In a bit of a complicated situation - my employer was supposed to extend my annual non b in December last year but the application was denied. Therefore my visa expired and when I re-entered Thailand in January I was given a visa exempt stamp for 30 days (until end of Jan). As I understand, the document the application was missing will take some time for my employer to obtain. In addition, I am starting a new job beginning early March and my work permit with my current employer expires mid February.

 

Can I extend my visa exempt stamp (immigration in bkk) and let my work permit expire (don't renew with current company), then get my new company to apply for my new work permit and then get back on the non-b visa? I understand that is the process but feel there is likely a problem as the timing is so inconvenient.

 

I'm based in Bangkok. 

 

Thanks in advance.

Technically your work permit is now invalid since you now have a visa exempt entry instead of the required non immigrant visa entry required.

You can extend your 30 day visa exempt entry for 30 days if that will give you enough time. It might be best to go out for a single entry tourist visa to ensure you will have a enough time.

Thanks for your reply ubonjoe. If I extend my visa exempt stamp (or obtain tourist visa outside), is it then possible to apply for 90 day non b inside Thailand? Then get a new work permit after that.

 

 

It is possible to apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category B ) at immigration. You have to have 15 days remaining on your entry or the extension of it to apply. It requires a lot more documents than is needed at a embassy or consulate.

See: https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_72