What steps should I take to ensure re-entry into Thailand after my work permit ends?

Aug 30, 2019
5 years ago
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone, it was suggested that I post on this group for some advice. I currently work as a TEFL teacher on a work permit. I will be finishing my contract here in Thailand in early October of this year.

In my passport, the provincial immigration department stamp shows I am permitted to stay until December 14, 2019 (picture in this post for reference).

I plan on taking a 2.5-week holiday in neighboring countries after my work is done, then I will re-enter Thailand to collect my belongings and move back home in early November. In the past I've gotten the "re-entry permits" at the airport before leaving, and I plan on doing it again before I leave for holiday.

Should I be worried about being allowed entry back into Thailand when I fly back from holiday? I'm kind of nervous with immigration since I technically wouldn't be employed anymore at that point. And I don't know how efficient my employer will be with departing paperwork, etc.

I was told that I'd have to turn in my work permit to my employer, then they'll provide me with a letter stating that I am done working for them. I would then take that letter with me when departing for holiday, then I'd be able to leave the country. Then when I come back to Thailand after holiday, I would just come back on a non-visa tourist stamp for 30 days in my passport. To be safe I was told to show a departing plane ticket and proof of funds when coming back into Thailand.

Can anyone confirm this is the path I should take? I hold a US passport if that helps in answering my questions. Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about re-entering Thailand after finishing their TEFL teaching contract and navigating the implications of their work permit ending. They seek confirmation of the proper procedure to follow, which includes obtaining a termination letter from their employer, canceling their work permit and extension of stay at the Ministry of Labor and Immigration, and ensuring they have a departing plane ticket and proof of funds for their re-entry.
Robert *******
The official path you take: Get the letter from your employer stating the last day of you working. Before that date you visit the Ministry of Labor to cancel your work permit in advance on the last day of working, with their documents you visit the Immigration Office and cancel your Extension of Stay in advance at the same last day of working. Than on the last day of working you leave the country and come back with a 30 day Visa Exempt Entry or a new Visa from a Thai Consulate. If you do not like to travel on the last day of working, you can apply at Immigration for a new Extension of Stay and if you can not meet any requirements this application will NOT be approved and you get 7 days to leave the country.
Robert *******
Apply for the Extension and get the 7 days extra to leave the country. About your apartment i would not know, if you rent and pay till the 1st I would stay cancel, if you can arrange till the 4th and avoid hotel and moving twice i would choice that option.
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Robert... thanks for the reply.... Unfortunately I'm not leaving on the same last day of working. As of right now, I believe the last working day is October 4th, then I fly out for holiday on Oct. 6th, come back into Thailand on the 22nd. I haven't bought return home flight ticket yet, but was planning on flying around November 4th. Would it make a difference if I plan on keeping my apartment until the 1st of November, move out on the 1st and get a hotel until the 4th if I were to fly out permanently of TH on the 4th?
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