What should I do about my visa situation as a U.S. teacher in Thailand awaiting my Non-B visa?

Jun 6, 2023
a year ago
Lena ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
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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.
Mike *******
If you're in Chiang Mai, I'd suggest a visa run to Laos with a company. I hear the embassys at Savannakhet and Vientiane are easy to get visas and easy to renter Thailand when you have a history.
Jim ********
You can do two border bounces - land crossings - in one year. You should be fine. People do them all the time. Just don't fly or go through Poi Pet, Cambodia.
Lena ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
Even though I've already come in an out by plane 3 times and been here for 6 months?
Jim ********
@Lena ****************
Check your Other Messages or PM for more.
Jim ********
@Lena ****************
Yes, you are tourist traveling to learn about Thai culture, right? You have a deep interest in Buddhism and learning Thai customs and language. You want to help the economy here, right? There is so much to see you haven't covered it all have you?
Rich ****
I think getting the 60 day tourist visa is a safe bet.
Lisa ********************
As Brandon says but also do you have any proof of Non B application? Or job offer? May help
Brandon ************
If you can find a land border run agency they'll make sure you can get out and back in without any issues.
Lena ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
no matter how many times I've already come in and out by plane?
Brandon ************
@Lena ****************
yes. They will ask about your travel history and quote the price based on that. Basically how much they need to grease the wheels at the border to get you out and in without any questions.

But you can only enter at a land border using visa exempt 2 times per calendar year so this will be your last time in 2023.
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