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What are my options for extending my visa in Thailand while waiting for my work permit?

Visa extensionThailand immigrationNon-B visaWork permitVisa rulesIllegal work in ThailandTeaching in ThailandExpat issues
Oct 2, 2019
5 years ago
Sam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
hello everyone.

I came here by plane on a 2 month visa in March and have already used 2 land crossings and extensions (mae sai and chiang khong). Unfortunately, my work permit will not be ready before my visa expires on the 14th. My work is telling me that I can extend again, but this does not seem right from what I've read. I am wondering what my options are. Thank you.

American Passport
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is in Thailand on a 2-month visa and facing issues with their work permit not being ready before the visa expiration. They have already utilized several land crossings and extensions and are unsure about their options for extending their stay legally. The comments highlight the risks of working without a proper work permit and advise seeking a different school or resolving the visa issue through proper immigration channels.
James ********
Thanks All for your replies. We wish Sam better luck in getting a work permit to teach legally. Hopefully he realizes he's at risk. Border runs and various visas is not the answer. Good Luck. I close commenting.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Sam *****
, okay let's hash this out. You're working here illegally without a work permit and without a Non-B visa on a 30 day visa exempt entry you got from bouncing out and back in at Mae Sai? Does that about spell it out?

You CAN extend a 30 day visa exempt entry by 30 days at the immigration office for 1900baht.

BUT you need to realize you CANNOT work without a work permit OR the correct visa. Good Luck
5 years ago
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Samantha ******************
Your school is not a good one. Some schools play games for 3 months to decide if they actually want the teacher. Find a different school.
5 years ago
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Randy **********
Your work place has no idea what they're doing. You cannot get a work permit on a tourist visa. You take the paperwork from your employer to immigration and they'll give you a 90 day Non B stamp. From there you go and apply for your work permit. Once the work permit is granted, you take back to immigration to get your year extension of stay.
5 years ago
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Noctis ***************
NaQuela Marie Visa runs (to get a Non-B) are basically your school shifting their work onto you, in most cases. It's more effort for them if you do it in Thailand, and more effort for you if you leave Thailand to do it.
5 years ago
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NaQuela *******
Good to know. I’ve got American passport and am instructed to do a visa run.
5 years ago
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Randy **********
@NaQuela ******
 depends on your nationality OR if you get the correct paperwork from your employer or not. Sending you out to get a non B is the easiest option for the employer but certainly not necessary for everyone.
5 years ago
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NaQuela *******
You have to do a visa run for the new non b visa to be active correct?
5 years ago
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James ********
@Henry **********
 they save on staffing and immigration lawyers.
5 years ago
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Randy **********
James Miller yeah I'm sort of giving them the benefit of the doubt because I've seen this 100 times and it's all because the school has no idea
5 years ago
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James ********
@Henry **********
 they know what their doing...shame on them.
5 years ago
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James ********
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James ********
Something is not right. I wonder if you ever will get the work permit?

Are you a teacher?
5 years ago
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Andrei **********
You have been awfully fooled by your school.It takes no longer then a week to get paperwork for your initial 90 days Non-b visa. And most of this time takes a letter from a local education office.
5 years ago
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James ********
Sam Well.... then Sam you are being fooled by whomever is employing you.

Find a good school that does take good care of their teachers. You are working illegally in Thailand and subject to deportation if Thai Immigration visited your school and asked to see your work permit. They do visit schools. It's a shame that your agency or school has not obtained your work permit. There are many fine schools. Find one NOW. The new school term starts shortly. Good time to make the change. Good Luck...
5 years ago
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Sam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 yes
5 years ago
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Sam ******
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Robert *******
you have read correct. Just tell your work to join you to the Immigration Office and apply for the Non Immigrant B visa,
5 years ago
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Robert *******
you can start a new topic, please do no use topics of other persons.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
NO, you can not get a Work Permit if you have a visa in your passport that is Employment Prohibited.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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