Leaving Thailand - Visa/work Permit

[bgsxe53]

Hello. Hopefully you can offer me some assistance...

Currently, I am working at a Thai company that has provided me with a work permit. Now I am leaving the company and returning to the U.S.

I have read a little about what to do about returning the work permit, but the company has handled everything in the past. They hold the work permit. What needs to be done on my end? I have a few friends that have changed jobs and had problems when getting new jobs and reapplying for a work permit. At this time I am not planning on returning, but do not want to be levied a fine or cause problems for a new work permit if I do return.

Also, I have failed to register my new address like I was supposed to. Trying to do things properly I went late and was willing to pay the 2000 baht fine, but the officer asked me if I was leaving the country soon. She appeared to be suggesting that I could leave and return and then have another 90 days to register my address because of the new stamp. So, I collected my things and left. Is this the case? Will I be issued a fine at the border? Will I be prevented from leaving?

Another issue is that my father is coming on the 15th which is my last day of work and I know that my visa expires 7 days after my termination of employment. We are planning to go to Cambodia. Do you think that I can use this as my exit and entry and get a 30 day stamp to avoid the fine and be able to continue my travels?

Sorry for the extensive story and questions. Thank you very much for your assistance.

[caughtintheact]

Haven't looked in a work permit for years, but inside they used to tell you that it must be returned to the Labor Ministry within x many days of your leaving the company. Since the company has your work permit, ask them for a letter stating that you turned it in to them and the date. You should then be absolved of responsibility should they fail to return it to the Ministry.

As for the change of address, as long as you are on a valid visa, the change of address won't matter at the border - but you should see if there is anything in or attached to your passport that says you changed addresses. If not there should be no problems.

Do you think that I can use this as my exit and entry and get a 30 day stamp to avoid the fine and be able to continue my travels?

I don't see any reason why not, but I'll have to leave this one to those who go in and out of the country more oftent than I do.