Hi all. This is a fairly convoluted situation, but hoping someone can help because I'm not sure what the best course of action is.
Seeking advice as a teacher from the U.S. who is in the process of switching schools but hasn't received my non-B yet. I came to Thailand in January on a 60-day tourist visa, was here for exactly 60 days, then left and went home to the U.S. for two weeks. I flew back into Thailand and was here for a week on a visa on arrival, then went to Vietnam for a month, and reentered (by plane) on another visa on arrival. I have extended this visa on arrival once, and now need to leave the country again this weekend.
Initially, I was planning on doing my land-border run to Myannmar (I live in Chiang Mai) and then changing to the non-B. However, I am now switching schools and my new employer needs to restart the process of applying for my non-B visa. This process can take up to two months, so it is possible I would have to do another borde run and I am concerned about having a hard time doing an additional border run. By that time, I will have 4 stamps on my passport (3 entries by plane, one by land) with two extensions, and will be seeking another stamp. My other option is to go to Malaysia or Laos and apply for a tourist visa, which gives me an extra month but is also more expensive.
Am I worried about nothing? Some people have said that because I've been in Thailand intermittently for the past 6 months I shouldn't have problems but others have said immigration may not let me back in if they say 4 stamps and 2 extensions in the past 8 ,onths. I understand it is subjective and no one can guarantee anything, but would be great to get any guidance. Thanks so much.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A U.S. teacher in Thailand is seeking advice regarding their visa situation. After multiple entries and extensions on their current visa on arrival, they are concerned about doing another border run to Myanmar or applying for a tourist visa in Malaysia or Laos. Their employer is restarting the Non-B visa application process, which may take 2 months. Community members suggest options for safe visa runs and emphasize the importance of having documentation of the new job offer.