@Ellie ******

yes thanks I'm aware they're asking about the initial visa not the extension

But what I said was just pertaining to the bank account as they'd asked about it being in their name or not

Your info was accurate and detailed for the initial visa part but inevitably they'll also be wanting the year extension which, if some are unaware of the bank situation, may wait or delay getting the bank account and not reach the 2 months 'seasoning' in time

**edit** oh really? Didn't know the op also needs the account before the initial non-o....? Can't that be from a foreign bank account though? Not necessarily a Thai account...?

As per the bank account: it should be a Thai bank account and in the foreigners' own name ...

Generally speaking, after he gets the initial 90 day visa, you and him can go to a bank and open an account (it usually can't be done on a tourist stamp but a longterm visa stamp will work) -- if doing the money in the bank route (which seems maybe the only option for US citizens) do this step within the first few weeks of obtaining the non-o stamp, to ensure it meets the 2 months "seasoning" time prior to applying for the 1 year extension

Can I ask what document(s) it was that your employer couldn't get?

I'm about to go through this and it might be worthwhile to know

I have input on this because a.) I was just living in hatyai and b.) I've also recently entered on a few visa exemptions after 5 years on a non-b + yearly extensions for work

1st off: Hatyai is NOT a major airport and they *likely* won't ask you for anything if it's your first time using an exemption. I'm on my 3rd back to back visa-exempt entry since Feb. and just flew into hatyai Monday (barely spent 12 hrs in malaysia) and all he said was "next time you should get a visa" [which I will be getting a new non-b so that's not a problem]

2ndly, related... they're looking for people who are overusing visa exemptions and tourist visas, sometimes even an Ed visa in order to stay here [and the presumption is work too] which is not okay and illegal. You're not one of those people at all :)

Coming back after a decent legal stay for work as a tourist is completely normal and not a red flag at all. Don't worry :) you have a legitimate reason. If they ask anything you can honestly say 'I've finished working and I'm here for 30-60 days before I go home"

That's completely okay and nothing that will flag the immigration officer as suspicious!

@Ade *****

because airport immigration are known for questioning Ed visa holders more stringently (because Ed visa holders really "shouldn't" be traveling around if they're here specifically to study) -- at least I think this is the reason

The 90 day report "resets" everytime you leave, as it is a report for those who STAY in thailand for 90 or more days. Leaving and returning will set it back to day 1

@Graham *****

yes all understood now :) thanks a bunch

@Jiji **********

I have a feeling it's just not common as most teachers who are here already have the extension of stay and most situations probably don't have teachers leaving in the first 90 days 😅

@James *******

yes thanks.

Long story short been here 5 years on legitimate consecutive extensions of stay based on working... but in February of this year I had my first instance of losing a job prior to the contract finishing; forcing me to leave and return/remain here as a tourist just the past 3 months. Now I've found work again and should be able to secure the Non B without any issue. Have always been here legitimately, just the last couple months have required pop outs and since I live in Hatyai (Canadian nationality) going to Malaysia has been manageable.

I knew my previous "pop out & back in" via land border based on visa exemption was my last one allowed for this year, but if coming back with the NON-B is allowed, by land, I shouldn't have much to worry about.

@Tod ********

ah yes noted

Not a worry. I've left more times this year than the previous 5, hopefully no more leaving after all this is done 555