What Should I Do About My Non 'O' Volunteer Visa Expiry and Work Permit Validity?

Question

Hello. One quick question.

As I posted not long ago, I made the mistake of not getting a letter of approval from the BKK Ministry of Development to get an extension for my non 'O' volunteer visa. So, have to leave the country and apply for a new non 'O'.

Just called the consulate in Penang to ask if that is a possible and a staff member clearly explained that I could, and he knew about this situation. Very helpful guy.

Still, he said just leave the country and the visa will automatically expire. Yet, I've been told I should cancel my current visa before I leave. He said, if i do that the WP might lose its validity. Do any of you know what I should do? Thanks.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice on whether to cancel their current Non 'O' volunteer visa, which they mistakenly failed to extend properly. After consulting with the Thai consulate in Penang, they are confused about the validity of their visa and work permit (WP) upon leaving the country. Commenters emphasize the need to officially cancel the extension of stay before exiting Thailand to avoid any complications with the work permit.

Tod ********* · Answer

I will give you ONE final bit of advice

NEVER EVER trust a thai consulate worker at an embassy OUTSIDE the country with anything to do with a visa or extension INSIDE the country

AND

NEVER EVER trust a thai immigration officers at an immigration office INSIDE the country with anything to do with getting a visa from a thai consulate OUTSIDE the country.

They are two totally different government agencies and don't have a clue (as in LESS than a clue) about each other's business

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted]

You were given correct information you are now on an EXTENSION OF STAY, it will NOT officially cancel when you stamp out (even if you run it right to the last day it won't) You need to go to the immigration office where you got the extension, cancel it officially THEN you can exit the country

Now obviously whether you do this or not is on you. Good Luck, (y)

Aaron ******** · Answer

Good luck with the hoop jumping James. What a muddle.

Robert ******* · Answer

To follow the rules and regulations of the Extension of Stay you have stamped in your passport, you inform the Immigration Officer that you cancel this Extension of Stay as you can not meet the requirements to apply for a new Extension, you leave Thailand and you apply for a new Non Immigrant O visa based on being a Volunteer and during the last 45 days of your 90 day Admitted until period you got on entry you visit Chang Mai Immigration and can apply for a new Extension of Stay based on being a volunteer.

Ron ******* · Answer

So, are you on any extension now?

James ***************** · Answer

Sorry, I meant 53 days regarding the time needed to process the letter in BKK.

Ron ******* · Answer

2 weeks ago, you posted that you had 53 days left on your current extension from the 2nd January?

Robert ******* · Answer

Amazing that a fellow working at the Thai Consulate seems to follow this page as he knows all about the situation but has no clue that you do not have a Visa but an Extension of Stay and that needs to be cancelled.

Randy ********** · Answer

Why not just go get the letter and get the extension done? Did you ask immigration INSIDE Thailand what to do?

What Should I Do About My Non 'O' Volunteer Visa Expiry and Work Permit Validity?

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