How Does Redundancy Affect My Non Immig B Status?

[Nick100]

Hi to anyone who can help me!

I work in a BKK for a multi national firm but am shortly taking a redundancy package. I am looking to stay in Thailand and find new employment and am confident I can do this but want to clarify my legal status during the time I am unemployed.

I know my current work permit will obviously be cancelled. My main question is will the non immigrant B visa stamp I have in my passport and which is valid until August 2008 also become invalid?

My understanding is that the company will have to inform both the work permit and immigration departments after which time I will have between 7-10 days to leave the country. This suggests my current visa WILL become invalid...

I assume then I can re-enter on a normal 30 day tourist visa. Is there any way in which I can get a longer 90 day visa?

I would be very grateful for any help and advice

Cheers!

[lopburi3]

You appear to have a one year extension of stay from Immigration rather than a visa and that will end immediately upon loss of employment. There does not seem to be any free period anymore so you should plan immediate departure or request a 7 day extension at 1,900 baht.

You should be able to re-enter on visa exempt or using a visa but unless you are over age 50 or have Thai wife/child are no likely to qualify for 90 day stays. One exception would be education and that could be in Thai language so that might be a consideration.

At any rate you are legal to search for work on any entry - but once found you will require the normal work permit/visa.

[Nick100]

You appear to have a one year extension of stay from Immigration rather than a visa and that will end immediately upon loss of employment. There does not seem to be any free period anymore so you should plan immediate departure or request a 7 day extension at 1,900 baht.

You should be able to re-enter on visa exempt or using a visa but unless you are over age 50 or have Thai wife/child are no likely to qualify for 90 day stays. One exception would be education and that could be in Thai language so that might be a consideration.

At any rate you are legal to search for work on any entry - but once found you will require the normal work permit/visa.

Many, many thanks for your quick response - that's what I thought too.

I might have to marry my fiance sooner rather than later!