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?
1,249
views
1
likes
25
all likes
9
replies
1
images
6
users
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.
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,
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.
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.
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.