Should my friend get a re-entry permit before leaving for Laos if he plans to apply for a new Non-O visa in April?

Mar 8, 2018
7 years ago
Hello,

My friend has a non immigrant O visa (volunteer) and it’s expiring on march 30. Hes leaving Bangkok to go to Laos on sunday (march 11).

Should he still bother to get a re-entry permit when he leaves for Laos since hes gonna apply for a new O visa In april anyway? Or is it okay to have a gap— come back to BKK visa exempt and Show the Immigration the ticket he booked to leave BKK at the end of the month and then get a new O visa In april?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster asks whether their friend, who holds a Non Immigrant O Visa (for volunteering) set to expire on March 30, should obtain a re-entry permit before traveling to Laos on March 11, given that he intends to apply for a new O visa in April. Responses suggest that if he is switching foundations or organizations for his visa, he must leave and apply for the new visa from abroad. If he intends to remain with the current organization, it is advised to apply for an extension first. The potential impact on his work permit with a visa-exempt re-entry is also highlighted, indicating that not getting a re-entry permit may jeopardize his work status.
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Tod *********
The only problem might be his work permit. because you can't be on a work permit on a visa exempt entry. So he might want to get a re-entry permit so that he's still on the Non-O visa and his work permit doesn't cancel
Tod *********
Just have him come in on the visa exempt entry, then take the paperwork to go get another 90 day Non-O visa at the thai consulate in another country.
Joseph *****
Do you mean he is applying Non-O with a different foundation in April? If he/she is changing the foundation he/she is working for, he/she do have to leave the Kingdom in order to apply.

If this person is staying with the same foundation, then he/she is applying for a Visa extension. In that case, apply for extension, first, before leaving the Kingdom and re-entry.

By the way, all international airports in the Kingdom has immigration office that can handle re-entry. Password, photo, and cash is all you need.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Glen ********
okay thanks! but for now his concern is whether he needs a re-entry permit when he leaves for laos :)
Glen *********
@Krizel ******
he doesn’t have to reapply every 3 months...he can apply for a yearly extension if the organisation gets an approval letter from the head of the relevant government department - to give to immigration.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
ohhhh i see. nah for him, his O visa expires every 3 months.
Joseph *****
I was told at 2016 that, when applying for non O, I have to stay in the kingdom until I got the one year extension.

That means if I were to leave, I have to reapply.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
no Need for re entry permit then! Thank youuuuu
Robert *******
Yes he can do.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Since hes not crossing by land borders, can he just do away with not getting reentry permit and coming back to bkk visa exempt?
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
he’s flying from laos
Robert *******
@Kri***
, You can only come into Thailand by land borders using the Visa Exempt Entry twice a year. Advice is to avoid if possible, you never know what happens in the next 9 months.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Same Foundation but His visa is only for 3 months and he needs to apply for a new one for april.

We understand that he Can apply for re entry at the AirPort.

The question is, is it worth getting a re-entry permit? Is it more recommended to get a re entry permit when he leaves on sunday for Laos considering that he’s going to apply for a new one at the end of the month anyway?
Robert *******
And the secret password is Please at the end of your question: I need re-entry permit, before handing over your passport.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Will it not affect His application for a non Immigrant O visa In april?
Steve *******
I dont think so , if he's applying for a new Non Imm O
Steve *******
Swings and roundabouts! Probably not worth getting the re-entry permit.
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