Answered2 years ago

What are the best options for extending a visa while in Thailand for work purposes?

Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Tourist Visa Non-B Visa Visa Run Chiang Mai Immigration

Carlos *******

asked Nov 6, 2024

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A quick question about a visa extension. I entered Thailand at Chiang Mai airport (from the US) on Aug. 22, 2024 (after the visa regulations were changed). I received a 60-day stamp on arrival, and then I extended for another 30 days 30 at the Chiang Mai Immigration office on Oct. 20. 

My current visa expires on November 21. I will need to extend my visa to have time to process the paperwork for my work visa (teacher).  I have read several pages on this, but it is still unclear what the best option for an extension or renewal would be. 

One option is to go to Vientiane and apply for a 60-day tourist visa. However, I also read (or perhaps misread) that I can go into Vientiane, stay overnight, and come back into Thailand ( I am planning to fly in and out of Veintiane) and get a new visa stamp on my passport (I think for 60 days?).

The first option sounds like the correct one, but the second option is the easiest.

I would very much appreciate any clarification that you anyone can provide.

Answer summary

The user is exploring options to extend their visa in Thailand, which is set to expire on November 21, after having entered with a 60-day stamp and a subsequent 30-day extension. They are considering a visa run to Vientiane to either obtain a new 60-day stamp on reentry or apply for a tourist visa. The comments suggest that reentering without a visa can grant another 60-day entry stamp, along with the potential for a 30-day extension, but advise checking with the school regarding necessary work permit paperwork and the appropriate visa for teaching.

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Carlos *******

One last question: I am planning to do my visa run (although I am flying into Vieantiiene on Monday and returning to BKK on Tuesday. It is about one week before my first tourist visa (60 days + 30 day extension) expires. Does anyone think that this will be problematic on my return from Laos to DMK?

2 years ago

Terry ******

Puedo llevarte al cruce fronterizo entre Tailandia y Laos, solo toma 4 horas de ida. Si todo va bien, podrás regresar a Chiang Mai y obtener un nuevo visado el mismo día.

2 years ago

Stephen ********

You will have to leave and reenter and get stamped in again for the 60 days if your paperwork is not completed in time

You cannot extend again.

2 years ago

Carlos *******

Stephen: Thank you. If I fly from BKK to Vientiane, will that create any problems for the stamp?

2 years ago

Carlos *******

Just to verify: you meant "flying DOES NOT tend to create any issues"?

2 years ago

Steve *******

@Carlos ******

Fly to Udon Thani and coss the border at Nong Kai. Far less strict than entering at DMK or BKK.

2 years ago

Stephen ********

@Carlos ******

flying does tend to create any issues that I'm aware of. Land crossings at certain places can be. I'm flying to Vietnam for a couple of days in December for the same reason and don't anticipate any issues

2 years ago

Carlos *******

@Steve ******

this will be my first time doing a border crossing

2 years ago

Steve *******

@Stephen *******

You're far more likely to encounter problems flying in if you have a history of consistent entries than you would be crossing a land border. The only problematic land border seems to be Poipet, the rest are are far less strict than airport entries.

2 years ago

David ********

I would check with your school. Tourist visa is not the way to go if you are requiring a Non B as a teacher. The usual route is the school needs to give you the paperwork you go out of Thailand and get a Non B 90 days and return then the school gets your work permit and extends you non B. Check with the school. They should be arranging all your paperwork

2 years ago

Carlos *******

David: Thanks. The school is going to take 1-2 months to process the paperwork (or so they told me). Thus, they want me to get an extension, and then, when all the paperwork nightmare is done and all the paperwork is done, I will go and apply for the non-B visa as a teacher. I only started to work there two weeks ago.

2 years ago

David ********

@Carlos ******

correct that's why you need the Non B 90 days that gives them time to process the work permit and extrnsion. But if you are working on a tourist visa it's illegal. They need to give you a contract and approval from education dept. Can't remember all of it. But you need the non B first

2 years ago

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

@Carlos ******

If you don't already have the visa and work permit you cannot start working there. That's illegal and you are working illegally. You cannot work until you are on a visa that allows work and have a work permit, regardless of what the school tells you. They lie about this all the time.

Lots of people work illegally during this period, but just know what the potential consequences are if you are caught.

2 years ago

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

You don't need to spend the night but there's certainly no reason not to enjoy the city if you're going to be flying there anyways.

You can apply for a visa if you want but it's not necessary. If you return without a visa you'll receive another 60 days visa exempt stamp, and can apply for another 30 day extension. That should be enough time for your school to finish your paperwork.

2 years ago