Non Imm B Visa

[zapshar]

Hi,

I had a One year Non imm B visa that expired on 8Dec 2010.

When I last returned to Thailand before the visa expired I was stamped in for 3 months, which is the entry stamp I am still in Thailand on. I thought I would be fine staying until that 3 months expiry in Feb.

Friends have told me that they think this is incorrect and that when I next leave Thailand I will be treated as an overstay.

Does anyone have any experience of this and any advice will be appreciated.

[beechguy]

You are fine, you had a one year multi-entry visa, each entry is good for 90 days, even if you enter just before the expiration date.

[Mario2008]

The visa and the permission to stay are two seperate things. It is the visa that has expired, but you are allowed to stay until the date stamped in your passport when you entered Thailand.

[SiangDeeMahk]

You are fine, you had a one year multi-entry visa, each entry is good for 90 days, even if you enter just before the expiration date.

I agree!

It's not actually the Visa that grants you the ability to be in the Kingdom legally, it's the entry stamp, and the time period shown on it which functions as the "magic ticket to ride".

The Visa just enables the entry stamp to be put in your passport. (and then later allows work permits to be issued,or bank accounts to be opened, etc etc.)

Noteworthy fact: Just because you have a Visa (and paid $175.00US for it) doesn't mean you're guaranteed to be given the entry stamp.. it's still solely up to the Immigration Officer when you approach his/her booth.

If THAT doesn't give some of you non-thai-speaking folks the impetus to learn a few VERY polite words of greeting and appreciation in Thai, I don't know what will.

But here's a good question: If you entered the Kingdom on the last valid day of your Non Immigrant type B Visa, and was "stamped in" for the standard 90 days, could you still go apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration (with a now expired Visa)..? You're still legally in the country, (when you apply for it) so would they give you an extension, or not..?

[Mario2008]

(......)

But here's a good question: If you entered the Kingdom on the last valid day of your Non Immigrant type B Visa, and was "stamped in" for the standard 90 days, could you still go apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration (with a now expired Visa)..? You're still legally in the country, (when you apply for it) so would they give you an extension, or not..?

Yes, no problem. Immigration looks if you travelled to Thailand on the right kind of visa and if you still have a valid permission to stay. That the visa itself expired is no concern. A single entry visa would by default become invalid after you travel to Thailand as it has been used.

[zapshar]

Many thanks for your help, that puts my mind at rest.