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What consequences may I face for not cancelling a work permit extension after leaving Thailand in 2018?

Visa Rules Work Permit Extension of Stay Immigration Policy Visa Exemption Consequences of Departing Thailand

Apr 16, 2023

3 years ago

Tom ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is anyone able to shed any light on what consequences may be faced for returning to Thailand to work after leaving in 2018 and not cancelling the extension of stay at that time (employment) and doing a land border bounce instead and then leaving via the airport within the 30 day visa exemption timeframe.

It's not known if the work permit was ever cancelled by the company but that info could be found out if needed. 

I guess there could be a fine involved as there's a very old post here stating that. Are there any other issues likely to be faced and is there anything that can be done to resolve them before going to chaeng watthana for a new extension of stay later down the road such as going to labour dept to check/update the wp record?

Thanks for any help

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post inquires about the potential consequences for returning to Thailand to work after having left in 2018 without officially cancelling an extension of stay. The user mentions utilizing a land border bounce and leaving the country within the 30-day visa exemption. There's uncertainty about whether the work permit was ever cancelled and concerns about possible fines or penalties. Responses suggest that applying for a tourism extension should be fine, but issues might arise for long-term visa applications. Cancelling the old extension is recommended, and a potential fine of up to 20,000 baht could be imposed, though it's noted that extensions might automatically expire after a year if not renewed.

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Kris *********

What can be the issue? Isn't your extension automatically cancelled when you leave the country and come back without reentry permit? You made a new entry and left legally. Why would they care about old entries? And doesn't your extension automatically expire after a year if you don't renew it? I don't get it.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Kris ********

, an extension is NOT automatically cancelled when you leave Thailand. It has to be canceled officially when the reason of an extension gets invalid or changed, even if it's expired.

3 years ago

Kris *********

@Ellie ******

is this something specific for extensions based on work? My experience is that a marriage extension or retirement extension is not valid anymore when you re-enter without reentry permit.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Kris ********

mostly for Non-B/based on employment or teaching, or Non-ED/based on studying.

3 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

If you are applying for only a tourism extension, it wouldn't be a problem. You can apply for it as normal.

If you are going to apply for any long-term visa/extension, it might be an issue. You may need to apply for a cancellation old extension before you are able to do so, and in the worst case it could be a

*****

baht fine, but no other penalty. It's the old extension, maybe the best way is going to go to the immigration office and ask them about what you should do.

3 years ago

Tom ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

yeah, you're right, I think that particular thread was for someone who re-entered while their extension was still valid and got stamped in on that. I just wish I was more aware of the situation at the time. My company back then sort of encouraged me to do it the way I did because I was leaving. I guess they didn't want to bother with the paperwork. I'm glad that the worst case for me is a fine that can be easily paid.

3 years ago

Tom ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thanks for this information. Looking it up online is a little stressful as an old post on the popular visa forum site suggested that not cancelling the extension could be classed as overstay and I've been away for 5 years so that's a 10 year ban. When I left originally I did a border bounce and changed to a visa exempt so I was under the impression that everything was cancelled so when I departed Thailand, I left on a valid visa so there no overstaying or any other such extreme suggestions. I expect that now I'm coming back there will be a punishment in the form of a fine for not following the correct process. I just really want some clarification on if the fine is the only penalty/punishment so I can reset everything and get back on track in Thailand.

It's an unfortunate situation as at that time, I was a bit disillusioned and certain I would never be returning, but of course things change and I'm now very eager to come back.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Tom *******

, you read the wrong information. That you haven't cancelled your extension doesn't mean you are categorised as overstaying. As your stamps show, you hadn't been overstaying.

All confusion comes from where a maximum 20K baht fine would be stated as "overstay", it's just because no other appropriate reason to state. You wouldn't get a penalty as same as an actual overstay, as long as your stamps are "clean".

3 years ago

Tom ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

they are clean as far as I didn't overstay, and I got them at the places stated on the stamp. I got one at the Cambodia border and I extended it at chaeng watthana for 30 days. The only issue is the 30 day extension stamp has the wrong date on it (7th instead of 1st). I got the correct "departed" stamp when I got the extension, so everything is clear enough in my passport with a proper inspection. I then left before I overstayed. I guess I slipped through the net back then

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Tom *******

sounds like you are on the track (y)

3 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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