Hello all,

I have searched for the answers to the Q's below, however I can't find anything definitive. My apologies in advance if I have missed them.

I have been offered a specialist position with a Thai registered company (BOI registered as well). The MD has given me a letter (soft) requesting the Consul General as follows: "This letter is issued to support the request for a Three Month Single Entry Non Immigrant Visa Category "B" (Business), for ........". The letter goes on to guarantee my financial requirements and accommodation needs during this period. During this period the Company will apply for a Work Permit for me.

My questions are:

1. Will an Embassy accept a printed 'soft' copy or do I need an original signed copy?

2. What other documentation will I require? I guess there is a Application form (?), photographs and a fee involved.

3. Will I need to prove financial means?

4. Will I need to provide exit transportation details even though I have been told by the MD that as they are BOI registered I would not need to leave the country when the two year work permit is issued.

5. This two year work permit will not require me to do 'visa runs', only report to Immigration every 90 days. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

A work permit is only for work, a Visa is still required to live here, so you will need to get an extension of your 3 month visa in Thailand. Also I thought a work permit was only valid for one year at a time.

Check the website of the consulate where you are making your application, or even phone them, as requirements change quite often in Thailand

A very important issue will be where you will apply.

In Asia you will not ghet a non-B without applying for a work permit first and showing the WP3 receipt as proof.

What kind of visa are you now on and how many days do you have left on your permission to stay?

1. No Embassy in the area will accept the letter that I am aware of - local requirements are full company paperwork and an application for work permit.

2. In home country perhaps only what you have listed - but not in the local area.

3. Up to Consulate - normal requirement is 20,000 baht for any non immigrant visa but most places do not check.

4. Up to Consulate. But if you meet conditions for such a visa issue it should not be asked.

5. You must obtain one year extension of stay from Immigration after work permit is issued and do so each year. The work permit alone does not allow you to stay in Thailand. You also have to report your address every 90 days if you do not leave Thailand.

Thank you for the answers. I was going to apply in Singapore as I had lived there for 6 years (on an EP) before this. It sounds like I may have to go home to complete this.

I am currently here on a Tourist Visa which expires at the end of the month (including the 30 day extension) so I must leave.

It's all quite bewildering .......