Changing Jobs

[dthomasss]

I have lived in Thailand for eight years, working for the same company. I have decided to change jobs and thought it would be a simple procedure.

I have been informed by the new company that I have to cancel my work permit and visa extension, and leave the country to apply for a new non-immigrant B visa and then return.

Surely there must be an easier way than having to leave Thailand and start everything over again??

[Soutpeel]

Actually, they have given you good advice, it is easier to leave the country and come back with a new Non-imm B

In theroy WP etc can be changed over, but if not a the same labour office and pre-planned its a pain in the ar*e...

Its less hassle getting on a plane and getting a new non-imm b

[Colabamumbai]

Actually, they have given you good advice, it is easier to leave the country and come back with a new Non-imm B

In theroy WP etc can be changed over, but if not a the same labour office and pre-planned its a pain in the ar*e...

Its less hassle getting on a plane and getting a new non-imm b

Yes and from my recent experience and posts if you do in in Laos or a neighboring country you will only get 90 days which has to be extended with another mass of paperwork and another 1,900 bhat for extension of stay.

[Mario2008]

Yes and no. It will greatly depend on the job and the labour office.

The last day of your employment you have to cancle your work permit and your extension of stay from immirgation. When you cancel your extension of say you can apply for a 1 week extension of stay, (actually it is a 1 week under consideration). If you do that, you will have 7 days to return to immirgation with a new work permit and company papers etc for the new job.

Most times that is not practical as getting a new work permit would take longer than 7 days, but for example teachers and persons working for a company that can use the one stop service centre are a few exceptions of persons who might get it done in 7 days.

[dthomasss]

Actually, they have given you good advice, it is easier to leave the country and come back with a new Non-imm B

In theroy WP etc can be changed over, but if not a the same labour office and pre-planned its a pain in the ar*e...

Its less hassle getting on a plane and getting a new non-imm b

So where would be the quickest and easiest place to go do this, and what documentation do I need?

I imagine the same-day visa run to Cambodia would not work.

[Mario2008]

There is no quickest place, all consulates in neighbouring countries will take two days to issue. (apply day 1 and pick-up next work day) and will only give a single entry non-B.

The place with the least ahssle will be Australia, or Europe.

You might want to apply for the work permit first, you will not get it but receive a wp3 form indicating you will get a work permit once you have a new non-B.

Some information on the needed documents you can find here, but each consulate has its own different rules. Check the website of the consulate you will visit.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2492

[tombkk]

Actually, they have given you good advice, it is easier to leave the country and come back with a new Non-imm B

In theroy WP etc can be changed over, but if not a the same labour office and pre-planned its a pain in the ar*e...

Its less hassle getting on a plane and getting a new non-imm b

So where would be the quickest and easiest place to go do this, and what documentation do I need?

I imagine the same-day visa run to Cambodia would not work.

You don't need to leave the country. Have all the documents ready for your new work permit by the time you cancel your old - actually, you don't cancel your old work permit, just your extension of stay. Just run over to the Labour Department and apply for your new WP, and to Immi to get an extension (30 days each time until all docs are complete), all in one day.

Just did that. Didn't leave the country.

A same-day visa run will not get you a non-imm visa, which you need for the work permit. You have a non-imm visa right now, and you can use that for applying for a new WP.

[Mario2008]

There is no base on which immigration can give 30 day extensions until the paperwork is ready.

[tombkk]

There is no base on which immigration can give 30 day extensions until the paperwork is ready.

Interesting statement. After my first 30 days of extension of stay based on the new work permit (already issued for 1 year last month) will be over tomorrow, I expect to get another 30 days extension as they are waiting for the PNG 1 for December, which will not be available until January.

I really don't know why they need the PNG 1 for December as my new WP starts in November, but I'm not complaining.

Will report back tomorrow whether I got another 30 days extension of stay!

[lopburi3]

From previous reporting I believe you are using the BOI one stop center? Most people do not have access to that facility so it is not as easy to perform the multi functions required.

[dthomasss]

From previous reporting I believe you are using the BOI one stop center? Most people do not have access to that facility so it is not as easy to perform the multi functions required.

Still looking for the easiest way to leave and return with a non-immigrant B. Hard to believe that living and working here for 8 years, paying taxes, owning cars etc, basically accounts for nothing just because I am changing jobs!

[Mario2008]

It indeed accounts for nothing. The day your lose your job is the day you have to leave the country.

Better have the new employer start the paperwork for the new work permit right now, so everything is ready when the time is there and you can get the wp3 form.

[Samuian]

From previous reporting I believe you are using the BOI one stop center? Most people do not have access to that facility so it is not as easy to perform the multi functions required.

Still looking for the easiest way to leave and return with a non-immigrant B. Hard to believe that living and working here for 8 years, paying taxes, owning cars etc, basically accounts for nothing just because I am changing jobs!

Basically government-bureaucratic redtape and incompetence. If ALL the Documents requeired are in order and presented, there will be no problem, there is always a way, especially in Bangkok.

Got my WP and non-b in samui, years ago had to go to Suratthani for wp... was quitean experience, but found the people very helpful in trying to solve MY problem of renweing my wp and get an visa-extension.

[Mario2008]

In general I find the labor office very helpful. But there is a big differences between the labor offices in work load, rules etc. What works at one might not work at another one.

[tombkk]

From previous reporting I believe you are using the BOI one stop center? Most people do not have access to that facility so it is not as easy to perform the multi functions required.

I used to be a One-Stop customer, not any more. I just updated on the thread you are referring to.

[tombkk]

It indeed accounts for nothing. The day your lose your job is the day you have to leave the country.

Better have the new employer start the paperwork for the new work permit right now, so everything is ready when the time is there and you can get the wp3 form.

I hate to contradict, as you usually give good advice. But you are mistaken this time. I have changed jobs several times in the last 20 years, and never needed to leave the country to get a new visa.

Read my most recent experience:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/414452-pr-pending-and-new-job/page__p__4114820#entry4114820

Of course, the trick is to have the paperwork ready.