Hello Trusty ThaiVISA Experts,

 

My situation is as follows.  I arrived in Thailand on a 30 day visa exemption (US Passport).  I found a job in Phuket at a resort.  On my first visit to immigration to ask about converting my visa, the less than helpful volunteer claimed it was not possible.  As time was running low on my permission to stay, I visited Phuket Immigration and extended my permission to stay for an additional 60 days based on visiting family.  When speaking with an actual immigration official, she informed me that I could change my visa.  She gave me the attached list of documents.  However, the entire process takes them 2 weeks or so to complete.  I need it done more quickly than that, so I called Had Yai who said it could not be done.  So, I called Chaeng Wattana since I need to go to Bangkok anyway.  She laughed, told me to get on a plane and taxi to the government complex, and I could be back home in Phuket in time for dinner.  She was vague about if I needed WP3 to do this or not.  I am concerned because it would not be the first time I was told one thing on the phone only to appear and be told another.  

Is the list of documents the same?  Is it possible to convert in Bangkok for a company based in Phuket?  Do I need this WP3?

 

Thanks for any help!

You would not be able to do it in Bangkok. They will tell you to do it in Phuket.

You will need a work permit application approval letter to apply for it. A WP3 can only be done if you are not in the country.

That's my fear.  Why did they tell me it could be done in Bangkok on the phone?  Ok, so I need the work permit application approval to do it.

My understanding is that Phuket will send it to Bangkok anyway, so my thought process is I can just take it there myself!

 

My other line of thinking is that I should be able to convert to a non-immigrant o and begin the process now.  My employer doesn't seem to like that idea and wants me on a non-b.  I understand that takes two weeks even in Bangkok.  Can I get the work permit while that is taking place?  My head is spinning!  

3 minutes ago, smileplur said:

That's my fear.  Why did they tell me it could be done in Bangkok on the phone?  Ok, so I need the work permit application approval to do it.

They were just wrong. You cannot always trust the info you get on the phone.

2 minutes ago, smileplur said:

My understanding is that Phuket will send it to Bangkok anyway, so my thought process is I can just take it there myself!

 

It will be sent to division 6 headquarters in Hat Yai for approval not Bangkok.

I know logic doesn't exist here, but why can't I just go to Hat Yai then?  LoL

2 minutes ago, smileplur said:

My other line of thinking is that I should be able to convert to a non-immigrant o and begin the process now.  My employer doesn't seem to like that idea and wants me on a non-b.  I understand that takes two weeks even in Bangkok.  Can I get the work permit while that is taking place?  My head is spinning!  

Upon what basis would you get the non-o visa?

All changes of visa statuses require at least 2 weeks for approval.

The work permit application could be done but not issued.

I can get a non-o based on marriage to a Thai (with child).

 

1 minute ago, smileplur said:

I know logic doesn't exist here, but why can't I just go to Hat Yai then?  LoL

The application has to be accepted and verified at the local level before being sent to the division level for approval. A division level office does not accept applications.

Just now, ubonjoe said:

The application has to be accepted and verified at the local level before being sent to the division level for approval. A division level office does not accept applications.

That makes it much more clear!  Thank you!

1 minute ago, smileplur said:

I can get a non-o based on marriage to a Thai (with child).

 

Do you have the financial proof required to appy for it.

You need 400k baht in the bank or proof of 40k baht income.

Just now, ubonjoe said:

Do you have the financial proof required to appy for it.

You need 400k baht in the bank or proof of 40k baht income.

My income will be higher than that as stated in my contract.  

Just now, smileplur said:

My income will be higher than that as stated in my contract.  

You have to show tax payments and a work permit to prove the income. A contract is not enough.

Isn't this fun.  It looks like a trip to Penang will be much easier than this headache! 

6 minutes ago, smileplur said:

Isn't this fun.  It looks like a trip to Penang will be much easier than this headache! 

That is probably the best option to get a single entry non-o if you want to go that route.

Or a non-b visa if doing an extension based upon working.