work permit renewal connundrum

[casey1]

I have Non Immigrant Type "O" multi-entry visa

My last arrival into Thailand was Mid January with 90 days giving me possible stay to Mid April. (This last stamp is important as will become apparent)

However Corona Virus wrecked plans and with airport closed I am unable to reset the 90 day count.

After visiting Chaeng Wattana when approaching 90 days they said oh you cannot do 90 day report, you need Visa extension because multi-entry means you need to leave Thailand every 90 days.

Up until this point I normally am in and out of Thailand every 60 to 90 days because of the nature of business and family.

Being based in Thailand I have a work permit... and fairly straightforward to renew each year.

However today I am told they cannot renew my work permit for the next upcoming year (current one expires 30 May2020) as the last date legally allowed to be in Thailand stamped in my passport is mid April.

Yes they know immigration has give amnesty or exemption until 31July but this is not stamped in your passport.

I called Immigration who confirmed allowed to stay in Thailand until 31st July but will not stamp my passport.....

 

An agent who was at at the Department of Labour work permit office Nawamin Road said she had similar problems for American clients and only way to resolve the issue was apply for new Visa

 

Thoughts and experiences of others welcome....

many thanks k

 

[casey1]

Oh forgot to add my multi entry Visa is valid until the end of this year ... so we not talking about last entry on this visa

[ubonjoe]

What is your non-o visa based upon?

If married to a Thai you could of applied for a 60 day extension.

Unless the labor ministry issues a directive that a work permit can be issued during the "automatic extension" you will not be able to extend your work permit.

[casey1]

Hey hey many thanks for prompt response.... so next question would be as I married to a Thai I can still apply for 60 day extension....

When I went back to Immigration previously to enquire about extension or renewal after the "you cannot do 90 day report" they were not interested because for them problem solved until July 31st....

Going back now with reason for extension... ie work permit renewal.... will they be amenable to extension

[ubonjoe]

If you had applied for a 60 day extension to visit your wife before they would of accepted it.

They should still allow you do one now. You can explain to them why you need it.

[casey1]

cheers many thanks I will let you know how this turns out...... worst case is I cancel work permit fly out and then apply for new one... my wife can do all the work and I will become the house frau and spoil the son.....

 

[BigFun]

16 hours ago, casey1 said:

cheers many thanks I will let you know how this turns out...... worst case is I cancel work permit fly out and then apply for new one... my wife can do all the work and I will become the house frau and spoil the son.....

 

Yes, sounds like a new WP is the only answer after a border bounce. It's a shame the Labour Department is being so inflexible as you have a valid visa even if stamp is not. 

[casey1]

Hmmm today visit to Chaeng Watthana, eventually after some deliberation and a good Immigration team leader cutting the nit picking from older but more junior staff, extension to Non Immigrant "O" was given, giving me until July 30, which is a shortening of the amnesty of July 31, never mind....

Back to DOl and work permit again submitted.... they were a little surprised to see me the day after first visit, and thought I was back to argue the toss, but after realising I had now a valid stamp in my passport they accepted and took my monies and said return for pick-up on Tuesday.

The show ain't over until fat lady sings so it appears I am ok but not happy until I pick up the renewed permit of Tuesday...

Babies are always a good way to incur goodwill...... so take one with you!!!

[casey1]

Forgot to add the Immigration website lists all the documents you need for an extension. but not all of them

Remember to take your proof of address and registered address of wife and child even if you not staying there....