Non-Immigrant Type O Visa (Volunteering) - Visa Runs

[charlener0]

Hi,

I'm on my first-ever non-tourist visa in Thailand and I'm uncertain what is needed to extend it - most of what I have read about visa runs are related to tourists and I'm not sure it's the same case for me now.

It's a Type O visa for volunteering, 1 year, multiple entry. I am a US citizen.

When I first arrived I got a stamp which is valid for 90 days, or until 17 December 2010. Essentially, do I just need to cross a border by 17 December, then recross back into Thailand to get the next stamp for another 90 days? Can it be overland or flight-only? Do I need to stay overnight? Does anyone know what paperwork, photos, etc. are needed for this process?

Many thanks in advance.

[TerryLH]

Hi

An over and back is okay. No overnight stay required.

Land or air are both acceptable. No photos or paperwork required.

T

[CharlieH]

Hi

An over and back is okay. No overnight stay required.

Land or air are both acceptable. No photos or paperwork required.

T

"No photos or paperwork required"

Not quite true, if exiting Thailand one assumes you are entering another country and would require an entry Visa into that country before exiting and returning to Thailand. Therefore dependant on where you and how you go you will need to provide a photo.

Example: If exiting at Nong Khai border crossing by land into Laos you WILL need a photo for your "visa on arrival" (application form duly completed) into Laos.

[lopburi3]

You have a work permit? Extensions of stay are available under section 2.21 of Police Order 777/2551 for one year if you meet below items 1,2 and 3 or 90 days at a time if only 1 and 2. That would not require any travel beyond local immigration office.

(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);

(2) Confirmation and request has been made by the authorized

officer or head of that organization; and/or

(3) Confirmation and request has been made by the chief

government officer division level or equivalent and higher or

chief of state enterprise or other chief of government agency who

deals with that organization

[charlener0]

I'm not working - just volunteering - so no work permit...

You have a work permit? Extensions of stay are available under section 2.21 of Police Order 777/2551 for one year if you meet below items 1,2 and 3 or 90 days at a time if only 1 and 2. That would not require any travel beyond local immigration office.

(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);

(2) Confirmation and request has been made by the authorized

officer or head of that organization; and/or

(3) Confirmation and request has been made by the chief

government officer division level or equivalent and higher or

chief of state enterprise or other chief of government agency who

deals with that organization

[beano2274]

If you are volunteering you are working, thus you require a Work Permit.

[charlener0]

Hmm. Then I'll need to look into that to see what's up...

If you are volunteering you are working, thus you require a Work Permit.

[beano2274]

If you get a WP then you can change to an extension at the Immigration Office, this means report every 90 days to your local Immigration Office, no need to leave Thailand.

[Lite Beer]

You need a Work Permit or face jail, a fine and deportation.

Work is work whether you get paid or not.

[jazzbo]

Unless you are planning on staying in Thailand indefinitely, one option after you make your last entry during your 12 month 'O' Visa validity, you can then either return to the USA and apply for a new Visa to the consulate in the USA who granted you the one-year 'O' based upon your telling them that you will be 'volunteering OR go ex-Thailand e.g. PR Lao and ship your Passport back to family/friend in the USA to receive another 1-year Non-IMM 'O' ... and the preferred jargon (although it was not initially your word) is to say that you are 'donating your time' to the NGO in question and avoid the W--- word.