Converting Visa On Arrival To Non-B

[kawaiimomo]

Hi there,

I am at the end of my double entry tourist visa and waiting for the WP3 letter from labour. My legal stay will finish before the letter is ready, so I was planning to do a border run to obtain a 15 days stamp, collect the letter and then fly to KL to apply for the non-B.

However I read it is possible to convert a visa on arrival to a non-B if you have some 21 days left on it. Now I am thinking of going somewhere by plane, return and get the 30 days, pick up the letter and go to immigration to convert the 30 day stamp to a non-B. Does that sound ok to you? Is there any different requirement between converting the kind of visa here and to make a new one outside the kingdom?

Also, the requirement for applying for the non-B say "Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person)". I don't have any Thai bank account yet. It should be ok to present a printed page of my bank account internet page? If not, can I show cash? BTW this sounds as a nonsense requirement since I am going to apply for the non-B to work (and be payed for that :-P)

[lopburi3]

The conversion can only be done at some locations so I would make sure first. They are allowing must less than 21 days now so believe they can do on a 15 day visa exempt but check with office. As for the 20k for visa and/or entry it is seldom checked but cash in any currency is normally accepted and you can use ATM if asked.

[TerryLH]

"... waiting for the WP3..."

I thought the WP3 was normally issued when the application was accepted, with the actual work permit later when you had the visa. I haven't heard of people having to wait for it.

Terry

[digitalchromakey]

"... waiting for the WP3..."

I thought the WP3 was normally issued when the application was accepted, with the actual work permit later when you had the visa. I haven't heard of people having to wait for it.

Terry

Maybe the OP is waiting for a 'Letter of Approval' which can in my area take more than one week to produce once the WP3 application has been accepted/WP3 Receipt issued since it needs the local Head of Labour Department's signature.

Penang, for example now ask for this in addition to the WP3 Receipt for a Non Immigrant Type 'B' Visa.

[kawaiimomo]

Thanks! And yes, what I am waiting for is the letter of approval.

[digitalchromakey]

Thanks! And yes, what I am waiting for is the letter of approval.

From another thread I see that you plan to go to KL - please note that KL have not to my knowledge been asking for the 'Letter of Aproval' to issue a Non Immigrant Type 'B' Visa (Penang do want it).

KL do however definitely want to see the WP3 Receipt, plus all the other documents listed on the MFA Website.

[kawaiimomo]

From another thread I see that you plan to go to KL - please note that KL have not to my knowledge been asking for the 'Letter of Aproval' to issue a Non Immigrant Type 'B' Visa (Penang do want it).

KL do however definitely want to see the WP3 Receipt, plus all the other documents listed on the MFA Website.

You have a good memory ;-)

I was planning to go to KL, but if I can do the conversion here in Bangkok and avoid getting out of the country 2 times that would be better for me. I need to get out because my visa is expiring in 4 days, so I will try to do a border run and then the conversion, going to call to immigration office to check if a border run is ok for this.

Anyway I should get the receipt today. It was quite strange to me that the official accepted the application even with 1 of the tax documents missing but asked to my company to bring that document today.