Heres A Different Question

[Udox]

This week I returned to work following a trip abroad. Whilst I was away, my visa (extension) and WP both expired and it was not possible to renew the extension before I left. No problem - I purchased another Non-B VISA and got it on the basis that I already held a WP for 3 years plus had a covering letter from employer that I would be employed for a further year on my return.

On my return- on the first day back at work - I was assured by my company that everything was in order and my WP would be extended within a few days - however a few hours later I was dismissed without warning or notice and was informed that the company will not now process the WP extension. The reasons for dismissal are irrelevant at this stage and the local labour office are dealing with the matter from now on, so I am reluctant to say too much at present.

I have been informed from several people 'in the know' that as its a 'fresh' non-B, purchased abroad (and not an extension) I am entitled to stay until it expires (1 year) with or without a work permit (providing I don't work of course). And of course I understand I MUST leave after the 1 year expires irrespectively.

I would like to know if this is indeed correct and also what are the legal requirements regarding my WP. Do I have to return or declare it invalid (it expired 3 weeks ago)however I just came back to Thailand a few days ago.

Thank you

[Mario2008]

If you arrived with a visa and are not on an extension of stay from immigration it is corrected that your permission to stay remains valid and can stay. Only an extension of stay would become invalid.

Edit:

Your employer needs to send a letter to the labour office, canceling your work permit. Some labour offices don't know that you no longer have to return the WP.

[Udox]

If you arrived with a visa and are not on an extension of stay from immigration it is corrected that your permission to stay remains valid and can stay. Only an extension of stay would become invalid.

Edit:

Your employer needs to send a letter to the labour office, canceling your work permit. Some labour offices don't know that you no longer have to return the WP.

I was at the labour office five hours this week and they did not mention returning the WP.

Incidentally I would be interested to hear if anyone has had any success when dealing with the labour offices in cases such as these. I am worried that it might end up becoming 'Thai-style' - despite the labour law rules. If confidentiality is a problem - please reply by PM.

[lopburi3]

A visa entry is 90 days not one year. If you have a multi entry visa you can leave/return but you can not remain in Thailand longer than the permitted to stay stamp in your passport.

[Udox]

A visa entry is 90 days not one year. If you have a multi entry visa you can leave/return but you can not remain in Thailand longer than the permitted to stay stamp in your passport.

Sorry, it was my oversight for not stating that I have a multi-entry 1 year non B.

I understand and agree that I have 90 days limit per stay up until the expiry date of the visa.

Thanks for the confirmation and putting my mind at rest, one less thing to worry about.

[thailandbluegrass]

If you arrived with a visa and are not on an extension of stay from immigration it is corrected that your permission to stay remains valid and can stay. Only an extension of stay would become invalid.

Edit:

Your employer needs to send a letter to the labour office, canceling your work permit. Some labour offices don't know that you no longer have to return the WP.

In my 10 years of working here I would not reccoment letting your employer send a letter to the labour office. YOU need to return that yourself. You are responsable NOT your employer. For instance if the reason for your dismisle was not good they might tell you they did that but you might have problems next time you apply for a WP. Also a letter means nothing. The WP its self must me turned in.

I was at the labour office five hours this week and they did not mention returning the WP.

Incidentally I would be interested to hear if anyone has had any success when dealing with the labour offices in cases such as these. I am worried that it might end up becoming 'Thai-style' - despite the labour law rules. If confidentiality is a problem - please reply by PM.

I have had dealings with the labour board in Thailand before and will say that they are GREAT at these issues. Thailand Labour laws are for the employees 100% and NOT for the employers. Do exactly what they tell you to do and they will do their job.