Cherry ***************
I could easily be wrong, but don't you need the Non-B first in order to get the work permit? Is this a special type of application?Cherry ****************
@Stephanie ******
If you are here in Thailand and do not want to leave the country, yes you need a NonB first which can be converted from other visa type. The info I mentioned, is for applying a Work Permit from overseas.
Tod *********
This might help you
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Benjamin ******
Just checked, it's a closed group :( The groups' name is 🇹🇭 Farangs Stranded Abroad Due to lockdown in Thailand
David **********
@Tod ********
The page doesn't seem to be available for display. Would love to read it if possible. 
Biff *******
@David *********
you have to join the group first I think. 
David *******
Thank you
@T**
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Peter ********
OP@Tod ********
thanks TodPeter ********
OPAt least I am getting some good advice here , thanks a lot
James ********
@Peter *******
wishing we could be more helpful... But our magic wand dust is on back order....a COVID shipping snafu.....Take care 😉Peter ********
OPThanks James, not what I wanted to hear😢
Peter ********
OPCan I get a work permit issued from nz
Tod *********
Talk to who ever set your company up for you. Work permits are issued by the Minstry of Labour in the province where you company is.
James ********
Please read paragraph #2...first page.
Having a work permit is no guarantee of approval to reenter Thailand.
And as you are not yet a company with a work permit...and cannot show urgency and economic importance for your early return... Good Luck in trying.
Having a work permit is no guarantee of approval to reenter Thailand.
And as you are not yet a company with a work permit...and cannot show urgency and economic importance for your early return... Good Luck in trying.
Cherry ****************
@James *******
This announcement refered the effective on 25 March 2020. As of today, there is a new announcement; ****************************************
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James ********
@Cherry ***************
yes...that has been posted within an hour of it appearing on the CAAT Facebook page.James ********
@Cherry ***************
thank you for sharing it.Cherry ****************
@James *******
I saw it this morning though from a friend sharing.Peter ********
OPthanks James, I have insurance, a house I rent there and I think I fit the criteria to get in but can’t get to talk to anybody at the embassy
Wannikea *********
@Peter *******
I don't know that the Thai government would see your circumstance as an urgent need.
John **********
@Peter *******
Great post! Thanks!!! Good luck!!! 🍀 Peter ********
OPI think you are correct there but just trying to get paperwork done in case there is a opportunity to get back in asap
James ********
@Peter *******
having a house does not qualifyto seek early reentry.
I believe you may be confusing it with the PERMANENT RESIDENT visa status which are allowed to seek reentry.
In order to apply to become a Thai Permanent Resident, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have had a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three years prior to the submission of your application.
Holders of multiple NON-Immigrant visas can not apply.
You must have 3 consecutive yearly extensions in order to qualify.
You must be a holder of a non-immigrant visa at the time of submitting your application.
You must be able to meet one of these categories to apply for PR status in Thailand:
Investment category (minimum 3 – 10 Mil. Baht investment in Thailand)
Working/ Business category
Support a family or Humanity Reasons category: In this category, you must have a relationship with a Thai citizen or an alien who already posses a residence permit as a husband or wife; father or mother; or a guardian of a Thai child under 20 years of age.
Expert / academic category
Other categories as determined by Thai Immigration
*****************************************************************
John **********
@James *******
Great information! Thanks for that!!! Can't yet apply it, still working out-of-country. And still confused, but your information helps a lot regarding what to think about and possibilities. 😊 👍🏽 😊 Tod *********
Seeing as you have to apply for permission to get in to the country by meeting specific requirements AT the thai consulate in the country your in, my first question is did you talk to the people at the thai consulate IN New Zealand about this conundrum?
Peter ********
OPthey are closed and won’t return calls, replied to email saying not processing non imm visas until further notice
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