After searching for answers the last few days and becoming even more confused I was hoping for some feedback from the Thaivisa geniuses/experts regarding my situation:

-Came from USA and currently hold a single entry non-immigrant B visa set to expire on Feb. 16 '09

-After delays for the last two months I am now in the process of getting WP as a teacher

-Was told by the school that I have to get certificate for Thai culture class prior to getting WP

-Will be unable to take class AND get all required paperwork before expiry date of visa

I am unsure what my options even are or what to ask at this point.

I hope to stay in Thailand long enough to take the class and secure the WP so what should I do exactly?

Please let me know if you need further details/clarification on anything. And kohb kun maak krap in advance for your helpful feedback.

Edited January 25, 200917 yr by brobro

I suggest you post this question in the teaching section, where they will inform you about the requirement to get the certificate for Thai culture class. Believe there is no such requirement (yet).

Without a work peermit you can not work and also not get an extension of stay.

I suggest you post this question in the teaching section, where they will inform you about the requirement to get the certificate for Thai culture class. Believe there is no such requirement (yet).

Without a work peermit you can not work and also not get an extension of stay.

Thanks for the quick reply. Aside from the culture class subject, I had a few questions if you don't mind:

-Can I get an extension on my current single entry NIB at immigration here in Thailand? If so, how many days, and what is the procedure?

-Or should I fly to consulate/embassy outside Thailand before expiry date of my current visa and try to get another NIB?

-Or will they give me just a tourist visa if I do this? And that will disallow me from proceeding with obtaining my WP, correct?

Any helpful info is greatly appreciated

I suggest you post this question in the teaching section, where they will inform you about the requirement to get the certificate for Thai culture class. Believe there is no such requirement (yet).

Without a work peermit you can not work and also not get an extension of stay.

Thanks for the quick reply. Aside from the culture class subject, I had a few questions if you don't mind:

-Can I get an extension on my current single entry NIB at immigration here in Thailand? If so, how many days, and what is the procedure?

-Or should I fly to consulate/embassy outside Thailand before expiry date of my current visa and try to get another NIB?

-Or will they give me just a tourist visa if I do this? And that will disallow me from proceeding with obtaining my WP, correct?

Any helpful info is greatly appreciated

An extension on a non-immigrant B is normaly only given if you qualify for the one year extension, for which you need to have a work permit. It might be possible to get a 7 day extension, but only in exceptional cases and with proof you will leave the country within those 7 days. It might be easier to go abroad and get a new non-B, which should not be a problem.

It is also possible to get a tourist visa and convert it to a non-B in Thailand, that would however be more work and more expensive then getting a new Non-B right away. However, if you decide to look for a new employer this might be the way to go.

Normaly a school would be able to help you arrange for a workpermit and extension of stay in about a week. I seriously question your school and you might want to consider if you realy want to work for such employer. Thailand has many schools who will give you real assistence.

Excellent info, that's what I needed to know for now. Thanks again for your help!

It might be easier to go abroad and get a new non-B, which should not be a problem.

In most places you'll need a WP or WP3.

In SEA it's impossible to get a Non-B without it.

Thai Consulates around the world also require it.

Can get lucky with a honorary consulate as Hull.