@James *******

I’m pretty up to date with the “Farangs Stranded Abroad Due to Lockdown in Thailand” FB page. I know a return won’t be easy, to say the least. Thanks.

@Benjamin *****

yes, that’s what makes this situation even more difficult. I have no misconceptions about how difficult or costly it may be to return even having a work permit and valid visa.

@Benjamin *****

agreed

@James *******

thank you. And agreed about serious consideration to staying.

@James *******

I have a job. I would technically be taking an excused, paid leave of absence.

I would retain my work permit while gone which does put me on the list of people allowed to enter the Kingdom.

Hi, James. Yes, I have an extremely ill relative (not COVID related) at home as well plus a family who can use the support of me physically being there. Because of restrictions, and quite frankly, the difficulty of getting back into Thailand once I leave, I've postponed going back since March. The decision to return would not be made lightly and I'm doing my best to evaluate it the situation from all angles given my visa difficulties. Agreed about being able to return in 2 months hopeful at best.

Hi,

@Rob***

. Yes, I've looked into that. The Thai employee requirements for a Non-B ME visa are one Thai employee for one foreign employee (which is what we currently have). To apply for an Extension of Stay (1 year) the requirement is four Thai employees for one foreign employee. We are considering expanding our business eventually so we can hire the required employees for the extension. The only problem, which I was just informed of last week, is all four Thai employees need to be employed no less than three months (having SS and insurance registered as paid with the government) before applying for the extension. We don't have the time in which to meet the requirement by the 26th. Agreed about being able to save money by canceling the WP, but having a WP also qualifies me to return to Thailand whereas tourists, etc. cannot now.

Thank you,

@Benjamin *****

. That's what I understand to be the case. I just needed to make sure.

@Tod ********

Well, he obtained an additional stamp and has a Non B, ME visa but I agree something seems odd. I feel better knowing I was given the correct info from immigration and there wasn’t a miscommunication. Thanks for the feedback.