What Should I Do About My Non-B Visa Expiring on May 25 While Stuck in Bangkok?

May 7, 2020
5 years ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all,

I’m on a Non-B which expires 25 May. I have a work permit valid until end of 2020.

The company I work has it's Head Office in Phuket and therefore my visa and work permit gets processed in Phuket. However, I’m in Bangkok and most likely can’t get to Phuket unless flights start up again and Phuket’s provincial travel ban relaxes.

Our company secretary phoned Phuket immigration who said that because of the amnesty I have until 31 July to renew my visa. Is this correct? Can I just let it lapse and all will be ok? I’m really suspicious of that advice.

Ideally, I don’t want any breaks in my visa renewals as I’d like to apply for residency next year.

Any ideas on the best way forward?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about the impending expiry of their Non-B visa while currently in Bangkok, unable to travel to Phuket for renewal due to travel restrictions. They were informed by their company secretary that, due to an amnesty, they can renew their visa until July 31, but they are uncertain about this advice and seeking best options to avoid gaps in their visa status for future residency application.
MJ ********
Why not just mail your passport to Phuket so your company can take care of it for you as they should?
Robert *******
You may have noticed that Immigration is using a digital camera for your pictures. Send in your passport does not work, you have to be there in person,
Ellie *******
As a rule, you need to go to immigration office in person when you apply for extension.
Benjamin ******
@Matt *******
cleaver answer, however the op, by law, must keep his passport on him at all times
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Extension of stay, apparently.
Tod *********
Unfortunately you can't just "do nothing" and get on the amnesty program you'd have to cancel this extension (which entails going to the office you got it at to do :O so you might as well just GO and apply for the yearly extension like last year.
Tod *********
then you go get the extension at the office where you're supposed to
Tod *********
So you're on a Non-B VISA or on an extension of stay based on employment?
Benjamin ******
My advice is to figure out a way to get down to Phuket to renew your work permit. I believe you can still drive to Phuket (getting out may be more difficult though).

>Our company secretary phoned Phuket immigration who said that because of the amnesty I have until 31 July to renew my visa. Is this correct?

I wouldn't trust that information, because of the confusion of the word "visa". You do not have a visa right now, but an extension of stay based on employment.

>Can I just let it lapse and all will be ok?

I would assume no, you can not let it lapse.

>Any ideas on the best way forward?

Get to Phuket somehow, if they allow people to enter, and get your extension of stay renewed.
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