Re-entry Permit

[jaiyenyen]

My father passed away yesterday, and I have to return to the UK.

I managed to get a flight that leaves BKK tonight. I've just checked my passport and realised that my re-entry permit has expired.

Is there anywhere in Bangkok open today, where I can get a new one? I live at Don Meuang, I don't really want to lose my Non Imm 'O' visa.

What can I do?

[Lite Beer]

Sorry there is nowhere that I know of.

Immigration did say that Re Entry Permits could be issued in an emergency at Suvarmabhumi Airport but we have not seen any reports of anyone doing this. Worth a try.

[ThaiPauly]

My father passed away yesterday, and I have to return to the UK.

I managed to get a flight that leaves BKK tonight. I've just checked my passport and realised that my re-entry permit has expired.

Is there anywhere in Bangkok open today, where I can get a new one? I live at Don Meuang, I don't really want to lose my Non Imm 'O' visa.

What can I do?

Sorry for your loss.

I don't think there is anything you CAN do unfortunatley

You may get some sympathy from immigration upon your return, and I really hope that this would be the case.

[jaiyenyen]

Thank's for the replies guy's. I've just had a closer look at my re-entry permit (Multiple). It was issued on 13 Feb 2009, and says 'Valid Until' 21 May 2009. I went to the UK and returned to Bangkok in April 2009. I have been doing my usual 90 day reports since then. My next report is in October.

Surely the original permit must be valid for 1 year. Is it kept updated with the 90 day reports?

[Lite Beer]

It expired on 21st May. It's lifetime is the same date as your permission to stay date in your passport when you applied for it.

[jaiyenyen]

So, basically then, I paid 3000+baht for something that was only valid for 90 day's? ..........Seem's a bit steep.

Am I right in thinking that unless I renew the re-entry permit somehow, today. On my return to Thailand on 27/8/09, I will be issued with a tourist visa that gives me 30 days, and I lose my Non Imm 'O' visa with numerous extensions based on marriage. Therefore,I will have to start the whole visa process again.

[lopburi3]

Yes. You should obtain a new non immigrant O visa, single entry, before you return and then 60 days later visit immigration to start a new extension of stay.

Re-entry permits are only valid for the time remaining on your permitted to stay stamp. So you seem to have obtained the extension about 13 weeks or so before you were required to extend your stay again. If you obtain right after getting the one year extension then you will have a full year of use from it. You should have obtained a single entry re-entry permit at 1,000 baht if it was just for that April trip.

[jaiyenyen]

Okay, thank's everyone. An expensive mistake!!!!!

We live and learn.

[mahjongguy]

The fact remains that "emergency" re-entry permits at the airport have been mentioned as a possibility. No one has yet tried it and reported the results.

So, go to the airport early and give it a try.

[jaiyenyen]

Okay, here's the latest.

I called Immigration at Swampy. The lady told me 'Can not'. I insisted that it was an emergency and she gave me the number of the people who deal with Re-entry's. The lady at Re-entry's told me 'Can not'. I explained the emergency and she gave me the number of her boss. I spoke with him and explained my problem, he told me he would call me back in 10mins. 5 mins later, he called back to say that he had spoken with his staff at Swampy, and instructed them to issue me with a Re-entry permit.

So far so good.

I'll try and let you know how I get on, in a few days time.

[jaiyenyen]

Well, here is the update.

I got to the airport, checked in, and went through passport control. Once I was the other side, I contacted a member of staff and they directed me to the person who was dealing with my case. I handed over my filled out form, photo and 1000 baht. 15mins later I had my Re-Entry- Permit, and was wished a pleasant journey.

I'm pleased to report that it can be done, you just have to be polite, but firm. Don't give up at the first 'can not'

Well Done Thai Immigration.

[ubonjoe]

Glad it all worked out for you and thanks for the info on how you got it done. It may help others.

Remember the next time you get a re-entry permit it will be valid for the amount of time left on your extension of stay. That is why you only got 90 days from your last one. If you are that close to your extension running out it is best to get a single entry (1000 baht).