I'm sure this is straight forward but I thought I would get a second opinion (or third, fourth ) before I went to Laos. I am working at a school in Thailand but I came in on a tourist visa mainly because my school didn't sort out the paperwork in time for me to apply for a non immigrant B in the UK. I have a degree, a CBR check, i've an old work permit etc.

My current 60 day visa runs until June 24th and I am looking to hit Laos sometime in June. The problem I have is that my school seems to think that when i'm furnished with a new non imm B visa it will only run till the 24th like my "old" tourist visa, that doesn't seem right to me. Surely as soon as I leave Thailand that visa is done so my new visa will be for 90 days when I come back into the country.

Any info greatly appreciated.

When you come in on a non-B visa you get a permission to stay for 90 days. During the last 30 days you can apply for a 1 year extension of stay from immigration.

You need a work permit before being allowed to work.

Well i've had 3 work permits in Thailand and not one of them was given to me before my job had started but always approx 4-6 weeks later when my school had time to take me to immigration.

90 days....cool, that's what I thought.

It is the labour office that will issue the work permit, after you have a non-B visa. Press your school to do it once you return with the visa. Schools do get inspected and it can lead to serious trouble, for the school but in the first place for you. You can be arrested.

You apply at anytime for the WP, which you get a receipt for, this allows you then to go to Laos to get a Non Immigrant B as it is a requirement.

Then upon returning to Thailand wait a while then go to the Labour Office with you Non Immigrant B in your passport and receive your WP.

You apply at anytime for the WP, which you get a receipt for, this allows you then to go to Laos to get a Non Immigrant B as it is a requirement.

Then upon returning to Thailand wait a while then go to the Labour Office with you Non Immigrant B in your passport and receive your WP.

So I need to take a receipt for my WP to Laos with me when I apply for my Non immigrant B? Your saying I can't get a Non immigrant B without a receipt for a WP. Are you sure?

The last time I did it the other way around and came in without a WP on a B and applied for the WP when I was in Thailand.

Do not believe teachers require the work permit application receipt at local Consulates as others often do.

Have received 2 non B, teaching visas in Laos without receipt for or W.P. The embassy will put a stamp in red ink in your passport saying you must have it to show to immigration. ie: when you go for your extension. Naturally it is preferable to have it in advance, but maybe not always possible.