If it is simple why are there thousands of questions all over the Internet on this one subject? One person's experience does not tell the tale of what is going on nationwide ...

My opinion is my opinion and I am not going to change it - because I see evidence based on an excessively complicated system..

Robert I respect you as a friend but I am educated, trained and have many years of experience with the U.S. Military to spot those who are on the take ... and the system in Thailand for many things is a system rife with corruption at any given level

I look for logical markers - high fees by agents - equal money to be shared .

It is okay to have any opinion - but I stand by my belief that corruption is heavily involved in the B Visa / WP processing 'system'

Personally I believe that many typical Visa/WP Agents in Thailand only know one or two ways to get it done. And that is what they do ... never mind that there could be option 3 or 4 ... The Agent got it done last time using the method they used before - etc., etc. So they just keep doing what they are doing - doesn't matter that there could be a better way.

Also - I believe the built in hurdles on the B Visa / WP 'system' has evolved into a overly complicated 'system' that invites corruption in order to get the job done...

Yes - Consistency is King in Thailand / Not

Depending on the Ministry of Labor jurisdiction (Province / City) ... it can be up to 7 days out of Thailand. My understanding - the Visa / Work Permit agent submits the WP3 Application form and packet to the Ministry of Labor - After the Visa/WP agent can present a photo of the Applicant's passport with the Thailand Exit stamp and the neighboring country's Entrance Stamp... Then processing begins on the WP3 Application... But obviously this varies quite a bit across Thailand at the various Ministry of Labor offices as evidenced by the posts here.

Emily --- what other posters are trying to say politely is that you are very naive. Other posters have outlined how restrictive it is for a Foreigner to do any work a Thai person can do. But it is not sinking in it seems. You just cannot do anything you want in Thailand - even if your employer says you can... It just means your employer does not fully understand the law.

Thai people can take care of bungalows, Thai people can be manager of a set of bungalows... So it is near impossible for a foreigner to get such a job and be legal ...

It will likely not matter how close you come to mastering all the WP3/WP1 Application Requirements - somewhere along the line a manager or processor in the Labor Ministry will see the Work Permit application for what it is and stamp it NO - Void...

Most people who get any kind of work you want -come here to Thailand on a Tourist Visa - make contacts - learn how it all works and then tries to set up a job at a hotel - bar - restaurant - hostel - etc.

However, I believe fully that my words will fall on deaf ears...

The letter that I used for 3 times always had the Bkk immigration office address. Krabi Immigration never blinks an eye at that and just accepts it