What is the process for obtaining a Non-B visa and Work Permit in Thailand, and how can you prepare for potential challenges at the consulate?

I wanted to share my journey of successfully obtaining my Non-B visa and Work Permit, as well as a Non-O dependent visa for my child. It’s been a process.

Per the requirements, I was abroad while my employer submitted the application for the work permit. We encountered some timing conflicts, prompting my return to Thailand on a tourist visa, prior to receiving the work permit.

As I hadn’t yet secured my Non-B with a work permit, I was not working.

Given my understanding that I could not convert a tourist visa to Non B in-country, my next step was Penang. I arranged my flight on Sunday night, expecting, as I learned from here, a return on Tuesday, assuming all documents were correctly prepared. Despite meticulous adherence to the Penang Consulate checklist, I was worried that something would come up, which unfortunately it did.

I reached the Penang Consulate an hour early at 8:00 am, greeted by a queue of approximately 20 individuals. Here are several insights:

• Dress appropriately, wearing pants & a mask.

• Equip yourself with an umbrella and/or sunscreen and water due to the potential long wait outdoors (it was raining heavily upon my arrival).

• If accompanied by children, bring them along with an iPad, snacks, etc.; families are prioritized to the front of the line.

• Arrange your documents beforehand, ensuring adherence to the checklist.

• Be early; operational hours are from 9 am - 11 am.

• Printing facilities are unavailable in the immediate 10-15 minute vicinity. Be ready to rush off to the nearest print place.

• Maintain a polite and respectful demeanor.

• In the absence of Wi-Fi, consider obtaining a 2-3 day SIM card.

After dropping our completed packets, we were told to sit and wait. I waited ~75 minutes when I was called to the front. They told me it was impossible to proceed as I did not have a picture of the outside and inside of my business. As I had booked my flight for the following day, this was a big problem. This item was NOT on the checklist. I was then told if I left and came back by 10:30 am, I could still turn it in for pick up the following day. This would have been impossible as it was already 10:15. Very frustrating, but I remained very nice and polite. I asked if I could make it back by 11 if they would accept it. She reluctantly agreed.

We raced out of the consulate, didn’t have cell reception and no taxis, so we begged the nice lady across the street to call Grab for us, which took us to a printing shop about 15 minutes away. I pulled two images off of my company's Google listing and had them printed quickly. Back to Grab and back to the embassy as fast as possible. I arrived back at 11:04. Doors were locked, but the very nice man at the front agreed to letting me in. I believe it was, again, because I was very nice and polite to him earlier in the day. The packet was accepted.

The subsequent day’s pick-up was seamless, despite extensive queues, because as before, I had my child with me. I arrived at 2 pm. The pick-up process was quick, concluding in about 10 minutes.

Reflecting, the experience was positive, albeit with its share of unexpected hurdles, emphasizing the necessity of flexibility and readiness.

Thanks to Tod Daniels for his advice and support. Now the next step is the conversion to a full-year stay back in Thailand.