Convert Non-Imm "O-A" To Non-Imm "B"

[rik158us]

For the past 4 years, I have extended a non-imm "O-A" retirement visa. Now wanting to work with a Thai friend who has 3 hotels registered under a Partnership.

My duties would be to train hotel staff, advise on marketing strategies and assist in advertising. In order to work legally, I need a non-imm "B" visa which allows for a WP (work permit).

Question is How and Where to convert the "O-A" to "B". Not living near a big city means that local Immigration possibly won't know how to process this question.

Any ideas ? Crazy to lose hard fought "O-A" ?

Rik

[Mario2008]

I think you are in Thailand on an extension of stay from immirgation, not on a O-A visa entry.

Simplest option is often to just apply fro the work permit. Instead of a work eprmit you will get a wp3 form, as you don't have the right extension of stay. With this form you can apply for a non-B visa at a consulate in a neighbouring country.

Before you go and apply in a neighbouring country, you can try your local immigration office and see if they are willing to convert your extension of stay baased on retirement to one based on an extension of stay based on employement. Try, but there is no guarenteed succes.

For an exetnsion based on employement you will need a minimum income of 50,000 baht a month. (presuming you are from the US).

[rik158us]

Mario2008

Mahalo (thanks) as we say in Hawaii. Yes, Super Member is correct. I am on extension of stay. Sunbelt responded to my query with the statement that, "We can do this at Bangkok Immigration for 3,900 baht fee + 1,900 for Immigration" . An associate would meet me there to process extension to "B". I have not replied but assume that with a pile of documents the process can happen.

Going to Vientiane Thai Embassy to apply for "B" may be an option. What's ya think ?

I am living in Amphor Fang close to Chiang Rai so going to Vientiane, Laos is just a river ride.

Again many Thanks,

Rik

[Mario2008]

If you live in Chiang Rai province, you have to deal with Chiang Rai immigration. Check wih them first if they will do it.

If not, Vientiane it is.

[rik158us]

If you live in Chiang Rai province, you have to deal with Chiang Rai immigration. Check wih them first if they will do it.

If not, Vientiane it is.

Good idea ! Say I use "B" then want to change back to Retirement is there another Catch 22 lurking ?

[Mario2008]

No, not other than that you must plan ahead if you want to go back to retirement if you want to use the money in the bank option. (you must season the money before you quit your job).

For the rest you can just quit the job, cancel the work permit at labour and go to immigration to cancel your extension of stay based on working and apply for an extension of stay based on employement.

[rik158us]

No, not other than that you must plan ahead if you want to go back to retirement if you want to use the money in the bank option. (you must season the money before you quit your job).

For the rest you can just quit the job, cancel the work permit at labour and go to immigration to cancel your extension of stay based on working and apply for an extension of stay based on employement.

You are beginning to put my troubled mind at rest.!! According to Immigration info (Internet) to work for a company (a partnership in My case) there are "pile" of documents I must get from the company in order to get a "B". When I approached Sunbelt in Bkk by email all they said was to accompany the adviser to Immigration in Bkk to process the "B". There was no mention of documents required. When I asked what documents were needed Sunbelt failed to reply so far. Anyway much thanks for your quick replies providing much needed info. Rik

[Mario2008]

You will need at least:

1. Application form

2. Copy of applicant’s passport

3. Certificate of alien’s employment in the format prescribed by the Immigration Bureau

4. Copy of work permit (in the case of change of workplace, an acknowledgment of application may be used)

5. Copy of evidence proving company registration, such as a certificate of company or partnership registration, certified by the registrar within the previous six months

6. Copy of list of shareholders certified by the registrar within the previous six months

7. Copy of balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the latest year, together with income tax return for companies or juristic partnerships and payment receipt

8. Copy of latest monthly withholding income tax return specifying the names of employees and of the alien applicant together with a copy of payment receipt

9. Copy of the individual income tax return for the latest year and payment receipt (if any)

10. Copy of social security contribution return for the latest month, as filed with the Social Security Office (Form Sor Por Sor.1-10) and payment receipt

11. Document or evidence proving the necessity of the business to hire the alien, for example, in case a job opening was posted for Thai candidates but there were no applicants

12. Location map showing the applicant’s workplace and photographs of interior and exterior of the workplace during business hours

13. Documents or other evidence requested by the Committee monitoring official proceedings of officers of the Immigration Bureau

14. For an international trade business (representative office), regional office, and overseas company (branch office), documents specified in Criteria 6, 7, and 11 are not require

[rik158us]

whoa thought that anyone would go to so much trouble just work in a Thai company, yaks! Guess I should feel lucky enough to have had 4 years of extensions without so much as a blink from Immigration. Now have to pass on Your info to expectant, " Am going to hire a farang to make our business better" watching the shattering of the brain.

I will advise friend to hire a Thai who has spent many years abroad, speaks good English, won't cost an arm and leg to hire and willing to work for the same salary as an "expert" foreigner.

Mario can't thank you enough for your diligent replies. Happy to find there are still people willing to go the extra mile for a stranger