Ok so i arrived August 23rd and im working in a school but have no degree, tefl, tesol, so my agency wont get me a work permit (even though its in my contract ). I have about 18,000 bht which is not enough for the 30,000bht walen thai program and i used up my two border runs to Cambodia.

Several people have told me I can go to Laos and apply for a 3 month (or 2 month) visa regardless of my past runs to Poi Pet. Im sure this question has been answered before but i want to be 100% sure so i don't get stuck in Laos. Thanks in advance

You probably do not qualify for a work permit so you should not be working at all - you are risking arrest - not the agency.

Laos has been quite easy on tourist visa issue this year but you seem to be on visa exempt entry 3 so if you fail and have used your 90 days it will be into custody as i8leagle entry and deportation if you return to Thailand without obtaining a visa. You might want to go early so you have a few days of visa exempt remaining if they are required.

Believe you should look long and hard at your situation and if it is viable for the long term (and something you will want).

You can apply for a Tourist Visa in Laos and I expect no problem.

However your status is worring.

Working for a agency on a 30day stamp or on a Tourist Visa is a clear violation of current Thai Laws.

Suggest, as Lopburi has already mentioned, look at your situation and try to find a long term solution.

Even if you have the money for the Walen programme I think you will find that you have

to attend classes for a certain number of hours a week.........

This is NOT a solution to your problems.

You will be better off spending your time attending a class to get a TEFL, TESOL certificate

so that your employer can apply for a work permit for you.

At present you risk arrest and deportation for working without a Work Permit!

Sorry to for being so blunt.

Even if you have the money for the Walen programme I think you will find that you have

to attend classes for a certain number of hours a week.........

This is NOT a solution to your problems.

You will be better off spending your time attending a class to get a TEFL, TESOL certificate

so that your employer can apply for a work permit for you.

At present you risk arrest and deportation for working without a Work Permit!

Sorry to for being so blunt.

If he doesn't have a degree he still won't be able to get a work permit for teaching even with a TEFL

Even if you have the money for the Walen programme I think you will find that you have

to attend classes for a certain number of hours a week.........

This is NOT a solution to your problems.

You will be better off spending your time attending a class to get a TEFL, TESOL certificate

so that your employer can apply for a work permit for you.

At present you risk arrest and deportation for working without a Work Permit!

Sorry to for being so blunt.

If he doesn't have a degree he still won't be able to get a work permit for teaching even with a TEFL

hi i am a school teacher without a degree only 2 of our 8 english teachers have degrees we have TEFL OR TESOL up to the school i think.

A work permit with T.E.F.L./T.E.S.O.L. can be issued if working for a "language centre" rather than a "school".

Thanks for all the feedback everyone but i was told that if i got caught working without a permit the school would be held liable. My main concern is that when i go to Laos i will have been here for 3 months. I don't want them to hold that against me. Also with the 2 month ive heard i can go to poipet to renew for another 1 month despite my previous 2 runs? Thanks for the responses.

You will be arrested and be held liable. The "school" could have been duped by that 'false degree they just happen to have in your file that you gave to them'. If you honestly believe you will not pay the price I sincerely hope you do not have to find out.

I just want to know about Laos! Am i guarunteed a 2/3 month tourist visa despite my 2 previous runs to poipet?

When you are arested and taken to the Immigration Detention Center you will not need a Visa.

Listen to what Lopburi advised you.

A tourist visa will not help legalise your work situation at the school.

Ok thanks for all the help guys.

I just want to know about Laos! Am i guarunteed a 2/3 month tourist visa despite my 2 previous runs to poipet?

You are never guaranteed a visa, it is up to the discretion of the visa officer. More than likely, you will not have any problem and will get your visa. Do like was suggested and leave a few days before you hit the 90 day mark. That way if you do not get he visa, you can still return for a couple of days using you remaining visa exempt entry days to make your departure from Thailand.

This does not solve your problem with working without a work permit however and if you are caught, you will be detained and deported.

Edited October 31, 200718 yr by jstumbo

A bit strong guys - arrested, deported flogged to death for teaching. I am not a teacher (though have the qualifications to do so). I don't agree that the Thai authorities are out to get English teachers working illegally unless of course they have a "history" of disgraceful behaviour -John whathisname, the Canadian guy recently arrested, anyone with a record or under suspicion of crimes involving kids. Bloody right too!!! Arresting a qualified teacher who is doing a good job, having proved his lack of a criminal record, valued by his employers, should not have to go through the "red tape" that The Thai authorities demand. Excessive to say the least. And, futhermore, why would someone well qualified want to work for 25k for a Thai university for example and be told that whilst the salary may be poor, there is no compensation for being afforded the staus of "ajarn" in the institute?. This has not happened to me, but it is a reason why I'd never consider teaching here.

Arresting a qualified teacher who is doing a good job, having proved his lack of a criminal record, valued by his employers,

should not have to go through the "red tape" that The Thai authorities demand. Excessive to say the least.

Without the red tape how do the authorities know that the person is qualified and of good standing??

You do not say where you come from, but check back home to see what

checks are made on a foreign person wanting to teach youngsters.............

Astral _ I am a U.K. citizen. Did teach at M.I.T.I. in Japan as well as at other government ministries. I understand the need for vetting teachers, but it seems, sadly so, the process is now about about whether teachers are paedophiles or not rather than competent qualified teachers. Both criteria need vetting for sure - just can't see a satisfactory procedure for the authorities unfortunately given the desperation I hear about regarding the need for teachers at Thai schools. Most teachers I know do not have work visas and therefore would not be vetted as the Government have stated that they will check teachers with work visas. Anothr case of "T.I.T."