Extension On Non-imm. B Visa Without Work Permit

[espresso]

Hi TV'ers. I know this question must have been asked before, but if it has, I have not been able to find it in the forums, so I hope you will kindly excuse the redundancy, if any.

I have a non-immigrant "b" visa which was appropriately sponsored by a prospective employer. However, the employer did not want to pursue the work permit and absorb the costs involved and, consequently, the employment thing did not work out. Thus, I can't go the usual route of applying for my work permit as I no longer have a sponsoring employer. Most questions and responses that I have seen here with regard to a NI "B" visa address the issue of work permits, but this is no longer applicable to me.

Therefore, my question is: Can I get an extension on my NI B visa without leaving the country, or will I have to go out and get a tourist visa? If I can extend, where do I go in BKK? (I have seen threads about the new immigration office in Chang Wattana, and also the "1-stop" visa office.) If I have to go out, what is, currently, the recommended place to do it? I'm in Bangkok.

Many thanks for any input and advice you can provide.

Cheers

[lopburi3]

Your stay can not be extended without work and if a single entry visa it has been used and you will not be able to obtain another without an offer of employment; and in most cases a receipt for work permit application. The most you could obtain would be a two entry tourist visa from Vientiane without additional paperwork.

[espresso]

thanks very much for the feedback, lopburi3, although it's certainly not the news i was hoping to hear. i thought i may be able to extend the visa for at least a month or so until i confirm new employment and apply for the work permit. and yes, it is a single entry visa.

[lopburi3]

The most you could get would be 7 days and likely require you show an air ticket out during that period.

[espresso]

Thanks, lopburi3. Fortunately my return ticket is still valid and can be shown, if required. Again, thanks for taking time to respond.

Cheers