I am a teacher in Bangkok who is currently in Ho Chi Minh City on a visa run. I do not have a work permit because there was a problem getting it through. I had some previous issues with Visas, I was unable to get a Non-B in Laos due to a train being late, so I have been in Thailand for a couple of weeks on a tourist visa.

I went to the Consulate here in Ho Chi Minh City and they would not give me a Non-B Visa (which I need to get a work permit) because I didn't have the work permit. So I'm stuck in circular logic, and looking for advice. Is there anything I can tell them to try to get around this, anything anyone suggests, or do I go with a 2 month tourist visa to get back to Bangkok and try to get my stuff in order for a visa run to Laos in September? If I do that I will not be able to get another tourist Visa, as I'll be over the 90 days.

I'm really looking for advice, any would be helpful.

Thank you,

M. Parker

I am a teacher in Bangkok who is currently in Ho Chi Minh City on a visa run. I do not have a work permit because there was a problem getting it through. I had some previous issues with Visas, I was unable to get a Non-B in Laos due to a train being late, so I have been in Thailand for a couple of weeks on a tourist visa.

I went to the Consulate here in Ho Chi Minh City and they would not give me a Non-B Visa (which I need to get a work permit) because I didn't have the work permit. So I'm stuck in circular logic, and looking for advice. Is there anything I can tell them to try to get around this, anything anyone suggests, or do I go with a 2 month tourist visa to get back to Bangkok and try to get my stuff in order for a visa run to Laos in September? If I do that I will not be able to get another tourist Visa, as I'll be over the 90 days.

I'm really looking for advice, any would be helpful.

Thank you,

M. Parker

First, the 90 days limit isn't in effect anymore, (since Nov. 2008 I think) and it never had anything to do with people staying in Thailand with a visa, even a tourist visa. It only applied to "Visa Exempt" entries. I would say get a Tourist visa, and return to Bangkok to get the necessary documents for the "B" visa. The school should be able to apply for work permit, they would receive a receipt for that, that is one of the documents required in the surrounding area by most accounts.

Edited July 8, 200916 yr by beechguy

As stated come back to Thailand on a Tourist Visa, then get paperwork done and given to the Ministry of Employment, they will give you a receipt, take this receipt and other documents required to a Consulate outside of Thailand and you will get a Non Imm B Visa.

It has been the rule for a long time now that you must apply for a work permit, then go and get a Non Immigrant B visa, if you do not already have one.

I used Penang most of the time as far better service and also I contacted them before going to get a complete list of documentation required.