Canadian with dual British citizenship. Have been in Thailand just over 9 years. For five years - I was a director of a company here - so no problem with Non-B and work permit then.

For the last three years I've been mainly in Thailand (and abroad) and for each year I've used a one year non-b multiple entry visa issued from the Birmingham consulate in the UK. Only a letter from my friends law office was required (and a copy of his company regs). On each occasion and I was easily able to get a 1 year multiple entry non-B.

I've always travelled on my Canadian passport. Travelling in an out every 90 days over the past three years and I've never been asked about a work permit - or what I was doing in Thailand.

My Non-B Visa will expire on March 10th. My Canadian passport expires on April 29. My recent 90 day stamp will expire in first week of March as well (coincidence).

I really really need to be here until June. After that I'm not fussed what happens.

I'd like to renew my Canadian passport now (Jan/Feb) - and then take my new and old passport over to immigration on Soi Suan Plu - but I don't know if they'll transfer the non-b stamp from my old passport to my new passport or not? Any ideas? If they will - no questions asked - then that would be great - because in March just before the non-b expires - I'll go out and come back again - getting 90 days which will take me to June fine.

I was thinking of going over to Soi Suan Plu in the next few days and checking with immigration there before renewing my Canadian passport - but thought I'd check here first. (I speak nearly-fluent Thai and have never had a problem with immigration in the past).

Should I be worried about them asking my why I've been on a non-b for so long without working? (The official explanation is that I've been looking at business opportunities - but have not made any firm plans yet).

I'd heard - but wasn't sure - that they may not transfer the non-b stamp over to the my new passport because it was not issued in Thailand.

Thoughts?

Get your new passport then go to immigration and have your entry and permit to stay stamps transfered.

They will not tranfer the visa. You will have to use your old passport until the visa expires. Just show it when you enter the country.

You won't have any problem with immigration.

Yes, it’s a simple procedure. Then, not later than 9 March, with your old and new passport you enter Thailand one last time with the visa in your old passport and you get permission to stay for 90 days stamped in your new passport.

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Maestro

Great - thank you so much for the replies. Not only does that make sense, but it's a big relief.

Thanks again...