No IDP required in Chiang Mai.

You can get one now.

Why do you have to wait 30 days? Got a Non Imm B in KL 3 weeks ago - it was next day service.

@Ron ******

fair enough - never done one online. There's no rush as long as it's in the system but at some point they will want that slip no matter how stupid the concept is - that point will be a 90 day report, extension or similar interaction.

Never even heard of a TM28 before be it I've just Googled it. In CM, just submit a new TM30. If he's already filed it see if he'll give you a print out and you can get the slip stamped. If he can't, go to Promenada and explain the situation - they might be able to print the slip out for you - and stupidly, despite the ability to file online, they are really, really anal about you having that stamped slip at the back of your passport if you go to do anything in the future.

I'm not arguing about the paperwork nor have I once, read what I've said, they obviously do all the paperwork together, but you can't be issued with a work permit until you've obtained an appropriate visa. I'm not able to walk into the Labor Office and get a work permit on a tourist visa for example :)

So you're now saying that I could have had a work permit before I had a Non-Imm B? Chiang Mai must be Thai Irish then I guess either that or I must have imagined it all :)

@Robert ******

Actually it works the other way around - you get the Non Imm B first then the work permit - but the paperwork for both have to be arranged by your employer.

@Danny ********

of course I could be overly paranoid - but likewise paying tax and being legit has a pathway to permanent residency. And before someone chimes in and says it's impossible, it's not, it's just hard. Also I can, within confines through my employer, take on some local work legally and extra money always helps :)

It's a company similar to Iglu - I dont have permission to mention them (they're not well known) but I'll ask in the morning if they're ok with being promoted. Good people - I can't go into the terms but if I can, will share tomorrow. CM based. Also why I switched after so long on EDs and various TRs - personal opinion only is that the days of freelancing/working for overseas firms on anything other than a Non Imm B and work permit are coming to an end. Big Joke is no joke.