Hi guys. I am having some difficulty obtaining current information. Visas and their procedures have changed and I find myself lost. My situation.
I am presently employed at a school in Roi Et. I will leave this school at the end of June and begin working at a school in Bangkok. Here is the information my new school has given me. I am unable to convince the new school of changes in their thinking.
1) I must be present in Roi Et to cancel my visa and work permit on June 30. It is impossible to quickly be in Bangkok on the same day to transfer my Non-B from one school to another (I have checked flights). The earliest I could arrive at Bangkok Immigration is 01 July. However, according to the new school, this would put me on a 1 day overstay. Bangkok immigration will refuse the transfer process if I am in an overstay situation. I can't use the 7 day visa extension option as Bangkok immigration will not process the visa transfer if my on on this 7 day extension. Is there a way around this problem?
2) I am investigating a Non-O marriage visa as I have been married with a Thai citizen for over 5 years. I do not have 400,000 Baht in the bank but my Thai salary is more than double the required 40,000 Baht. However I am finding mixed information about using my Thai salary. Some sources say that the 40,000 Baht must come from abroad. Some sources say Thai salary is OK, but I will need a letter from my embassy to verify my income. My embassy (U.S.A.) will not provide such a letter. Some sources say that isn't important and that 12 months of salary slips is sufficient (this I do have). The other issue is timing. I have two months before I will need everything processed. Additionally I have a work permit. Most websites indicate that I would need to cancel my current work permit when transferring from a non-B to a non-O. Does anyone have any suggestions about this option or any information that can clarify some of the questions I have posed?
I think this leaves two further options.
3) Get a Thai tourist visa from a Thai Embassy/Consulate in a neighboring country. I am having trouble finding updated information on this. Which is the best country (nearby) to do this? How does the e-visa system work? It used to be simple, but things seem much more complicated these days. If I need to do a tourist visa I would like to do it in the cheapest and most time-efficient manner. Any suggestions?
4) Get a Thai non-B from a Thai Embassy/Consulate in a neighboring country. My new employer is willing to provide the necessary documents for this. Again, if I go this route I would be looking for the most economical and efficient process. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you for any assistance and insight.