I am 28 year-old British national (single) who has been living and legally working in Bangkok, Thailand for the last 2-years. I got made redundant 2-months ago and since then have been living here on tourist entries from gaining a permit to stay on arrival (2 x airport, 1 x overland). My current permit to stay expires next week.

I am waiting on pending job offer and will hear within the next few weeks. My employer would then want me to commence work ASAP. Based on this I have a couple of questions:

- Would I be able to gain a Non Immigrant Visa without any supporting documentation? From what I have read the answer is no, correct?

- Is there any specific type of visa that will facilitate me in being able to get a work permit ASAP? (once I have been officially offered employment – fingers crossed). If so what is the best type?

- Where is the best location to get a visa (if I can even get one - locally within Southeast Asia) in terms of simplicity and cost?

Many thanks in advance. I apolagise if this has already been clarified in another post.

A tourist visa would allow you to apply for the work permit and then with the receipt for the application (WP3) get a

non-b visa.

You can get a single entry tourist visa that would give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. They are free until the 4th of June.

You can to Veintiane Laos and get a free 2 entry tourist visa.

Or a single entry at any other nearby consulate.

Am I correct in assuming that the OP would have to leave Thailand to gain a Non Immigrant Visa?

It is possible to do a change of visa status but it is not often done. A lot depends upon the company you are working for and how good their documents are.

In most cases it means a trip out for a B visa from a consulate.