How can I obtain a tourist visa to stay in Thailand after losing my job?

Aug 13, 2018
6 years ago
Joost *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Some advice for my situation please.

Situation: I've been working in Thailand for the past five years (Non-B + work permit). I will lose my job soon (cancel visa + work permit) but I don't want to leave Thailand. I want to stay here while applying for other jobs. I want to do this on a tourist visa (note again: I will not be working).

My questions

1) It is obvious from my passport that I've been working in Thailand for 5 years. I am afraid consular staff might think I will work on this visa and therefore refuse to issue a tourist visa. How likely do you think this is?

2) What can I do to prevent the above?

3) What consulate in the SE Asia region would you recommend in my case? What do they want to see?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice on obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand after losing their job, which will result in the cancellation of their work permit and visa. They are concerned about potential visa refusal due to their history of working in Thailand. Key points discussed include the ease of obtaining a tourist visa from the Thai consulate in Vientiane, Laos, which reportedly has minimal requirements, and reassurance that many foreigners face similar situations.
Robert *******
Options are given. As we only know the text of the new regulations by translations, which are not certified. I will close commenting.
Lorenz *************
Same .. I will lose mine too ..
Thomas *******
Check the new conditions on work permits. You may not have to cancel it.
Nigel *********
This is like a sketch from the Two Ronnies. Love it
Thomas *******
Try it out. They will need some case law to sort it out. Then you will have your answer!
Markus **********
@Thomas ******
thank you. Well the question is if this is correct or not. According to 3 different lawyers I spoken to it's not correct information. Well I guess we have to guess as always.
Robert *******
Only the Thai text is valid, we as foreigners are depending on how good the translation is or maybe even incorrect. I would not blame your lawyer for information about Thai law based on a translation from somebody on the internet.
Thomas *******
@Markus *********
try these lawyers. Its amazing what Google can do!

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Markus **********
@Thomas ******
why do you give advice to people when you don't know what you talking about? No one know if The information posted in news are correct or not. That's why I asked you to share your information...which you didn't have!
Thomas *******
@Markus *********
I'm not your lawyer so no, I'm not. Ask him, that's what you've got him for.
Markus **********
@Thomas ******
you are telling to check the new conditions. And I ask you to show me this. Can you show me the new conditions or not?
Thomas *******
@Markus *********
well he's either very good or very bad at his profession. If he can't interpret Thai law then I'm guessing its the latter.

It will probably take some case law before it is widely understood.

Google it and make up your own mind. Maybe look for another lawyer whilst you're at it.
Markus **********
@Thomas ******
yes ofcourse but it would be good to know exactly what are the new conditions. All the articles published is not accurate according to my lawyer.
Thomas *******
@Markus *********
go with what your lawyer says!
Markus **********
And exactly what is the new conditions? I read one thing, my friends say one thing, my lawyer another so....
Tod *********
switching jobs when you lose your primary employer (the one who got you the work permit) would mean you have to cancel it and your extension and start all over from scratch when you find a new job.
Tod *********
What is your nationality?
Tod *********
@Joost ********
yep, you'll be fine using Vientiane
Joost *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am from the Netherlands. Thank you for the above advice.
Tod *********
Once you cancel your work permit and extension of stay go to a thai consulate in a neighboring country and apply for a single entry tourist visa.

The thai consulate in Vientiane is the easiest and most user friendly consulate around. They don't require proof of onward travel, proof of funds or proof of a hotel booking.

Face it you're not the first foreigner in the history of thailand to lose their job, want to stay here and get a tourist visa to do so ;) You're not gonna have any problems.
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