12 Month Extension To Non-o Visa In Nong Khai

[jreese]

I'm a US citizen, mid-30's, living in Nong Khai with my Thai wife.

I have a 3 month Non-O visa that is set to expire on Aug 26, 2008. I recently

set up a Thai company and received a work permit through that same company.

The problem - the work permit is set to expire on the same day as the 3 month

Non-O visa, Aug 26, 2008. The labor department presumably won't allow the

work permit to last longer than the visa under which it was granted.

Now, in order to extend my visa to a 12 month, Nong Khai immigration

wants me to show 3 months of income at 40,000 baht or more.

But, I can't possibly do that, at least not legally, because my work permit (and

visa) will expire before I have earned 3 months wages. I could ask for a 2 month

visa extension, but my work permit would still expire and be canceled.

I do have a bank account in the States that has been receiving money >40,000

baht per month for more than 3 months, but this is not a Thai bank obviously.

Will they accept this as proof of income?

Or, I have heard that Thai immigration will accept a letter from your employer

verifying your income (verified by the American embassy) in lieu of a 40,000

income. But, the immigration office gave me a list of requirements for a 12 month

extension, and it doesn't mention this option, and the officer specifically emphasized

that he will only accept 3 months of income >40,000 baht.

Help! What do I do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[lopburi3]

You can always exit country to obtain a new non immigrant visa and return to re-activate your work permit to match it. Many people do this years on end.

[opalhort]

You can always exit country to obtain a new non immigrant visa and return to re-activate your work permit to match it. Many people do this years on end.

Yes, but make sure to submit your WP to labour before you leave the country to get a new visa, unless you return before your current WP expires.

Note on the application form (WP.5) 'pending passport'.

opalhort

[PoorSucker]

The income of 40.000 baht is combined income, you and your wife.

Pay her taxes for an income of 40.000 baht for three months.