Should I get a Spouse visa in Laos or return to Thailand on a visa exemption before applying?

BOI non-B visa Thai Spouse visa multiple-entry visa visa exemption work permit immigration advice Thailand visa rules

Jul 25, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

So my BOI non-B visa extension and work permit will expire on September 3rd...I plan to get a multiple entry visa from Laos based on having a Thai spouse.  But iIs it better to leave the country on the 3rd (by plane or land?), then come back on a visa exemption stamp and do the Laos visa when the stamp expires or is it better to get the Spouse visa straight from Laos first?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether to leave Thailand for Laos to obtain a Spouse visa or to return on a visa exemption stamp and apply for the visa after re-entering Thailand. Comments suggest that getting the proper visa immediately from Laos is advisable, and that a multiple-entry non-O visa might not be obtainable regarding the user’s specific needs.

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Mark ********

Don't think Laos will issue a multiple entry non O visa, generally only get single entry 90 days. You can then extend that indefinitely inside Thailand, but will need to meet the 400k finance requirements.

But no need to swap to tourist, just take right paperwork and get it right away.

a year ago

AliJames *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mark *******

they apparently do

a year ago

Mark ********

Maybe a new change, not needed one for ages. But never heard of the multiple entry non O being available in neighbouring countries in 20 years here.

Check that carefully and prepare for a single entry 90 day incase that's all they give.

a year ago

AliJames *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mark *******

Maybe you are thinking of Vientiene, I'm talking about Savannakhet.

a year ago

Reply to

AliJames *****

Chris ***********

Suggest to ask employer for post dated termination letter with a date about a week before 3 September. Take that letter and paperwork to where ever you will have to cancel work permit and extension early which sounds like one stop in your case. You will get a 7 day stamp from the last day of your current extension even if you go early. Did it last year when working for a multinational BOI for 8 years

a year ago

AliJames *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

ok thanks

a year ago

Reply to

AliJames *****

Brandon ************

Is it better for what? What do you hope to gain from not just going to get the visa immediately? I don't really understand what you're thinking about why you don't want to just go get the proper visa immediately.

a year ago

Chris ***********

Your employer has to help with this and provide paperwork, you can't do it on your own. Would find it hard to believe a BOI company wouldnt do this...unless you aren't providing full disclosure to them

a year ago

AliJames *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris **********

I worked for the company for a year before it went into limbo during and after covid. The company's visa agent said the best thing to do would just be to let it expire then begin the process with a blank slate. But that may have been our HR manager being lazy (sorry sent you this in a PM as well but seems my post wasn't removed after all)

a year ago

Reply to

AliJames *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I just heard that for some visas you have to get a tourist visa or exemption stamp before obtaining a non-o visa? Maybe I'm wrong.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@James ****

as Graham said that's only when you're converting to a non-O visa inside Thailand. You're not doing that you're applying outside the country.

a year ago

Graham ******

@James ****