Dear community of ASEAN Now, good afternoon.
I allow myself to create this thread as I think my VISA-related question is quite specific and that I still haven't found any thread talking about that issue.
For many years, I worked as a volunteer for a legitimate Thai association.
Being member of the board of this association, I managed to get a NON-O Immigrant (volunteer working for an NGO) VISA without issue in Laos, Cambodia or even my home country, France.
In Bangkok, throughout the years, I managed to extend that VISA quite easily at Chaeng Wattana as the association provided me with a legit work permit (indeed, in the past, even volunteers needed work permits in order to work legally in Thailand).
Unfortunately, the rules seem to have changed in the recent years and I must admit I did not follow everything as I changed my type of VISA after Thailand was hit by the pandemic.
Anyways, here are my two questions:
- Every Thai consulate now requires a special letter:
Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos: "Original letter of approval for foreign volunteer from relevant Thai government agencies (Department level or equivalent)"
Thai Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam: "The applicant shall submit a letter from relevant Thai government agency with the details as mentioned above.
Invitation or acceptance letter from the concerned organisation/foundation in Thailand indicating the following details:
(1) Job position
(2) Volunteer/work programme
(3) Length of stay in Thailand
Apparently, we now need that special letter in order to get a volunteer VISA (a few years ago, this letter seemed to be needed ONLY for your 2nd NON-O Immigrant (volunteer working for an NGO) VISA request).
Question: have you ever heard about this letter too? Where can I get it (knowing that our association has been registered under Wang Thonglang Khet in Bangkok)?
Does this letter even exist (I guess it does exist but I went to many departments and every officer told me that they were not the people responsible in writing and certifying this kind of letter)
Has anyone managed to get it? And if yes, is it a difficult letter to get?
- As I have written just above, it seems like volunteers do not need any work permits anymore in order to work legally in Thailand (but they do need the appropriate NON-O Immigrant VISA in order to stay legally in Thailand and perform their duty).
However, Chaeng Wattana immigration won't extend your VISA unless you have a Work Permit.
Question: How am I supposed to extend my VISA at immigration if I don't have the Work Permit to do it?
These are my two questions for now.
I am so sorry if these questions look so specific.
It might be difficult to answer as I am not sure many foreigners faced this kind of issue in the past, but I may be wrong, whence the creation of this thread hoping one of you could help me.
Thank you so much for reading and for your time,
I look forward to reading you. If you need any more details, please let me know.
Best regards,
Kevin
