ThaiJan

Hmmm, I quite don’t get all these problems about the work permits for teachers. I’m on my fourth contract here and I never faced any problems/hassles with 30 days extensions and running back and forth.

Here is how it’s done in Udon Thani: Every year, when I get my new contract, normally 2 weeks before the old one expires, I first go to Ministry of Labour and hand in my WP together with a copy the new contract. They give me some kind of receipt which I bring to Immigration together with copy of the new contract, income statement from my employer (for the last year), and tax statement + receipts for paid tax from the tax office. I get my 1-year extension (only one stamp) in less than 10 minutes (15 days longer than the contract) and then go back to Ministry of Labour who got my WP renewal ready (also 15 days longer than the contract says). It takes less than 5 minutes there to get the WP book.

I spend less than 10% of the time on these things (governmental harassments) here in Thailand than I ever did in my home country, which in fact is the reason why I’m here (- if JonnieB wants to know).

I got 6 colleagues here, and it’s exactly same procedure for them, whether they are newcomers or oldies, no matter if we are hired by Ministry of Education or on local contracts.

I have no idea, but I suspect that some people are facing problems because their employer don’t give them the right doc’s or are not in good faith with the Ministry of Labour and/or Immigration. Why all these problems with 30 days extensions? I have never faced it!!!

Wondering where I fit in with those new rules   ?

I'm working as a teacher employed by the Thai Government (not a local contract). My monthly salary is THB 17.850,00 and I’m not married. Been here 5 years and so far 1 year visa extension and work permit has been done smoothly.  I do obviously not comply with any of those new rules mentioned. Wondering where I fit in. Is the nice Mr. Thaksin going to increase my salary (which hasn’t been regulated for 7 years) so that I can comply with his new rules (I wouldn’t mind, but don’t expect it though), or will I simply be kicked out? Anybody here knows?