What are my options for extending my Non-O visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

Question

Hello, my husband and I entered Thailand 2 months ago on a Non O volunteer visa. Our very small NGO foundation, through miscommunication, has just started the work permit application process with us. Now they are saying we will not have the work permit before our 90 days run out to apply for our 1 year visa extension. 

They say we will need to leave the country and apply again for another Non O visa. Are there any other options for extension that don’t involve doing a border run and reapplication?

They say we will need to leave the country and apply again for another Non O visa. Are there any other options for extension that don’t involve doing a border run and reapplication?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking alternatives to leave the country for a new Non-O visa due to delays in obtaining a work permit for their volunteering role. Commenters emphasize that volunteers require a work permit and suggest applying for a 60-day COVID extension at an immigration office, which is discretionary. They warn that the process for obtaining a new Non-O visa from a consulate can be challenging and recommend checking document requirements in advance.

Pam **************** · Answer

Thank you so much! 😊

Tod ********* · Answer

Hope you can pull a 60 day covid extension because a 90 day single entry Non-O visa based on volunteering is a really tough visa to pull from the thai consulates in nearby countries 😮

It is my experience that the foundation needs to contact the consulate you're going to go to, get a complete list of the documents needed BEFORE you slog on over to get one. I have heard story after story of people being sent to consulates by well meaning but totally clueless foundations only to be denied because they were missing some document.

Tod ********* · Answer

Just so you're clear, you CANNOT be volunteering AT ALL for them without a work permit. That's not a negotiable thing and you need to stand firm with that because YOU take the hit if you're caught out working illegally not the foundation.

You MIGHT, <- as in may be able to, go and get a 60 day covid extension at your immigration office

They are totally discretionary and it's not something they have to give you. Failing that you have no option but to exit the country when your 90 day stamp is up and get another single entry Non-O visa from a thai consulate in a neighboring country that will sell one.

What are my options for extending my Non-O visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

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